Therapy changed my life, full-stop. I suffer(ed) from anxiety, depression, and a pretty poor self-image; through therapy I was able to practice self-compassion, understand and love myself, and guide myself to a path that is so fulfilling. I really cannot advocate enough for this critical form of medical care.

I am so proud of this episode which highlights Natalie Reiter’s private counseling practice in Fargo, ND. 

Tune in to hear Natalie’s thoughts on the rules of engagement you hear at the start of every episode before sharing the details of the path that led her to work as a counselor today. She talks us through the therapy process and emphasizes the importance of building a relationship rather than applying a technique before giving listeners some ideas of what to look out for in the search for a counselor. We also discuss some warning signs that indicate that someone is not doing well and how to help someone find the help they need. We touch on where to find low-cost care, talk about what a sliding scale is, and Natalie shares what makes her feel luckiest to work in the mental health field. Tune in today to hear more. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Natalie Reiter, owner, and founder of Prairieland Counseling Services.
• Important distinctions between counselors, therapists, psychologists, and social workers.
• Natalie reads the rules of engagement.
• What Natalie thinks of the rules of engagement and how they apply to other relationships.
• The educational path she followed before becoming a counselor. 
• What the process of becoming a counselor looks like and why it is different for everyone.
• Advice on what to look for when you are choosing a counselor. 
• An overview of the therapy process, starting with the first intake session.
• Why the relationship is more important than the technique or theory.
• The rewards of transitioning a client to a different therapist.
• Therapist credentials and what to look for.
• How being raised by parents who work in mental health inspired Natalie’s career.
• Warning signs that someone is not okay.
• What to do if you see these signs. 
• How to navigate resistance to necessary care. 
• Where to find low-cost care.
• What a sliding scale is and why it is always worthwhile to ask.
• Finding out what your insurance will cover in terms of mental health.
• Natalie weighs in on Megan Thee Stallion’s new song, Anxiety.
• How Natalie prioritizes self-care: through being creative and reading fiction.
• Why Natalie feels so lucky to do the job she does.
• The status at Prairieland: taking new clients.
• What Natalie loves most about her job.
• Her advice to listeners: give counseling a try!

Tweetables:

“Working with people across the lifespan spectrum gives my work a lot of worth and a lot of richness which I really appreciate.” — Natalie Reiter [0:02:27]

“The theory or technique that they use is not as important as the relationship you have. The relationship is the most important thing and having a foundation is imperative.” — Natalie Reiter [0:15:18]

“I feel incredibly honored to do my job. People come to me and tell me the hardest parts of their lives, and that to me is so honoring that I wouldn’t do anything else.” — Natalie Reiter [0:47:09]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Natalie Reiter on LinkedIn
Prairieland Counseling Services

Pacific Post Partum Support Society
Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too

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