Madalyn Edwards
Author
A client stepping inside The Calming Center of Mount Airy is greeted by a friendly staff member at the front desk. Unlike many clinical counseling waiting rooms, this lobby feels like a living room. It includes plush seating, a TV, and even a coffee machine to create a homey atmosphere.
Bethany Oberg opened The Calming Center in 2021. Oberg and her team strive to cultivate a comforting and welcoming environment, starting with customized office spaces that offer “an extension of home” rather than a clinical setting.
“We have the coziest office ever,” Oberg said.
The staff help add to this warm, friendly atmosphere by dedicating extra time in their schedules to meet the needs of their clients. To accommodate as many clients as possible, the team stays flexible to find a time that works best for each client, even if that means fitting them in for evening sessions. Typically, Oberg said, a client who calls toward the beginning of the week can be seen by the end of the same week.
Oberg said the practice supports people from all walks of life, including individuals, families, couples, children, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and clients from a religious background.
“We are a very inclusive practice,” she said.
For many clients, making the first move toward counseling can be a challenge. While Oberg finds that there is a lot less stigma surrounding mental health compared to when she first started as a counselor, concerns about what people will think can still sometimes prevent a client for reaching out and asking for help.
Oberg understands that clients may be uncomfortable coming to counseling, whether it’s for the first time or with a new provider. When she’s seeing a new client, she always tries to be mindful that she is a “complete stranger” and acknowledges it can be difficult for clients to open up about sensitive topics.
These might include topics like marital conflicts, issues with parent-child relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, and issues related to substance abuse. Body image concerns, grief and loss, and women’s issues are all topics the team is ready to help with.
Over time, many clients come to trust and value their relationship with their counselor. Several years ago, when Oberg notified clients in Virginia that she would be moving, thirty or forty of them chose to stay with her and continued to meet via Zoom sessions.
“It was just a whole moment,” she said.
Oberg finds that many clients quickly become more comfortable with therapy, often after their first session or experience with The Calming Center. Sometimes the relationship with the client turns into a benefit for the whole family. “We start out with one member of a family, and before you know it, we got grandma in here!” Oberg said.
Although Oberg and her team work hard to provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, they recognize that every client has their own needs and preferences.
Oberg encourages people to go “therapy shopping” to find a counselor who is the right fit. The Calming Center offers free consultations so potential clients can speak with counselors and get a feel for their personality before investing in therapy services. “Don’t waste your money,” Oberg said. “Give us a call.”
She adds that clients shouldn’t feel pressured to book a second session if it isn’t the right fit. Instead, the team will work with clients to help them find a practitioner who is better aligned with their needs.
Ultimately, advises potential clients to have an open mind about therapy and counseling, but at the same time, to be picky with their options and ask questions.
At the end of the day, Oberg says one of the most heartwarming things about running the practice comes from knowing her clients can trust her and her team to give them support that they need to improve their daily lives. She jokes with her clients that it’s their job to eventually fire her.
“I’m steadily working myself out of a job,” she said.
The Calming Center of Mount Airy is located at 154 N Renfro Street, Suite 202 in Mt Airy, NC 27030. They are in-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. For questions about insurance, services, or to request a phone consultation, call (336) 755-8601.
