Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Burleson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor located in the east Dallas area. I work primarily with high-performing professionals struggling with perfectionism, stress, and burnout.
I feel like my story should be told in chapters…
Chapter 1- Educator
Since I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a teacher. As a Southern California native, I received my undergrad from Cal State Fullerton in Child Development and Adolescent Studies, along with my teaching certification. I taught a year in CA and then moved to East Dallas after getting married. I taught for 4 years in TX and learned quickly that teaching was NOT what I wanted to do. I wasn’t interested in test scores or giving grades, but I loved the idea of teaching kids how to be healthy, kind, and balanced people. I decided to pursue my master’s in counseling and was a school counselor for over a decade. I have served as a public educator since 1998.
Chapter 2- Fitness Professional
While I love my job, it is not the highest-paying profession, and like many educators, I needed to find a side gig to fill in the gaps. I have always been interested in fitness and danced throughout my childhood, high school, and in college. I figured why not get paid for doing what I love, so I became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. For the past decade, I have taught yoga, spin, and HIIT classes, as well as worked as a pole and exotic dance instructor. I was able to call upon my skills and strengths as an educator and counselor to instruct, challenge and support clients on their fitness journey. This was especially true as a dance instructor, as I had the opportunity to guide women as they rediscovered their femininity and sensuality.
Chapter 3- Safety, Security, and Burnout
By early 2020, I realized that retirement from the public school system was not too far off. I decided to finally pursue state licensure as a therapist, something I had put off for over 15 years and really wasn’t convinced I wanted to do. Public education provided a steady income, decent benefits, and retirement. Community counselors were often underpaid, overworked, and understaffed. Private practice seemed impossible. I was not an entrepreneur. I had no idea how to even start a business. But I needed something to do after retirement and thought my LPC would be a good tool in my toolbox- in case I ever needed it.
But then the pandemic hit, and the forced time off and possibility of death made me question why I was working so hard. Before the world shut down, I was working my 40-hour school gig and 20-plus hours at the gym and dance studio. I was beyond burned out and didn’t even realize it. Being forced to slow down gave me the insight to examine what was happening to me. I was plugging away with my clinical hours needed to obtain my LPC but also doing a lot of internal work on myself. I examined my internal narratives centered around worth, authenticity, and the need to hustle to prove myself. I also started to acknowledge the need to be kind and gentle with myself and work on self-love and compassion. It was uncomfortable, kinda gross, but so, so necessary.
Chapter 4- Integration
In May of 2022, I opened my private practice, Burleson Counseling and Wellness. My approach is holistic, incorporating mindfulness and encouraging the development of healthy habits as we unpack the internal narratives that hold us back in life. I draw upon my knowledge as a fitness professional and incorporate a psychoeducational component to help clients put the pieces of their puzzle together. I feel like I am just getting started. I would love to open a holistic wellness center in East Dallas someday. I imagine a garden, space to dance and do yoga, as well as cozy areas for individual and group therapy. Throw some massage therapy, chiropractic care, classes, retreats, etc. The work I have done has allowed me to realize my potential. I need to make sure I get out of my way and allow myself to show up and be seen.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been surprisingly smooth. In retrospect, I realize my mental blocks and internal narrative held me back. I never thought I was an entrepreneur or could start a business. I liked the safety and security my job in education provided me, but I was frustrated with the limitations. I just believed that this is what it was and hustled to fill in the gaps. That led to overworking, over-functioning, burnout, and exhaustion. THAT sucked. Once I let go of those mental blocks and just did the damn thing, started taking action steps toward living the life I wanted, everything seemed to fall into place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Burleson Counseling and Wellness, PLLC?
I am a Licensed Profession Counselor located in the east Dallas area, specializing in helping high-performing women experiencing burnout set boundaries and live a more authentic and balanced life. In today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven society, many high-performing women find themselves caught in a relentless cycle of pursuing success (and perfection) at the cost of their well-being. The weight of responsibilities, coupled with societal expectations and self-imposed pressures, often leads to burnout—a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe space for women to explore their feelings and identify underlying causes of burnout. I work collaboratively with clients to prioritize self-care, helping them design routines that nourish their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, as well as learn to set boundaries and say “no” when necessary.
Taking a holistic approach, I use mindfulness and movement as a way to help clients get “unstuck” and to rewire neural pathways in order to create healthier thoughts, habits, and patterns. I encourage clients to use breathwork, meditation, and journaling as ways to manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and develop emotional resilience.
Most unique to my work is walk-talk therapy. Walk-Talk Therapy is an innovative approach to counseling that combines traditional therapy with the benefits of physical movement and the healing power of nature. Instead of being confined to a traditional therapy room, we engage in sessions at White Rock Lake while walking outdoors. This unique therapeutic modality offers several benefits that can enhance the overall counseling experience and promote emotional well-being.
Engaging in physical activity during therapy sessions has numerous physiological benefits. Walking increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain which improves cognitive function and is proven to boost your mood. Research shows that regular exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, making Walk-Talk Therapy a natural mood enhancer. It also contributes to improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and better sleep patterns. There is also the calming effect of nature combined with physical activity that can significantly reduce stress levels. Being immersed in nature has been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and promote relaxation. Walking in green spaces or near bodies of water offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere that can help clients feel more at ease and open to the therapeutic process.
Additionally, movement stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functioning and promoting mental clarity. Walking can facilitate a free flow of thoughts and ideas, making it easier for clients to explore their emotions, gain insights, and problem-solve. The rhythmic movement of walking can also stimulate creativity, allowing clients to approach challenges from new perspectives and discover fresh solutions. Walking side by side with a therapist rather than sitting face-to-face in a traditional therapy room can create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. This environment can be particularly beneficial for clients who may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable discussing sensitive topics. The absence of direct eye contact can alleviate feelings of judgment or self-consciousness, allowing for a more natural and authentic conversation.
Walk-Talk Therapy provides an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, which can have a positive impact on mental health. Spending time outdoors, even for short periods, has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved overall well-being. Engaging with nature can cultivate a sense of awe, wonder, and interconnectedness, promoting a broader perspective and a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us. Walking in nature can serve as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and the therapeutic journey. As clients physically move forward during the walk, they can symbolically reflect on their progress, leaving behind old patterns and embracing new possibilities. The changing scenery and the rhythm of the walk can mirror the ebb and flow of life, offering clients a tangible reminder that change is constant and that they have the resilience to navigate it.
It’s important to note that Walk and Talk Therapy may not be suitable for everyone or every therapeutic issue. Some individuals may have physical limitations, mobility challenges, or preferences that make it impractical. I work collaboratively with clients to assess the appropriateness of this approach, ensuring that it aligns with the client’s needs, comfort level, and therapeutic goals.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t be afraid to show up and be seen. There are a lot of us with lofty goals and plans, but those voices in our heads often talk us out of following our dreams. Fear of failure, scarcity, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are all limiting beliefs that hold us back from taking action. Identify any negative thoughts or self-doubt that may be fueling your fears and challenge them by leaning into your strengths, skills, and talents. It’s OK to embrace your gifts. Denying them is actually depriving the world from all you have to offer.
Pricing:
- $175 for a 60 min session
- $225 for a 90 min session
- I do not accept insurance
- Superbills are provided monthly for ONN benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.burlesoncounselingandwellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burlesoncounselingandwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRwalktalktherapy
Image Credits
Courtney Carter
Dark Horse Photography
