At 90 years young, Jo Balk has lived a life of challenges and triumphs. With determination, love, therapy and an adventurous spirit, she was able to overcome depression and alcoholism, and have a happy marriage lasting 37 years. Jo talks about growing up with a mentally ill mother, the ending of her first two marriages and the wild adventures she had traveling around the world. Navigate your own life journey by learning about Jo’s. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

- How psychotherapy can save you.

- What really matters in life.

- Things you can do to stay young at heart.

- What relationships teach you about yourself.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @debbiegisonni on Instagram and @debbiegisonnipage on Facebook. 

You can also watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/PTBgXXnNyYE

About Jo: 

Jo Balk recently celebrated her 90th birthday.  Like many people who are gifted with longevity, Jo has overcome many challenges in life.  Despite her emotionally trying childhood being raised by a bi-polar mother, Jo excelled in academics and music.  She earned two college degrees while raising two young children during a troubled marriage.  Early in her marriage she battled clinical depression.  Her marriage sadly dissolved after 18 years.  Her second marriage failed after two years.  She slowly spiraled into alcoholism, but after meeting her third husband she realized she could destroy a beautiful, budding relationship and sought help for her alcoholic drinking and stopped cold turkey.  That was 41 years ago!

Between her three marriages Jo raised her two sons and helped raise 7 more kids.  Later she became a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, and worked for eight years with an abandoned child who was in foster care.  With her Masters Degree in Counseling,  Jo worked 12 years counseling teens.

Jo and her husband traveled the world on wildlife adventures and she has continued psychotherapy off and on throughout her life.  She is a firm believer that if people who needed counseling had easy access to it, the world might be a safer, more productive place.

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