from Beth Ann Lichti Counselling Services to Comfy Chair Counselling

Hello from Comfy Chair Counselling!
~ November, 2021

The past 2 years have been challenging for many of us in similar and different ways. It’s no secret this has taken a toll on our mental health and well-being locally as well as globally. Yet even in these challenging times, I have seen and heard various communities come together – whether virtually or in-person – to offer support and care to those around them! This has given me hope and inspiration; and I believe will be so important as we continue to move forward. 

That is one of the reasons I am excited to share this news with you: 


During the summer of 2021 I decided to take a leap and develop my therapy practice – Comfy Chair Counselling – into a full-time gig. As a result, I have had more time, energy, and flexibility to do what I love and feel called to. That is connecting with you, my clients, in meaningful and growth-filled ways. 

During this time a friend introduced me to Carly at Realign Wellness Centre in downtown Peterborough. What started out as simply an office space to rent for in-person sessions… has grown into a connection with a supportive community of diverse yet like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs who share a common goal of supporting the people of Peterborough and surrounding areas in their journey towards overall health and wellness. It is difficult to put into words how excited I am to be a part of this community, and to introduce to you the variety of services and opportunities it offers.

          

(*Learn more, including the exciting groups and classes to be launched in 2022, at their new website: Neurofeedback | Realign Wellness Centre | Peterborough)

This decision and business growth has led to further developments, such as:

     NEW Ways to Contact me:


Some of you will already be familiar with my new email address and Client Portal:

bethann@comfychaircounselling.com

Existing/Active clients will have access to my Client Portal. This portal allows you to:
* send me a secure message from the Messaging tab
* see a list of appointments, and Join a video chat at your scheduled time from the My Account tab
* book or cancel an appointment from the Book Now tab
(*non-active/past clients who wish to return for support: please contact me via email address above and I can activate your client portal account)

 Important BILLING Information:

One impact of growing my private practice to full-time is that I will need to start charging HST*. As a result, my fees will go up effective January 1st, 2022.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please feel free to contact me or raise this in session. I want to ensure counselling support is accessible, so if helpful we may discuss alternative options including but not limited to a gradual increase.

*Psychotherapists in Ontario continue to advocate with the Federal Government to have Mental Health services such as Counselling with Registered Psychotherapists exempt from HST, as other health services already are. When/if this comes into place, I would again re-assess my fees and immediately stop charging HST. I appreciate your understanding of this additional charge.

  NEW Ways to CONNECT:   

                              

I will continue to offer individual/couples counselling in-person at Realign Wellness Centre, and virtually through a secure video-platform. However, joining the community at Realign Wellness also brings the possibility of connecting with small groups in meaningful ways. 


As this programming develops, I hope to offer and co-facilitate groups such as:

Hold Me Tight: Couples Retreats – based on the book of the same name by Dr Sue Johnson, focusing on similar perspectives and strategies I use in individual couples counselling sessions. This could be a great way for couples on my wait-list to learn about and begin to implement the concepts and strategies we would build on in private sessions.


Therapeutic Book Studies – opportunities to connect & talk about the things we’re reading, to support each other in growth, healing, and thriving. Some possible books include: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown; Attached: The new science of adult attachment and how it can help you find – and keep – love, by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller; Lost Connections: Why you’re depressed and how to find hope, by Johann Hari; and more.
*Note – reading these books may not be a prerequisite/requirement of the groups. Rather information from them and related sources (ie videos, blogs) will help to guide discussions.


Groups and Workshops on various topics – eg. Managing COVID related Anxiety; Grief & Loss; What’s your Attachment Style; and many more.

*Follow Realign Wellness Centre (@realignwellnesscentre) • Instagram photos and videos or Realign Wellness Centre | Facebook for up-to-date information as these and other wellness related groups and classes as they go live throughout 2022!


Lastly, I want to thank each of you for inviting me into your lives, challenges, and growth over the past few years. It has been an honour to work with you thus far, and I look forward to many more years of offering connection and support to you and any future clients at Comfy Chair Counselling and Realign Wellness Centre.

All the best to you,
Beth Ann