Dear 'GMA' Advice Guru Top 20 Finalists: Billy Ward

Nov. 26, 2010 — -- Billy Ward from Verona, NJ, is a finalist in the Dear GMA Advice Guru Contest. Read his application below!

EssayI have been preparing for this opportunity at Good Morning America for my entire adult life. I am a licensed psychotherapist and a certified life coach in Verona, NJ. I work with couples and individuals to help them to become more aware of their true potential and act on it. I was born to listen, and born to help. I love being with people and having the opportunity to hear their stories. I began to study psychology in 1993 at Georgetown University. This degree helped me to empower the football team as the captain and quarterback. I left college knowing in my heart that I was going to be a professional football player. I was disciplined and quick to make the right choices that lead to a positive outcome. I spent the summer playing for the Baltimore Ravens. At the end of the training camp, I was let go with a dozen others, and learned a valuable lesson. If I could not deal with my disappointment, how did I ever think that I could be a psychotherapist who could help others to cope with pain, loss or suffering? Life is about navigating through situations that can be confusing or stressful, and redefining them as opportunities for growth. I know how to empower my clients when they are "stuck" and need to cope with a circumstance in which they need a new approach to gain perspective and move forward. I know that I could help viewers to overcome any situation that creates stress. My approach is loving and positive. I believe that in every relationship and every experience, we have the opportunity to both give and receive love. This is our choice. In April, my wife and I are expecting our first baby. I am ready for GMA and fatherhood!

What's the best advice you have ever given? What was the result?

Keep your actions rooted in love. So many people choose their actions based on fear. We don't say what we mean when we are fearful. We are open and honest when we believe in and love our relationships, our career and ourselves. The person who cut you off on the highway might almost miss their exit to their new oncology doctor. Parents yell when meaning to say, "I'm scared you may get hurt and that would make me sad." We push our spouse away instead of asking for them to be more present in our life. The result of that advice is the question, "Won't people take advantage of my loving way?" If we are surrounded by all malicious people, this may indeed happen. But if we choose to associate with reasonable and mostly decent people, they will respect your loving attitude, and find it refreshing and mutually beneficial.