FP fans, meet Carolyn Ball, a therapist in Hinsdale, IL!

1) HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STYLE OF YOUR THERAPY OFFICE?

I would describe the style of my office as Mid-Century Eclectic. I love the mid-century look but didn’t want to be too literal incorporating the style, so I added other elements as well.

I’m a very visual person and crave an environment that’s pleasing to the eye. So, I knew I wanted to create a space that was pretty to look at – both for my clients and for me. I used blues and greens and added small pops of color in my selection of art.

My office is on the second floor of an old house with lots of windows that look out over a canopy of trees. Clients often comment on how nice that is and how calm that makes them feel.

2) WHAT VIBE DO YOU HOPE YOUR OFFICE GIVES YOUR THERAPY CLIENTS?

I’m big on client experience. My hope is that clients feel I’ve put careful consideration into anticipating what they might need while in my care.

I want them to have not only an amazing therapeutic experience with me, but I also want them to leave feeling appreciated, respected and well attended to. Part of that involves offering them a warm and welcoming space to do the emotional work of therapy.

3) DO YOU HAVE ANY CREATURE COMFORTS IN YOUR OFFICE FOR CLIENTS?

I offer tea, coffee and chocolates in the waiting area, and have relaxing music playing so they can get into a calm headspace before starting their session.

I also have a small library of books I am happy to loan out to anyone who wants to do some reading at home, and my office has blankets and stress toys for anyone who needs to keep their hands busy in session.

4) WHO DESIGNED AND DECORATED YOUR THERAPY OFFICE? DID YOU GET HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS, COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS, OR FAMILY?

I designed and decorated my office by myself and loved the process so much.

When I began thinking about decorating my office the most important consideration to me was comfort.

I knew I wanted a sofa that clients of any size and height could easily sit on for an hour. There is nothing more distracting than sitting on an uncomfortable sofa when sharing the most intimate details of your life!

I am in the Chicago area and winters here can be long and dark, so I knew I wanted some colorful art to help brighten the space. I worked with a local artist who helped me select a few nice pieces for my space and I am thrilled with how the paintings look on the walls.

5) ANY ADVICE FOR THERAPISTS WHO ARE JUST STARTING OUT AND DESIGNING THEIR OFFICE FOR THE FIRST TIME, OR SEASONED THERAPISTS LOOKING TO REDESIGN THEIR OFFICES?

Before purchasing any item for your office consider how you want your clients to feel when they walk in the door.

Sometimes it’s the small details that make the biggest difference.

I also believe your office should reflect something about your therapeutic style and personality. Make it your own and have fun with it.

Carolyn Ball is a MA, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), & Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) in Hinsdale, IL…

Learn more about her work and her practice, Elevate Counseling + Wellness, here:
elevatecounseling.com
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