Patrick Wanis

You might say Patrick Wanis was born into the field of therapy and counseling – not because his parents were psychiatrists but because they desperately needed one! At age 11, Patrick was thrust into the role of caretaker and was handed the responsibility of his newborn brother, and soon after his second newborn brother. Patrick changed their diapers, disciplined and guided them, essentially, raising them. Patrick did the same for his parents (sans the diapers.) One day when 10-year-old Patrick was crying, his mother said “Don’t cry, you are my tower of strength.” That was a turning point for young Patrick, when he became strong for ‘other’ people.

Patrick was groomed into the role of therapist by and for his family. His innate sense of caring, empathy and compassion became apparent early on as he also cared for his ailing grandmother, who lived with them until her death. Whenever his father experienced anxiety, jealousy and insecurity, he would rely on teenage Patrick for advice while Patrick’s mother would treat him, at times, like a spouse. As young as age 21, Patrick would mediate marital arguments between his parents.