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A Paradigm Shift on Mental Health

We are all human. And we all suffer emotionally. I dare you to challenge me on these two statements. Working in private practice as a mental health therapist, the overwhelming number of suffering humans who are seeking help struck me. It struck me because of the stigma our society maintains around mental health. My clients would often tell me a story about how they became “open-minded” before booking their appointment. How unfortunate that is: to have to go against the “societal norm” when seeking help for emotional suffering.

I ponder this from time to time—why does this stigma exist? Sure, emotions are powerful and they make people do all kinds of things. But let’s clarify here because I am often referred to as “Dr. Keeling” and asked if I prescribe medication for my clients. I don’t. I have an MA in counseling, and seven years ago, I acquired 3000 hours of clinical supervision in order to be licensed as a “mental health therapist.” Also referred to as a “psychotherapist” or “counselor.” Counselors work with people who have normal life transitional issues. Psychologists obtain a Doctoral degree and work with more severe mental health patients. And finally, psychiatrists have gone to medical school and can prescribe medication.

Stigma stems from fear. In this case, the fear of going crazy is the major driver. Anyone who is emotionally suffering gets lumped into the “crazy” category and we don’t know the difference between what’s normal and what’s abnormal because we’re so afraid of being associated with the latter.

I am going to tell you a secret: everything I hear behind my closed door (likely another reason why counseling gets lumped in with stigma) is all completely normal. Even the stories that shock me ultimately fall into the bell curve of what is human nature. And I believe that what happens behind the closed door of a counselor’s office is beautiful. People letting go of keeping up appearances, superficial conversation, and exchanging pleasantries. Instead, it’s genuine dialog about what’s bothering them. And they get to tell this to someone who has no vested interest or bias toward their life, not to mention, the conversation is bound by confidentiality. They can let their guard down and open up with confidence rather than fear. This is why therapy works. It’s why I can say the same thing a friend tells you about handling an emotional situation, and you don’t hear it, but you listen intently when it comes from me. Don’t we all sometimes need an “angel” on our shoulder that can beat the “devil” on the other side?

I’ll tell you another secret: you’re all kind of saying the same thing. Themes include letting a problem sit and simmer for far too long, difficulty keeping your emotions under control in an argument with a loved one, struggles with truly taking accountability and influencing change over your weaknesses. Sound familiar? These are just a few examples of normal stressors and patterns that ultimately wreak havoc on your ability to take care of yourself.

These themes always lead to a discussion of how you’re not sleeping well, not hungry or eating too much comfort food, not exercising, and are suffering from anxiety. Discussion of a problem invariably ends up in a discussion about lifestyle and a discussion about lifestyle invariably ends up in a discussion about a problem.
And there I was seeing all of these normal suffering people, feeling limited by stigma and lifestyle. After years of hearing these repetitive limitations, I craved something different. Something I could offer to my clients that eliminated these two issues. I needed to create a paradigm shift on mental health.

So I created a place where you could see a counselor, and one that couldn’t get confused with seeing a doctor. Gone is the staid waiting room with old magazines and fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. Instead, we offer a space that is hip, modern, and comfortable. No need to worry about running into someone you know as the place also houses wellness services and a private studio. A place where you can fix emotional problems and lifestyle issues with the help of trained professionals.

If you come to therapy complaining about your diet, there’s a nutritionist down the hall. If you are dealing with chronic pain, the physical therapist or yoga clinical therapist will be happy to treat it, and I can easily refer you to someone I know and trust. Worried about feeling alone? Now, I can offer you a community. A studio offering yoga, exercise, and mindfulness classes as well as weekly interactive workshops. Couldn’t make it to appointments like this because of your children? Simply reserve child supervision. Stressed out and need to relax and get away from the outside world, if only for a little while? Come to this familiar place and get a massage.

Change is all about fulfilling action. In this place, you can do more than just talk about your problems—you can do something proactive. At Elle Studio + Wellness, we understand that we’re all human and we all suffer, sometimes together and sometimes on our own. The stigma is obsolete within our walls, and through acting together to empower the individuals who we work with, we can create the same shift within society.