Dr. Chris Putnam spent 30 years as a funeral director, building a career rooted in grief, service, and showing up for people in their hardest moments. With no clear direction after high school, he found his own path—one that eventually led him back to school, earning multiple degrees and transitioning into work as a therapist, professor, and parent coach. In this episode, Chris reflects on the pressure to prove himself, the unexpected reality of achievement, and the personal cost of building a life around it. He shares the tension between being a “fixer” and learning to step back, listen, and guide others toward their own answers. This conversation explores nonlinear paths, identity shifts, and how parents can support young adults through uncertainty with curiosity, safety, and connection instead of pressure.  Chris's Resources: Therapy ServicesConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: [email protected]#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #ParentCoaching #TherapyWorks #RedefiningSuccess #DrChrisPutnam