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Our Proven Therapy Process at Peaceful Living

What to expect from your first inquiry to meaningful, lasting change

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure what to expect. At Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling (PLMHC), we believe clarity creates safety. Our proven process is designed to meet you where you are, move at a pace your nervous system can tolerate, and support real, sustainable healing.

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You are never rushed, pushed, or treated like a number. Every step is intentional, collaborative, and grounded in trauma-informed care.

Why We Use a Process

Therapy Works Best When There Is Structure and Flexibility

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, but it also should not feel confusing or unstructured.

 

Our process balances:

  • Clear steps so you know what comes next

  • Flexibility to adjust based on your needs

  • A strong therapeutic relationship built on trust​

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This structure helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to focus on what matters most: your healing.

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Phase 1: Inquiry Phase

Getting connected in a way that feels supportive

 

There are two ways to begin therapy with us:

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Option 1: Guided Match

  • You complete a brief contact form on our website

  • Our Client Care Coordinator gathers basic information

  • We thoughtfully match you with a therapist based on your needs and availability

  • A 15-minute Discovery Call is scheduled with that therapist

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Option 2: Self-Schedule

  • Some clients already know which therapist they want to work with

  • You can bypass the matching step and directly self-schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call through our secure client portal

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Our goal in this phase is to make starting therapy feel accessible, not intimidating.

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Phase 2: Discovery Phase

Free 15-Minute Consult

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This complimentary call is a chance for us to connect and make sure therapy with PLMHC feels like a good fit.

During this call, we discuss:

  • Your goals for therapy

  • Scheduling availability

  • Financial fit and insurance questions

  • Any immediate questions or concerns

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This is not therapy, and there is no pressure to commit. It is simply a conversation to help you decide your next step.

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Phase 3: Evaluation Phase (1 to 3 Sessions)

Building understanding and a personalized plan

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Your first few sessions focus on:

  • Understanding your history, symptoms, and current stressors

  • Building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship

  • Clarifying what you want to work on and why

  • Collaboratively creating a treatment plan tailored to you

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This phase allows therapy to move forward thoughtfully rather than reactively.

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Phase 4: Treatment Phase

Ongoing Therapy and Skill Building

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This is where deeper work happens.

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Treatment may include:

  • Consistent therapy sessions tailored to your goals

  • Evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, trauma-informed CBT, and nervous system regulation strategies

  • Ongoing adjustments to your treatment plan as your needs evolve

  • Open, honest communication to support progress

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Therapy is not about “fixing” you. It is about helping you build insight, resilience, and tools that support your life.

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Phase 5: Graduation Phase

Transition, maintenance, and moving forward

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Graduation does not mean therapy “ends abruptly.” It means:

  • Your therapy goals have been met

  • You feel more equipped to manage challenges independently

  • You have built skills and insight that support long-term wellbeing

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Options during this phase may include:

  • Wrapping up therapy intentionally

  • Occasional maintenance or check-in sessions

  • Referrals or resources if another level of care becomes a better fit

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Graduation means therapy has done its job. You are ready to move forward with greater confidence and capacity.

What Makes Our Process Different

Trauma-Informed, Collaborative, and Human

At Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling:

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  • You are not rushed through phases

  • Your pace matters

  • Your nervous system is respected

  • Progress is defined collaboratively, not imposed

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We believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and empowered.

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How long does therapy last?


Therapy length varies based on your goals and needs. Some clients work with us for a few months, others longer. We regularly check in about progress and direction.

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What if I am not ready for deep trauma work yet?


That is okay. Therapy always begins where you are. Stabilization and skill-building are just as important as processing

Ready To Take The First Step?

You do not need to have everything figured out to begin. You just need a starting point.

About Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling

Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling (PLMHC), founded by Dana Carretta-Stein, is a practice built on compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to emotional well-being. Our team of dedicated mental health professionals provides evidence-based and heart-centered care designed to support individuals, families, and communities through life’s challenges.

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Rooted in the belief that healing and hope should reach beyond the therapy room, PLMHC actively engages in meaningful community service. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives reflect our mission to uplift those facing crisis, promote resilience, and extend care to communities both near and far.

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At PLMHC, we strive to create a world where people feel seen, supported, and empowered and our CSR efforts are a direct extension of that vision.

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