Q&A with Stacy Nation, LCSW

What drew you to start a part-time practice in Winter Park?

I live in Granby full-time and have been practicing in Evergreen for the last 10 years. Having a practice closer to home made more sense.

What inspired you to become a therapist? What other types of services, practices, or education do you provide?

I have been in this line of work since I was in 7th grade. I've always been the person people bring hard things to. When I found out that I could make a living at this, it just made sense. I also have been a therapy client and I find that having a person to help us unpack the story of our lives is invaluable. I also am a professional speaker and trainer for educators and parents. I provide online classes for educators and parents as well.

Describe your ideal client.

My ideal client is a person who is curious: about him/herself, the world around him/her, and our experiences. I love working with adults who are exploring why they do what they do and how can they break various generational cycles of behaviors that our families pass down. I've worked with children, families, adults, veterans, and adoptees. The human experience is an honor to witness.

Why are you passionate about your work?

I think it's extremely hard to be human. Having someone in our court and on our side is such a gift. When a therapeutic relationship allows a human to heal, grow, and change in a direction that he/she wants to, it creates a passion in me.

Favorite mental health care tip:

Understanding our neurology and brain development is a game changer. Getting curious about how our stress response system is wired and what we can do to work with our wiring is so helpful.

What do you wish people understood about counseling and mental health? What is a common misperception you'd like to clarify?

I wish people understood that feelings, emotions, pain, and heartache are all a symptom of the human experience. It's what makes us messy and beautiful. Having a safe space, with a safe person, can allow us to explore these experiences and we don't have to be dominated by them. Going into the tunnel of feelings and emotions actually helps us come through on the other side in a more neutral space and ready to show up for our lives.

What are your areas of specialization? What experience and/or perspective makes you and your practice unique?

I've been a clinician for almost 20 years and I've had over 20,000 therapy sessions. I specialize in trauma. People who have been through the hardest experiences typically land in my life: abuse, neglect, adoption, war, substance abuse, divorce, and domestic violence. My certification in the Neurosequential Model gives me a unique perspective because we are looking at a person from in utero to current and understanding how all of our developmental experiences have impacted us and wired us along the way.

What is your favorite moment of seeing how counseling can positively impact clients?

I love when clients reach out after years and share stories of wins or share how what they learned in therapy is impacting their own parenting, life, and relationships.

How can people learn more about you? Provide any details about your location and availability.

I have a website: https://www.gobeyou.org and people can email me at stacy@gobeyou.org. Currently, I am only providing telehealth services. I am open for new clients, depending on scheduling.

Q&A with Samantha Stuber, MA, LPCC

What drew you to become listed on buildinghopegrand.com and starting a part-time practice in Winter Park?

As a fellow mountain town resident, I understand the challenges of finding mental health resources and practitioners. Additionally, the high cost of living can create a financial barrier for many locals. I appreciate that Building Hope Grand is committed to helping increase the community's access to mental health, and I'm excited to be part of it. 

What inspired you to become a counselor?  What other types of wellness or holistic lifestyle services or practices do you provide?

Well, like many, I spent a lot of time in therapy myself. It helped me through countless challenges, and supported me in building a healthier, more balanced life for myself. I became a yoga teacher in 2018, and in that process, it became clear to me that helping people was a passion of mine. I found a program through Naropa University that incorporated mindfulness & many of the practices I knew and loved, and off I went. 

In addition to therapy, I teach yoga and meditation to my community through public classes and private coaching sessions. I offer Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy to qualifying clients as well, which helps many to work through treatment-resistant challenges. 

What do you enjoy most about it?  

What I enjoy most about therapy, yoga, meditation, and KAP is the ability to be part of someone's journey. My clients and students really show up for themselves and for the work. I really adore seeing them make such big strides, and the best part is when they, too, start to see the changes showing up in their lives. It's a really special thing to be able to facilitate and witness. 

What do you wish people understood about counseling and mental health?  What is a common misperception you'd like to clarify?

I wish more people knew that it's not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right therapist to work with is paramount! Something I strive for in my own practice is helping clients to do just that. I am not the right therapist for everyone, but I have many resources and connections. It's ok to not fit with me, or with a therapist in general, and we are often very happy to help you find the right person for you! 

I also want folks to know that you still get to have boundaries. Just because you begin therapy, doesn't mean I have access to every little thing about your past. You get to decide when to share things, and in what amount of detail. I try to empower my clients to check in with themselves and make sure it feels right. Therapy is not a process that we want to rush, so slowing down and honoring your needs is always on the table. 

Do you have any special trainings that makes your practice unique?

My training is in mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling (a mouthful, I know). Essentially, I have an integrative approach that focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit. I bring lots of various tools and practices into the work we do together, and always hope to build my clients' toolkits for daily life. 

I also have training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychedelic integration, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, feminist therapy, perinatal counseling, and substance use. 

What is your favorite moment of seeing how counseling can positively impact clients?

My favorite moment is when clients see their progress unfolding before them. Whether it is through the realization that they handled something in a different way than they had previously, or they begin to see that things aren't impacting them as they once did - witnessing clients become aware of their progress is incredibly powerful. It creates a positive feedback loop, and often creates motivation for continuing onward in their healing journey. 

Q & A with Patrizia Sommerauer, Naturopathic Doctor and Founder of The Glow State

Tell us about the inspiration behind The Glow State.

I founded Glow State because I wanted to create an accessible health and wellness platform that encouraged self-care as health care. In this space, I can share my most impactful modalities and teach individuals how to best take care of and heal themselves.

The Glow State is designed to empower people to take back their health and rewrite what healthy means. I want people to know that health encompasses more than the absence of the physical symptoms associated with being sick. Rather, being healthy should encompass physical health, mental health, and a connection to one’s soul. 

What inspired you to do this type of wellness or holistic lifestyle practice? 

I have always been interested in the health and wellness industry and always wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. Unfortunately, I became quite disheartened with the medical field as I grew up and battled my own ups and downs with chronic fatigue, burn-out, and post-viral syndrome. I felt at a loss because I didn’t feel seen or heard by the medical providers that I was seeing.

It wasn't until I saw a Naturopath that I felt like I was getting the nourishing care that I needed. That’s when I realized that I wanted to be the kind of doctor who would meet my clients where they were in their health journey, help them to uncover the root cause of what was blocking them from their highest potential, and teach them how to get back to their most healthy, authentic, glowing self. 

What do you enjoy most about it?

I love many aspects of it. I love that as a practitioner I get to be creative and constantly learn something new. Every client teaches me something and it is so inspiring and heartwarming to be able to help people feel better. This is how I am able to make my community and the world a better place, by helping one individual at a time.

What is a common misconception about it you’d like to clarify?

While Naturopathic Doctors are trained as primary care physicians (PCP), I do not play the role of a PCP. I have designed my practice as a teaching platform and will consult and teach you, I will not diagnose or prescribe you medications. My clients usually have a primary care doctor as part of their medical support team. My role is to teach you how I see what is going on through my lens of expertise and then to counsel you on ways that you can improve your health.

What makes your practice unique?

Being a Naturopathic Doctor is already quite unique but my training goes far beyond that.  Prior to becoming an N.D. I completed a 3-year Heilpraktiker training program in Germany which focused on Traditional European Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I have also completed advanced training and mentorships in the fields of homeopathy, biotherapeutic drainage, integrative dermatology, prolotherapy, Cranio-sacral therapy, and performance optimization.

Favorite moments of seeing a positive impact on your clients

These moments are countless. Recently, after a 5-year struggle with infertility issues, a client was able to get pregnant following two months of working with me, so that was pretty special.

My first major win as a medical student was helping a patient who had been suffering from a very stubborn case of cystic acne get clear skin and a new sense of self-esteem. I still remember how much she was glowing from the inside out at our last appointment together; it was life-changing for both of us.

What drew you to join of The Synergy Collective?

I grew up in Winter Park and I still consider this home. Although my practice is virtual I still want to support the community where I grew up. It’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of a thriving community and I want to be able to give back and support. This is why I offer Grand County locals a 30% discount on their first package.

What’s the best way for people learn more or contact you?

Visit my www.theglowstate.com or check out my Instagram @the_glow_state. You can also send me an email at patrizia@theglowstate.co

Q&A with Emily Kuderer of Inner Peace Massage & Healing Services

  1. Tell us about the inspiration behind Inner Peace?
    My business name "Inner Peace" comes from a Dalai Lama quote and reflects my belief that peace comes from within. By bringing Inner Peace to your life through self-care practices such as yoga and massage, you are also bringing Inner Peace to the collective.
     

  2. What inspired you to do this type of wellness or holistic lifestyle practice?  Do you offer others as well? 
    Yoga inspired me to begin studying massage. In my yoga teacher training we learned Thai yoga massage, which brings these two modalities together. Now I also offer reflexology and am beginning to practice holistic skincare.

     

  3. What do you enjoy most about it? Any specialty approaches you like best or you see as most effective?
    I enjoy giving my clients immediate as well as long-term pain relief and even more so, I enjoy seeing my clients happy and relaxed.  Many clients come to see me simply because they need a little TLC, and I love being that person who can be there for my clients and create a safe and nurturing space for them.
     

  4. What do you wish people understood about it? What is a common misconception about it you’d like to clarify?
    I wish many of my clients understood the benefits of a regular yoga practice. Not only does it alleviate pain, but brings a level of awareness to your conscience that improves all areas of your life. It's almost hard to explain until one experiences this awareness, but once you realize how good yoga is for you, you will be excited to get on your mat and practice.
     

  5. Any special trainings you have that make your practice unique?
    The combination of trainings I’ve taken makes me very unique, particularly to this county. I am the only therapist in Grand County with expertise in Massage, Yoga, Reflexology, and soon to be Skincare. Once I am licensed as an esthetician, I will be the only working esthetician in Fraser as well as the only mobile esthetician in Grand County.
     

  6. Favorite moment of seeing how it can positively impact clients (without breaching confidentiality of course).
    I took before and after pictures of a reflexology client with severe edema. The results were visibly amazing! You could see a significant decrease in her swelling after 30 minutes of reflexology.
     

  7. What drew you to become part of The Synergy Collective? 
    Not only did I want to connect and collaborate with other healers in the valley, but I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. The unsureness of what will become of the Synergy Collective is exciting to me because it is bursting with potential. Creating a space for healing is in align with the values and nature of Grand County.
     

  8. What’s the best way for people learn more/schedule/contact you?
    You can go to my website www.innerpeacemassagewp.com or call 513-218-4272. You can also follow Inner Peace Massage and Healing Services on Facebook or @innerpeacewp on instagram.

Collective Quarterly News: Fall 2017

As the aspen leaves are turning shades of red & gold, The Synergy Collective members are offering some great wellness workshops and retreats coming up this fall (and into next year!).  Our Fall newsletter highlights some of our latest news and upcoming events crafted exclusively by Synergy members, including:

  • Member Q&A featuring Kristin Nicoletti
  •  Equine-Facilitated Counseling & Healing Arts
  • Yoga Stability Workshop in Winter Park w/ Meredith Cameron
  • Yoga & Farm Retreat in Sonoma w/ Meredith Cameron
  • Creating Sacred Space & Sanctuary Workshop w/ Sharon Farrell
  • Parenting & EMDR Groups facilitated by Experience Change clinicians
  • Sneak peek of the 2018 Women's Horse & Yoga Retreat, led by Abbey Samuelson

Check out our newsletter to get all the details!