Creating a Safe Haven: Angela’s Unique Approach to Counseling

Get to know Angela and her enchanting counseling service, “Finding the Forest Counseling.”

By Bruce Carlson

Hello and welcome to eastofstlois.com.

Today we continue our series of interviews with O’Fallon – Shiloh Chamber of Commerce members. Today we had a chance to sit down with Angela Mitchell and learn about her counseling service, Finding The Forest Counseling. We met at 322 Coffeehouse and had a delightful conversation. Here are the main points we talked about.

Discovering the Heart of Finding the Forest

Meet Angela Mitchell

A Journey to Caring

Angela’s educational journey includes her obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Southern Illinois University to a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University, all leading her to becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).

From Crisis Lines to Compassion

Angela’s diverse experience in the world of Mental Health includes 24- hr crisis lines, individual outpatient counseling, residential counseling, intake coordinator for medical stabilization services, drug court treatment, and caregiving, which have shaped her heartfelt approach.

Heartfelt Inspiration

Angela’s personal experiences with counseling fuels her passion to help others navigate life’s challenges.

A Safe Space

Explore Angela’s unique approach to creating a safe haven for clients to open up and find clarity.

Facing the Fear

Learn how Angela supports clients in approaching their issues and finding courage.

 Areas of Expertise

Angela focuses on individual adults 23+, couples, and families. She specializes in, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, coping skills, and self-care.

Tools of Compassion

Angela’s toolkit includes motivational interviewing, reflective listening, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.

Caring For Community

Angela is a young African-American woman. Although Angela continues to open her heart to clients of all races, she is very aware of the need for counseling for African Americans. In my years working within the social justice world, I appreciate that Angela has been very well prepared to help this community. She is very aware of the issues they are facing and can empathize with their world. Angela is also aware of the sometimes mindset that African Americans don’t get counseling, but she states that she is living proof, personally and professionally, that this is not true. This may be her greatest way to help the community.

Newbies to the Chamber

Just as Karen and I are new to the O’Fallon – Shiloh Chamber of Commerce so is Angela. We agree that Johnnie, the chamber membership coordinator, has been very helpful in getting us started in all the chamber does.

Angela shared with us that she has benefited from counseling in her own life, in the past and currently lives by the motto “ A good therapist, has a therapist”.  It is clear that she has been inspired to share her success in counseling with others. This insight gives Angela the ability to speak from the heart.

As we talked, I could feel Angela’s deep caring to help others. People can have head knowledge, and it is clear Angela does have that, but there was a sense of her heart experience in what she was saying. Knowledge is an important part, but her caring compassion to help others as she has been helped was a refreshing point. Our world needs people like Angela to help us walk through life and help to keep our lives in balance.

Website name

I couldn’t help but ask Angela about her counseling service name, Finding The Forest. She replied it was from the old saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” Her approach to counseling centers around helping people find clarity and authenticity. If you will, clearing the trees to see the forest/seeing the bigger picture.

This insight allows Angela to provide a safe environment for people to be open, and honest and share their thoughts and feelings. In this safe place, Angela can walk with the client to explore their concerns. Angela’s caring nature acts as a security blanket to allow people to be open and honest.

Angela’s focus of care is on adults 23 and older, individuals or couples. Although she has expertise in Anxiety, Depression, coping skills, and self-care, she also counsels in Stress Management, Grief, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Pre-marital and Marital counseling, and more.

Biggest Takeaway

So, in conclusion, here are our final thoughts: Angela Mitchell’s journey and her “Finding The Forest Counseling” aren’t just about solving problems; they’re about finding hope, courage and a caring hand when life’s path gets tangled in the trees. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to clear our own paths and discover the forests of possibility within us. Angela’s story reminds us to embrace the support and compassion around us, helping us walk through life’s enchanted forest with a little more confidence.

Contact Angela

angelas@findingtheforest.org

618 515-5158

Hours

Monday – closed

Tuesday through Friday – 10 am – 6 pm

Saturday – by appointment

Sunday – closed

We hope you are enjoying these articles and are willing to continue to follow along as we share our adventures of learning about life in southern Illinois, This is an exciting area and we are so happy to be part of this area. Our lives are being fulfilled by the people we are meeting. Bruce & Karen.