richelle massengale ms, lpc

Experiencing grief is something that happens to all of us and one of the things we dread the most. There are many "stages of grief" that we have all heard about, but what does that mean and how does it work? The first step is realizing that grief is a life-long process. It's not something to "get over and move on from", but rather something we carry with us each day. Together, we will talk about what you are dealing with and you will have a comforting place to speak freely about anything that is on your mind. Sometimes, while our friends or family mean well, they just don't know what to say. Grief counseling provides a way for you to process your loss without the fear of answering unwelcome questions or hearing hurtful, or unsolicited advice. I have experienced deep grief, and truly enjoy working with and supporting others who have also had this experience.

Caring for loved ones  can be deeply rewarding, but also extremely stressful and difficult. As a caregiver, you become tired, feel overwhelmed, experience decision fatigue (from so many important things to decide), experience grief (for the way your lives used to be), anticipatory grief (thinking of sad times ahead), and may even feel angry or resentful at times, leading to a deep sense of guilt and shame. All of these feelings are natural and you have a right to feel what you feel. Sometimes, we just need a place to talk things through and rest. I have experienced all of these things, and enjoy supporting caregivers helping them remember and find ways to care for themselves on their journey.

Living with chronic illness can be a constant struggle, not only physically, but emotionally as well. You feel weak, unwell and sad because you can no longer do the things you used to be able to do and enjoy. You may feel guilty, or like you are a burden to your family. You may also be continually researching, seeking answers and attending appointments, while wondering just how you are going to pay for all of the things you need in order to rest and heal. These things pile up, are overwhelming at times, and can lead to a sense of hopelessness. I have been where you are, and would love to offer support to you during these tough times. 

Whether facing end-of-life issues for yourself, or for a loved one, it is something we all experience and maybe the scariest thing we have to go through. Making decisions about quality of life, palliative care, hospice, estate planning, funeral arrangements and just day-to-day life can be overwhelming and exhausting. Coming from a place of personal experience, I will consistently sit with you through it all, supporting you as you find your way.

Struggling with grief and loss, caregiver fatigue, chronic illness, or end-of-life issues can cause us to feel burnt out on a deep level. Mentally, physically, and spiritually, the feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and not feeling like you are enough can be too much sometimes. If you are experiencing the heaviness of any of these issues, I can help you find ways to make life much more manageable regaining your peace again. 

I will help you organize your thoughts paper. Together, we will develop a solid plan of action for getting your counseling practice off the ground and put your goals on paper.

Step-by-step, we will work together getting everything you need in order so all of your structure is in place before you see your first client.

You will have your business finances organized and ready to go, as well as the support you need to keep things running smoothly.

I will share my personal successes and knowledge as well as brainstorm with you to come up with contacts and skills that you can personally utilize to build your business and brand.

You're finally ready! All your hard work has paid off. Now it is time for your grand opening celebration!

Just because you are open for business does not mean I will abandon you! There will be questions that come up and situations that arise you need support with, and I will be here to help you every step of the way!

I offer one-time, two-hour consults for counselors in private practice who have questions and are looking to build or improve an area of their current practice.