Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Dowell.
Hi Janet, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began studying social work because I wanted to help kids. So my first few jobs were in nonprofits focused on kids including pregnant and parenting teens, homeless families, and families with new babies. Then I did a stint doing counseling with court ordered youth. After moving to Texas I was fortunate to be able to be a stay at home mom. Then I went back to nonprofits helping youth understand healthy relationship dynamics and red flags of abuse and when I worked with people impacted by cancer we had an art class. Here I learned the benefits of creativity, of art, on mental health. I experienced it as being very much like meditation where it allows your mind time to relax and forget the stresses you are going through if even for a short time. When the pandemic started I needed to find something different and that’s when I moved into my current position as individual teletherapist. I continued to paint in my personal life and felt drawn to share my love of color and art with others to help them find the same kind of joy and relief I feel when exploring color. So I developed the idea of mental health workshops that utilize art to express feelings and created Healing Arts with Janet
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Marketing is a challenge. Finding a place to hold workshops also was complicated that is one reason I’m considering going virtual with workshops.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker doing teletherapy and facilitating mental health workshops that utilize art. I specialize in helping people process and heal from childhood trauma, manage the emotions of chronic illness and transitions in life, maneuver through the teen years, and understand and accept themselves better. In my workshops I encourage participation and create an atmosphere where people are comfortable sharing and supporting each other. And we paint!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
It’s hard to know since I don’t know who your readers are. My strengths are building rapport, warmth, empathy. Ì provide an open warm non judgemental place for people to share their deepest wounds and receive compassion and care. I work with a very diverse client population including LGBTQIA+ community and I am affirming. I have 5 small dogs. All poodle mixes and sometimes use them to break the ice if a client is nervous or doesn’t know what to talk about. There are huge benefits of teletherapy. I can see anyone anywhere in the state of Texas and I’m also licensed in Illinois. With teletherapy there is no traffic, no rushing to get there, no sterile office or admin staff. Clients can be in the comfort of their own homes, their own rooms, with their pets or whatever makes them comfortable. As a therapist I get to see a little about their environment and it just makes it easier for all.
Pricing:
- I take most insurance plans and workshops are private pay.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healingjanet.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-dowell-7a17797
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/janet-dowell-aubrey-tx/1444155
