Does coming from a dysfunctional family mean you're doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? Patricia Spranger argues no in her inspirational memoir, Second Chances.
In a compelling and candid manner, Patricia describes her childhood growing up in a family fraught with emotional problems. Determined to create a more peaceful life for herself, she finds comfort in exploring nature and discovering new ventures on her own.
After studying German in college, Patricia falls for Peter when he takes her to visit a fairy-tale castle. But marriage and moving to Germany leave her feeling too much the foreigner, both in the country and the relationship.
Sad, but hopeful, Patricia returns to the United States with her two children for a fresh start. After going back to school and getting a job, she renews her self-confidence. Her desire to help others, and ultimately herself, leads her to become a psychotherapist. Her past experiences will be her most treasured tools in empowering others to seek a more satisfying path forward.
Second chances do exist, but sometimes you must face the unknown to find the happiness you crave.
About the Author: Patricia Spranger was born in Roanoke, Virginia, but spent most of her childhood in Maryland. After studying German and comparative literature in college, she married a German man and lived in Germany for fourteen years. In 1980 she returned to the United States with her two children to start a new life.
As a single parent, she went back to school to get a master's degree in clinical social work, with which she ultimately opened her private practice. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Patricia would say she is an "advanced beginner" in her hobbies, such as gardening, watercolor painting, playing piano, and learning Spanish. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, her dog, and her cat.
