Starting can be the hardest part of any journey🌿

People often ask why they experience more anxiety, self-doubt, and fear once they have booked their first therapy session. 

“I thought once I made the decision to start, I would feel better.”

We felt the same thing when we started Willow Counseling.

The journey of starting Willow Counseling invoked a range of emotions. We were afraid of failure, judgment, and most of all taking the first step. Our self-doubt only increased when our first community workshop was a flop…only two people showed up!

Despite our fears, we were strengthened by our connection as friends. We regrouped, and we kept going!  We remain truly inspired by each other, and our hope is that we can help others to feel the same. We all deserve to feel connected, capable, and understood.  Around the office we call this #thewillowway.

At times we tend to underestimate ourselves. As soon as you decide that you deserve to heal and feel true connection to yourself and others, you will realize you are more capable than you ever imagined.

Interested in learning more?  Here are a few fun facts about Kristen and Nina, owners of Willow Counseling, LLC:

Kristen Hammel, LCPC       

*Kristen has over 10 years’ experience providing counseling services to kids, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma or suffer from anxiety.

*Kristen is certified in EMDR and enjoys using art, movement, puzzles, and sensory activities in therapy.

*Kristen loves her cat to the moon and back

Nina O’Brien, LCSW

* Nina has over 15 years’ experience providing counseling to couples, individuals, and Veterans of all ages, many of whom have experienced trauma.

*Nina is certified in EMDR and is a Registered Yoga Teacher. She loves to incorporate Trauma-Sensitive Yoga into therapy.

*Nina is allergic to most animals, but still loves Kristen’s cat 😊

DISCLAIMER

Willowcounseling2.com is meant to be for informational purposes only and should NOT be used as a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. Please always consult a trained mental health or health care professional before making decisions regarding treatment for yourself or others. Willow Counseling LLC cannot be held responsible for the use of the information provided.

The sole purpose of the Willow Counseling blog is to offer resources and information to those dealing with mental health issues. We cannot, and will not, assume the role of your physician or therapist.

If you or someone you know are experiencing an emotional crisis, please contact the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately if you are experiencing a physical or mental health emergency.