E28: Find Your Solace: Healing Through Creativity and Innovative Approaches in Therapy
What makes Nicole Tholmer with Solace Intervention Counseling & Training a good neighbor?
Mental health has become an increasingly important topic in today's fast-paced world. Yet, misconceptions about therapy often discourage individuals from seeking help. In this enlightening episode, we chat with Nicole Tholmer, founder of Solace Intervention, to challenge these outdated notions and explore innovative methods in therapy. Nicole's journey towards establishing her private practice is deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences with childhood adversity. She emphasizes that therapy is not just for those in crisis; it’s a valuable resource for everyone looking to grow, heal, or simply navigate life's stresses.
Therapy often evokes images of traditional sessions where clients lay back on a couch, discussing their issues. However, Nicole aims to change this perception by incorporating creative modalities into her work. As she explains, engaging tools such as coloring books, journals, and even puzzles can help clients find solace and comfort during their healing process. These activities non-traditionally engage clients, allowing them to explore their feelings while fostering an enjoyable environment. This model appeals particularly to those who've felt intimidated by traditional therapy settings, making mental health support more accessible.
Through her work, Nicole also advocates for holistic wellness practices, such as yoga and mindfulness. These techniques introduce relaxation and grounding into sessions, allowing clients to connect not only with their therapist but also with themselves. By blending traditional methods with creative strategies, Nicole emphasizes a personalized approach to therapy. This adaptability fosters a sense of safety and nurtures a genuine desire to heal. Nicole discusses how people in varied situations—single parents, professionals, or anyone facing challenges—can all benefit from an open and engaging therapeutic setting.
One of the obstacles that many therapists face is the stigma surrounding mental health discussions. Nicole highlights how common misconceptions—a belief that therapy is only for "broken" people—could hinder individuals from seeking the support they need. She counters this notion by articulating that therapy is for growth and development. Listening to someone who is trained to unravel complex emotions provides an entirely different layer of support that friends or family may not be able to offer.
Transitioning from working in an agency to establishing her private practice was no small feat for Nicole. She faced many challenges, particularly in learning how to sew together business acumen with therapeutic skills. This journey taught her the value of continuous learning and adaptation. The flexibility of running her own practice allows her to align her work with her values, creating a healing space that focuses on creativity and personal empowerment. She urges listeners to remember that there are numerous modalities and methods for healing, including play therapy.
Concluding our chat, Nicole reminds us that mental wellness is about finding what resonates with each individual. Therapy doesn’t have to be restricted to conventional means, and healing can indeed be fun and fulfilling. By normalizing discussions about mental health and exploring creative outlets, we can reshape society's understanding of wellness and support.
To learn more about Solace Intervention Counseling & Training go to:
Solace Intervention Counseling & Training
770-765-1652
