Welcome...

To Fresh Air Counseling, a safe space in the office or the outdoors where you can begin cultivating greater acceptance of "what is" toward valued and vital action!

If you have found yourself pondering any of the following questions, you're in the right place:

"Why don't I belong or seem to fit in, no matter where I am?" Perhaps you feel different from your peers and struggle to explore and assert your own identity in order to accept yourself and feel more comfortable with social connections.

"Why do I feel like I'm going crazy with all this stress? After all, everyone else seems to have it all together." Maybe you feel like your life has become "out of control" due to managing the demands of everyday life, struggles with acceptance of yourself or your life situation just as you are, disordered eating, or body image problems. Maybe you worry a lot, plan for every contingency, but still feel like you need more control over things. These issues are surprisingly common in our ever exceedingly fast-paced culture, and you need not feel so alone as you begin to learn ways to manage stress and its effects on your joy.

"When will the pain go away? I don't know how much longer I can handle this suffering." You may be experiencing emotional suffering, distress, or uncertainty following a significant life change, such as leaving a successful career, the loss of a loved one or cherished pet, or physical limitation related to a health condition or disability. Or you may have had a difficult or chaotic family life while growing up. Each of us process our life experiences and losses differently, but you do not have to suffer alone and there is hope for a more meaningful and rich life.

"Why am I stuck here, knowing I deserve better, but can't seem to find the motivation to make some changes?" Maybe your current career or other life situation no longer provides you with a sense of purpose or meaning. Perhaps you feel a bit isolated from social connections or disconnected from the meaning you once derived through your work, family, or other important life role. Initiating change can be scary and feel like the odds of failure are too great. Counseling can help challenge and parse out realistic change-related concerns from fear-based or potentially unhelpful thoughts our minds often create to keep us stuck.

If you work in healthcare or veterinary medicine, chances are quite good that you experience a significant amount of occupational stress as a witness to prolonged human or animal suffering, having to cause physical pain to others or administer euthanasia for animals, the strain of communicating bad news, and long emotionally and physically demanding hours. It can feel hard to create balance between the passion you have for being a helper and the emotional burnout many healthcare or veterinary professionals experience. Counseling offers strategies and techniques for improved self-care and mindfulness that can help improve your experience while you help others.

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Welcome to Fresh Air Counseling, A Safe Space to Begin Cultivating Greater Acceptance of "What Is" toward Valued and Vital Action

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My name is Kelly Jerome and, as a board certified licensed professional counselor associate, psychotherapist, and rehabilitation counselor, I would like to help you explore what is important to you, establish goals and create a plan to increase your internal resources, to reduce distress, and to promote valued action in your current profession, relationship, and community, or as you move on from a cherished role. I, too, have experienced the challenges associated with personal and occupational loss, perfectionist tendencies and not feeling awesome in my own skin, and difficulty accepting "what is." Because of these parts of my own human experience, I recognize and relate to how validating it feels to know someone is TRULY listening...and is willing to offer unconditional support and help. We will collaborate toward your improved quality of life and well-being, no matter what your current experience looks like. I love working with young adults as well as others across the adult life span who are adjusting to life transitions or changes such as a new profession, retirement, chronic health conditions, or personal losses. My practice is gender, race, affectional, ethnic, religion, and body size inclusive and affirming. Together we can explore existential concerns and discover ways for you to reconnect both socially and with yourself. Find your space to breathe and experience the health and happiness you deserve. Fresh Air Counseling offers you a partner as you navigate life’s challenges. Reach out today by calling 919.533.9377 or completing our contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

 

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