Paula Acheson, MS, ATR-BC

If you’ve been to therapy before, I’ve got a few methods that may seem different from what you have previously encountered in “talk” therapy. So you know in advance what it’s like to work with me, here are a few modalities I frequently invite you to participate in: art, writing, music, movement, and drama. These techniques are designed specifically for your goals, age, and strengths. My aim is to support you in feeling proud of who you are in the world. I can tell you from personal experience as an individual who has frequently practiced stepping outside my comfort zone, that practicing trying new things and learning new skills is a great way to help you see how much potential you’ve had all along. Making art, music, movement or theater together is a fun way to help you learn more about yourself, feel joy and confidence, and take real-life healthy risks like making new friends, improving communication in current relationships, taking time for self-care and expressing yourself more completely. Let’s write and talk about the person you see when you look in the mirror. There is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle even though it may be difficult to see right now. Maybe you’ve been kept up at night by worries that you’ll always have to be dependent on others, regretting moments from your past, or wondering what your purpose is. You must be longing for a sense of freedom from these thoughts and potentially from problem behaviors that have become unwelcome habits. You may have struggled to stay in touch with the parts of yourself you’ve lost track of. If you relate to any of this, I’ve created space for you. You set the pace of this process. I may ask that you commit to a minimum of 4-6 weeks. It’s important to me that you have choices in your therapy, art-making, and life. I offer a full range of art supplies so you can choose if you want the control of a colored pencil or the flow of messy pastels. Regardless, you decide what you take with you and what you leave behind. You will find plenty of opportunities to practice authenticity and the space to explore meaning. This is a place where you are in control! This is a place where no one will have that “what’s wrong with you” look on their face! And this is a place where it’s okay to feel a little uncomfortable and vulnerable. That person in the mirror is your only competition right now. First things first. Let’s plan a chance to meet and identify your goals. Consider the last time you felt satisfied with where you are in life and with your relationships. If we were having this conversation six months from now, what would you need to see to feel good about your progress? My goal is to work together with you to get there. I want you to feel good about the growth and change you see happening in your reflection. Starting therapy can feel a bit scary. Just know that I won’t ask you to do anything I’m not willing to do myself. Change is possible! I’ve seen people isolated and lonely learn to sing and smile again. They found empowerment, clarity, and fulfillment in everyday life. Do you want any of these things, too? If you have questions for me, please click request appointment and book a tele-health or a phone consultation. 15 minutes is free. It doesn't hurt to check if this is the collaboration for you.