How Restorative Counseling Came to Be

Written by Stephanie Grunewald, PhD

Have you ever wondered what makes a counseling practice stand out from all the others?

If you are reading this, chances are you have asked yourself this question. Finding the right practice and clinician is NOT something to take lightly. Counseling can change your life when you find the right fit.

Sure, many practices have different mission statements and mottos, but how do you really know what they are all about? Do you wonder: how will I know if they are the best fit for me? Or have you asked yourself: What if our personalities don’t work together?  These are just a few of the great questions to consider when seeking counseling.

Let us join you in your journey to uncovering your best self!

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So why is it so important to find the right fit?

Glad you asked! We will be answering this in detail in upcoming blogs.  Meanwhile here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. It’s similar to picking the right doctor for your physical health. Not only do they need to be educated, but they need skills, experience, and ethical standards.
2. Sometimes personalities or styles may get in the way and hinder your counseling instead of help. Don’t be afraid to let your clinician know how you feel.
3. Picking the wrong center or clinician may discourage you, contribute to losing hope in going to counseling, and could lead you to give up. However, finding the right fit will promote a safe space for you to openly share and make meaningful changes.

Be sure to read our upcoming blogs for more on how to assess if counseling is right for you and how to find the right clinician for your needs.

Let’s get to it. What sets Restorative Counseling apart?

At Restorative Counseling, we strive to educate our clients and the community about mental health. This includes, but is not limited to, understanding the complexities of mental health, increasing awareness, clarifying the benefits of counseling, and providing insight to help you pick the right clinician to meet your needs.

Allow us to share our journey to becoming Restorative Counseling…

The story begins with the founder Stephanie Grunewald. From a young age, she had a passion for helping people and encouraging them to live their fullest life. Many years later, Stephanie decided to go to graduate school and become a psychologist to follow her passion. After completing graduate school and receiving her doctorate, she opened her private practice, which quickly grew into a group practice.

Where did the name for our practice come from?

It was one that took much time and consideration. It was important for this name to reflect something that spoke to the group’s approach with clients.

In her teens, Stephanie found an old dresser that had been repainted many times. The original character was getting buried under the attempts to update the piece. She had the idea to uncover the beauty beneath. Simple enough, right? Wrong!

After years of watching her father restore vintage cars and the ease with which he used the existing parts, found those that were missing, and pieced them all together to make an amazing finished product, she was baffled at how difficult refinishing this dresser had become.

Why was it so easy for him but not for her?

At first, she was frustrated because, instead of power tools, it was suggested she sand the dresser by hand so as to not damage the wood beneath. After all, that was what she was hoping to uncover. However, the time, work, and effort required for the project seemed daunting. There were many times when she wished to quit. Was it really worth it? The dresser still functioned in its current state. For Stephanie, all those years ago, the mission was uncovering the best version of the dresser.

Today, the mission is helping clients to uncover the best versions of themselves. After much guidance from her father, Stephanie completed the project. Her own experience and years of watching her father restore cars to mint condition resonated. She knew some form of the word restore had to be in the name. This was when she came up with Restorative Counseling.

Restorative – having the ability to restore health, strength, or a feeling of well-being

We do not pretend that people and cars or pieces of furniture are the same, but the premise is: we will work with what you already possess, find what is missing, and connect it all together to help you achieve your goals.

Our mission is to identify your strength and find the foundation within you to help you uncover your best self.

We are passionate about helping our clients by listening, finding out where you want to go, and how we can help you get there.

Our desire is to help you find the strength that is already within you.

Sometimes, when we are struggling it can feel like all hope is lost, but we believe there is a power within you, and our passion is to help uncover it and make meaningful changes so you can live life to the fullest.

We are here and ready to help you uncover your best self!  Contact us now to schedule an appointment with Restorative Counseling.