What’s in a name? Free to Be Counseling in Missoula, MT
When I started preparing to open my therapy practice, I puzzled over what to call it. I had lots of ideas, mostly having to do with water and plants because of flow and growth. One day while taking a hike, I really spent time with this question, and the phrase “Free to be” came to me. It fit with my beliefs that sometimes “being” is just what we need and that people should be free to be who they are.
the meaning of being: presence, rest, and returning to yourself
If you read my other blogs on being mindful in nature, you know that I encourage clients to practice being present, both with their internal experience and with their surroundings. This is what I mean by “being.” We don’t always have to be planning or worrying or solving problems or being productive. While it’s important to pay attention to what our mind tells us, there are times when we spin our wheels and miss out on our direct experiences. And sometimes we are so busy “doing” that we don’t take time to be still and reflect or experience the moment. When we free ourselves to be, we can pay attention to the person in front of us; we can notice the sights, sounds, feelings, smells, and tastes that surround us; or we can get in touch with with our feelings, desires, and values.
Sometimes this time spent just being gives us time to rest and restore. For example, the act of sitting still and noticing your breath can help calm your nervous system in the midst of a stressful or busy time.
Sometimes being present brings us back into life with a vitality that we lack when we’re going through the motions. We start to notice things around us that we miss when we are stuck in our heads.
a childhood influence
Once the words “Free to Be” came to me, it was a matter of seconds before I thought of the most influential album I listened to as a child, “Free to Be…You and Me.” This is a compilation of songs and stories produced by actress and author, Marlo Thomas, and performed by herself and other performers. I grew up with the vinyl edition, and I now have a compact disc that I bought for my children when they were little. I wanted these songs and stories in my home because during my childhood they reinforced the idea that people should be free to feel and express themselves in a way that is true to them. Produced in 1972, most of the messages were about flexible gender roles, with songs such as “It’s alright to Cry,” “William’s Doll,” and “Girl Land.” While it fell short of addressing racism directly, the idea that people should be accepted and encouraged to be themselves, pursue their dreams, and collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds ran throughout the lyrics.
free to be who you are
The name Free to Be Counseling has its roots in social justice. As a therapist and a person in a complex world, I believe you should be free to be who you are. You deserve to be treated with dignity and to have opportunities to grow and to be safe and secure.
Too often and for too long throughout history, people have received messages that they are less-than, based on their identities. In my life and in my counseling practice, I aim to celebrate what makes people unique and whole and to help them live according to their values rather than societal rules about who they should be based on gender, sexuality, nationality, skin color, religion, or socioeconomic status.
If you’re looking for support as you find ways to be yourself and to let yourself be, I’d be happy to talk about whether Free to Be Counseling might be a good fit for you.
Anne Graham, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Missoula, Montana. She offers in-person counseling in Missoula, MT and telehealth for clients throughout Montana. In addition to having a deep interest in the benefits of nature for our well-being, Anne works with people on improving their responses to anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Anne uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and incorporates perspectives and strategies from other therapeutic approaches.