We’re back with another Clinician Spotlight! This time we are featuring Rachel Formale, LMHC. In addition to her individual client work, Rachel runs our Adolescent Boys DBT Skills Group and our NEW Flourish & Thrive: DBT + Self-Compassion Group for Teen Girls which starts on May 6th!
Rachel has always been devoted to providing a safe and healing space for those around her. She is passionate about using a person-centered approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based interventions including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices to create a therapeutic environment that is specific to each individuals needs.
Meet Rachel in her own words…
What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
I feel like I’ve grown so much in the past five years, so that’s a hard question! I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to trust myself and know that I really do have the ability to make a difference; not only in the lives of those I work with but in my own life as well.
What is your favorite part about working for Nourish Your Mind?
I honestly feel so calm and peaceful in the environment that Nourish has created, and I feel like that goes a long way in my ability to help my clients feel the same way. I’ve never felt hesitant to reach out for support when I need it, and I’ve already learned so much from everyone else here. I love being able to coordinate and throw ideas around with the other clinicians!
Tell me how you first got involved in with Mental Health . . .
I think like so many others my interest in the Mental Health field started with my own difficulties with anxiety and depression. It’s not easy. I wasn’t sure how to help myself, and it took me a while to figure it out. I wanted to be able to provide help to others that don’t know how to help themselves either.
What do you like most about your job at Nourish?
Hearing people’s stories. I love being able to provide a place where someone can just come in and tell me who they are and what they’re about. In everyday life we don’t get to hear people’s stories so candidly. I love learning about people, and it’s amazing to see how many similarities people can have, while being so different at the same time.
What are your hopes for the future of the Mental Health Industry?
I just want to see society take mental health more seriously. I also hope that services can become more accessible to more people.
How would you describe your style as a Therapist?
I’d like to think that my style is ever changing. I try my best to approach every client as an individual, and adapt my style to what best fits their needs. No matter what I always try to approach every client with compassion and create a space they can feel safe.
What do you feel makes you unique as a Mental Health Counselor?
I think I have an ability to make people feel comfortable around me. I consider myself to be a very “bubbly” person, which isn’t always easy to portray when people around me are struggling. I think I am unique in the way that I can incorporate positivity and laughter into my sessions while still being able to relate to and validate people’s emotional struggles.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I love singing and acting – my original plan was to go to college for Musical Theatre, but I ended up changing into psychology after my freshman year. Last year I was cast as Belle in a community production of Beauty and the Beast, which was HUGE for me as a Disney lover – nothing more exciting than being a Disney Princess!
Motto or personal mantra?
I have two – the first one is “Hakuna Matata.” Like I said, I love Disney, and it’s something I always try to tell myself when I’m feeling anxious, “no worries!” Second, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” The idea of going “through” something means you can come out on the other side. I think this is so important to remember when we’re struggling.
What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
- I won’t always know all of the answers.
- I know far more answers than I think I do.
- If I don’t have the answer, it’s okay to ask the question.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about seeking counseling services for the first time?
Do it, do it, do it, do it!
No, but really, I’d say take the leap. I hear from so many people who worry that their problems aren’t “big enough” for therapy, but I believe you deserve to have a space to work through what’s been weighing you down, no matter how heavy it is!
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I like to snuggle and nap with my cats. That’s my favorite form of self care! I also really enjoy being outside when the weather is nice, and I love being near the water. I also like to read, and listen to show tunes. I’ve put on more performances in my own mirror than I can count!
What is an ability you wish you had?
I wish I could dance! It’s so hard to be in musicals when you have two left feet!
If you were an animal what would you be? And why?
A cat. Like I said, I really enjoy my naps.
What is the last joke you recall?
Not the most recent, but the one that comes to mind … How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb? One, but the lightbulb has to want to change!
What children’s character can you relate with most? And why?
I really love Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. He’s a little crazy and maybe a little misunderstood, but he is loving and caring and will do whatever it takes to protect the people he loves!