THINGS TO DO:
As a city bursting with opportunity, abounding in the arts and arguably one of the fastest growing in America, Dallas is the place to be for professionals on the rise. With a population of roughly 1.3 million people, Dallas offers the professional individual ample places to wine, dine and enjoy the luxuries of life.
Dallas Quick-Facts
• 9th largest city in the nation
• #1 visitor destination in Texas (MSA)
• A leading convention destination
• Over 8,000 food service establishments (metropolitan area)
• 200-plus golf courses
• 5 professional sports teams
Though success is clearly in the air and entrepreneurship is on the rise; Alisha Woodall, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) reports that stressed out, over worked, and depressed individuals are mounting as well. The general perception of material wealth and monetary gain states that when one achieves a certain status professionally or financially, their problems tend to magically dissolve. Mental health trends, however, indicate otherwise. Studies have shown that nearly half of Americans report an increase in stress within the last year alone.
With budding professionals fighting to attain and maintain their ever-rising American Dream, it is understandable as to why so many people suffer from closeted depression, lack of self worth, or even question their current life goals. It is common for people to publicly display themselves as blissfully content, and passionately thrilled with their lives, while privately suffering from symptoms of depression or diminishing self worth. After all, what should they have to be depressed or stressed out about? House, car, 2.5 kids, and a dog equates to success- doesn’t it? Having attained the “American Dream” clearly denotes a happy individual. Or so it would seem.
Alisha Woodall is a psychotherapist with a private practice in Addison, Texas. Her daily mission to expose the benefits of mental health services to all individuals is often met with defensive hesitation from the seemingly successful individual. Educating the community on the Triad of Wellness which includes physical, spiritual, AND mental well being, is the cornerstone to introducing and engaging everyday individuals to the benefits of psychotherapy. Additonally, it provides a renewed perspective of the way in which we look at mental health services in general. Highlighting that therapeutic services are not only for those with severe mental illness reinforces the fact that all people can and should benefit from mental health services.
Maintaining good health does not consist solely of cardio and weight training. Good health is holistic, and incorporates the complete well being of self: mind, body, and soul.
Specializing in helping individuals identify the root of their discontent, a method of counsel in which Ms. Woodall terms as Finding the Foundation, increases the individuals self awareness and challenges them to achieve identified goals. She says “It’s about getting beneath the surface, and identifying the root cause of a person’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Only then can true change and resolution be accomplished.” In addition to working with individuals, Ms. Woodall works with area organizations to aid in reducing the stigma of mental health services and promoting suicide prevention. This work provokes open dialogue about the benefits of utilizing psychotherapy, and helps to reduce the stigma which prevents many from seeking the mental health services they need.
Contact Information:
14275 Midway Suite #220
Addison, Tx 75001
214.782.9031
www.findingthefoundation.com
