Santa Barbara News Press Special Magazine insert “Woman” April 2004

Having turned 50 last month, Carole Bennett can’t help but look back on the last 25 plus years of her life as if it were a winding road with more twists
and turns than the Enchanted Forest.  Had someone told her that she would one day leave the fast pace, glamorous world of Hollywood to enter the
quiet counseling of friends and families dealing with a loved one’s substance abuse, she wouldn’t have bought it; yet here she is.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio and educated at Boston’s Emerson College, Carole always knew that she wanted to have a career in the entertainment industry.  
After a brief stint as a commercial talent agent, Carole found herself employed as a business affairs executive for Columbia Pictures Television.  The
studio sent her to law school in the evening, which helped her to fine tune her negotiating skills.

After three years, Carole left executive life to enter the world of literary agent representing writers, producers and directors for television and
features.  In 1984, she opened her own agency.

By 2000, the embers of burn out were licking at her skirts, and when a personal opportunity presented itself to move north to Santa Barbara, Carole took
advantage.  Commuting back and forth to L.A. finally took its toll, and Carole was seeking a 180 degree change for her life.

Eventually, The Bennett Agency closed its doors, but Carole opened a new door to her future and enrolled at Antioch University for her Master’s degree
in Clinical Psychology.  While in graduate school, her trainee ship found her at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Carpinteria.

Upon graduation, Carole was hired on as head counselor and continues to work there today.  She gets great satisfaction in helping men that are
committed to turning their lives around.

During the years Carole lived in Los Angeles, she dealt with her own family’s substance abuse, and soon became a strong proponent of Al-anon.  A
wonderful forum for the friends and families dealing with the alcoholism or drug abuse of their loved ones; yet a sometimes difficult arena for people to
share such intimate, personal issues in front of virtual strangers.

This commitment to helping families deal with concepts of enabling and codependency has led Carole to have her own private practice.  Carole believes
that recovery involves the entire family unit, and success does not come with just the rehabilitation of the substance abuser, but the co-dependent’s
as well


What is a woman’s greatest attribute?

In one word; herself.  Confident and secure as to whom she is, and what she wants and what she needs.  The ability to always be able to count on
herself in good times or bad.

What are a woman’s greatest shortcomings?

I really don’t believe there is such an animal.  Yes, I suppose a woman would consider it a shortcoming if she wanted to be a linebacker for the New
England Patriots.

What was your proudest moment?

I have three:
1)  When I see my clients from the Salvation Army graduate their six month rehabilitation program.
2)  After a session with a private practice client and I said “thank you” and she responded with “No, thank you”!
3)  When my two adopted daughters were legally mine.

Who are your real life heroes?

They are the people (men and women) that deal with life on life’s terms – that suck every minute out of everyday.  The people that lift themselves up by
their bootstraps against all odds and prevail.  Those that love their kids pet their animals and pick up stray trash in their neighborhoods.  World leaders,
Nobel Peace Prize recipients or my mailman- they are all heroes in their own right.

What is your greatest indulgence?

My greatest indulgence is also my fountain of rejuvenation.  Riding my beautiful, majestic Thoroughbred is not only an indulgence greater than a pound
of candy, but becomes my own quiet center of spirituality.  It is a re-grounding, a rebooting of mind, body and soul.

Describe a perfect day in Santa Barbara?

Being of service in my counseling practice and a long hike or an ocean romp with my two Golden Retrievers.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To learn the art of patience.  Hit the ‘pause’ button more often before responding.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My energy and zest for life

What is the worst thing about Santa Barbara?

No such thing!

What’s the secret to your success?

I don’t know if I have obtained success or if there even is a secret for it, but learning, listening, being empathetic and caring helps me like who I am and
the path I continue to travel.

What’s your motto?

God helps people that help themselves