As human beings, there are certain experiences that we all must contend with. There is simply no escaping the fact that we will all experience relationships with other humans, some of which may feel nurturing and supportive, others which may not. We will all have emotions, thoughts, feelings and body sensations that will lend themselves to both pleasurable and painful encounters. We will all have dreams and desires about the elements that we’d like our lives to consist of and people or situations that we have an aversion toward, or things that we fear. This is the human condition.
As a Holistic Therapist in Asheville, NC, counseling individuals as they navigate their way through this complex experience of being human is my passion and inspiration. It is my aim to both support and gently challenge any ways of being that are no longer serving you while exploring your life situation or transition. By taking advantage of our personal and professional relationship that develops in therapy, I feel that you will be better able to make the changes that you want to make in your life.
Relationships Are Hard!
I specialize in assisting individuals with relationship struggles. This may be a relationship with another person or several people, or your most important relationship: the one that you have with your Self. Connection to others is vital to our understanding of the world around us, and is a key factor in how we make meaning out of our experience. When the challenges of staying open and vulnerable in relationship seem to outweigh the benefit of feeling connected, exploring what is arising for you in a safe space with an objective person can help to clarify what is happening, and what you may be needing.
Change In The Air?
If you have found yourself at a crossroads and are discerning what life direction you want to take, or you are on the precipice of a new stage in your life, we may also be a good fit for therapeutic work together. Having a safe, supportive space to explore your situation and clarify your goals and values can help you to make a successful transition into your new role.
A Better Way To Deal With Emotions…
I work with many individuals who report feeling overwhelmed by their emotions, being caught off-guard by sadness or anger, and who are in need of coping skills to better manage these events of feeling out-of-control. Through inquiring deeply into your experience we can discover the roots of your feelings and emotions and find new ways for you to understand and relate to this internal uneasiness.
Be Heard, Get Seen
Express yourself, share your perspective and explore your experiences with a trained, licensed professional who can offer an empathic presence and objective feedback.
Find Balance
Determine what the most important elements are in your life that serve you and discover ways to create boundaries and prioritize your own resources of time and energy.
Make Shift Happen
Honor the challenges that life is presenting you with, discern what you may need in order to move forward into your future or what may require letting go or transformation.
Cultivate Self Compassion
Rediscover your own experience with a curious mind and an open heart. Deepen your understanding of your own patterns and uncover your natural gifts and strengths.
Discover New Ways of Being
Mindfulness meditation increases awareness and lowers anxiety, giving us freedom to respond to life’s stressors in novel ways, creating new possibilities and outcomes.
Create Connection
Clarify your intentions, align your values with your actions, make your heart’s desire known, find your voice and develop your sense of Self.
What Is Holistic Counseling?
My counseling practice is Holistic in that my perspective on healing is that all beings are inherently Whole, comprised of many different Parts of Self, including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual components that are seeking integration. When these different parts come together, we may experience that union as inner-peace, grace, feeling centered, balanced, or as a sense of well-being. Another Holistic aspect of my counseling practice is my use of a variety of treatment modalities in addition to traditional talk therapy which may include drawing on the body’s wisdom to aid in the healing process, exploring the issues you are facing creatively through imagery and art, and cultivating awareness and compassion through mindfulness practices. These are chosen based on their applicability to your situation and your personal interests and may include:
- Buddhist Psychology & Mindfulness Meditation
- Spiritual/Trans-personal Psychology
- Jungian Dream-Work
- Guided Imagery & Psychosynthesis
- Somatic & Body-Oriented Psychotherapy
Rachael Chatham, Licensed Professional Counselor, Asheville Therapist