The Founder of Resiliency BHS and Geographia, Charles Joseph Popov has dedicated himself to helping others. First, he served in the military as both an enlisted man and later a commissioned officer. His dedication to service inspired him to find work that would allow him to continue to serve others.
While he was in the military, Charles Joseph Popov became qualified as a professional counselor. He served as a Battalion Chaplain for three separate Battalions. As Chaplain, Charles Popov was responsible for the emotional and spiritual health of those affected by his command. During his time in service, Charles worked hard and rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as Major.
As a civilian, Charles Joseph Popov continued to serve others as a professional mental health counselor. He works to empower those who have faced adverse situations with practical solutions. Having overcome many life alternating and devastating events, Charles has the experience to back his training. Through this combination, he has been able to help many people heal and overcome a variety of issues.
Charles Joseph Popov works hard to enable his patients to develop a level of resilience to overcome whatever may arise in the future.
How did you get started as a counselor?
I brought my experience with me from my time in the military. This natural progression has allowed me to be the best counselor I could be. From my time in training forward, I found helping others to be the most rewarding and refreshing part of life.
I could see how many people simply didn’t have the skills they needed to develop resilience. Going back to school allowed me to not only become an officer but to truly help others. It is my primary goal to give the people I work with the needed tools for their personal path to resilience. The impact I have been able to witness is immeasurable.
Why did you choose to become a counselor?
I have a passion for helping others. After watching the way many difficulties rise and make things difficult for our peers to continue, I was driven to help them become more resilient. Having resilience means you’re able to bounce back from whatever it is that overwhelms you. That doesn’t mean it’s an easy process, but most people don’t have the tools. My mission has been to give as many people as possible the tools they need.
What is your daily routine?
I wake up every morning and complete a healthy morning routine. This includes exercise, a phytonutrient shake, reading, meditating, and prayer. Afterward, I have breakfast/lunch (brunch). Having a healthy body is part of having a healthy mind. After that, I start seeing my clients. I schedule my appointments so that I have ample time to spend with each client. I usually work with my clients until five or six in the evening. At that point, I spend time either updating my notes or meeting with family and friends. I may schedule a client or two on Saturdays, but not often. Sunday is a day of rest, and I try to disconnect from all phone calls and other technology. I figure that if God rested on the seventh day, who am I to argue.
What do you love about your job?
I love helping people develop their own resiliency. Watching the difficulties people face, and then overcome is inspiring. It drives me to continue helping others develop the best available tools for their resiliency.
What would you consider to be the greatest accomplishment in your career?
I take a lot of pride in my time in the service. Serving the men and women who serve our country is one of the greatest things I could have ever done. I work to continue that line of support wherever possible. It is imperative that we care for those who sacrifice their lives and protect our freedoms. It is fantastic to see that the VA has begun prioritizing mental health at a level that more closely meets the needs of the patients.
What do you do in order to mentally separate yourself from your job?
I believe that physical health promotes mental and emotional health. I make it a point to exercise, even if it’s just taking a walk for a bit every day. Keeping a healthy physical routine helps to disconnect from the emotional routines of the day. I have a fishpond, a garden, hydroponics/aquaponics room, and I play the piano. That being said, my clients are rarely far from my thoughts. Even after I’ve done something physical or entertaining to disconnect, they still come to mind. Helping others is the cornerstone of what I do. It was immensely difficult to ever go a moment where one of them doesn’t come to mind. However, self-care is essential. I learned the hard way that you cannot give out what you do not have.
Where do you want to be in your career in five years?
I want to be doing what I am already doing. I want to be supporting individual resilience, providing the tools that pave the way to personal success. Doing this allows me to benefit the people and community around me. So many people simply don’t have the knowledge or skills to do what they need to take care of themselves when things are difficult. By giving them what they need in a way that best suits their abilities and personal resources they are able to develop a healthy path for themselves. That is profoundly inspiring. I do not ever plan on retiring. I want to continue to give out to others.
What books have inspired you?
That’s a very good question. Reading can really provide incredible insights. I am not able to give you the list of psychology, spiritual, and philosophical books in this small venue. Honestly, though, the best book I would suggest to anyone is a notebook. That may sound silly, but a notebook can really provide a platform for thoughts, emotions, and developing a personal understanding. That understanding is empowering. It enables the person using the notebook to identify areas of concern, then addresses them specifically with the doctor or counseling expert. It can provide for the most important insights. So, if I would suggest one book, it would be that everyone gets a notebook or journal and uses it daily.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should people contact you?
I mentor my peers and patients all the time. Beyond that my schedule is quite full. While I have a passion for helping people, I want to be sure I’m doing so in the best way possible. When I’m already spread thin I am unable to give the attention that people deserve. Extending oneself too far would not be great for anyone involved. In fact, realizing this, I have cut back on my client base.