Richmond Natural Medicine is pleased to begin sharing its office space this year with two wonderful counselors: Deidra Sledge, MSW, and Sarah Mines, LPC of Whole Journey Services. The counselors from Whole Journey provide individual mental health therapy services to the Richmond area, offering a thorough whole-body approach where mental, emotional, and spiritual health is tended to as a holistic system.

Licensed Professional Counselor, Sarah Mines, shares a bit about her counseling services and what you can expect from working together:

“I believe in the power of human connection. We are so often tied to our ideas about who we should be that we accidentally disconnect from ourselves. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to explore who you are without judgment. The path to change exists in our ability to balance vulnerability with critical thought, in having the compassion to understand how we got where we are and how we can move forward through taking responsibility for ourselves. I like to think of my work with clients as being similar to gardening: similar to plants, we have basic needs like water, food, shelter, and love to survive. But once we start to learn more, we understand we need more individual attention to thrive. Different plant species need different levels of sunlight, different altitudes, different soils. As an experienced gardner has knowledge about how to care for different plants, I can use my experience and knowledge to help you figure out what you need to be your best self.”

Can you describe the counseling services that you offer and any areas of specialty?

As a practice, Whole Journey focuses on an individual’s whole health. In Richmond, we currently provide individual mental health therapy to people looking to learn how to deal with the challenges life throws at us. As we work toward building this branch of the company, we plan to offer additional services such as group therapy as well as walk and talk therapy. As a company, we want to provide support for anyone who seeks it and we are especially dedicated to helping those who often receive the least care, including women, caregivers/helpers, persons of color, and LGBQIA+ individuals. We believe an integrated approach to wellness is incredibly beneficial in the long-term; that change happens when we understand how the mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual pieces of ourselves interact with one another. As a clinician, my areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, and existential concerns. I also work with clients struggling with cultural and/or identity difficulties, trauma, and impulse control. My personal goal is to help each client identify how to be their most authentic and fulfilled self.

What can someone expect from the first counseling session with you? And what do some people experience from the continued support of working with you?

Our priority for the first session is to allow our clients to be heard and seen for who they are. We will talk about our mutual expectations for the therapy process, discuss what has led you to this new journey, and gather information so your clinician can begin to form a plan for treatment. Our clients experience a range of benefits from our work together including personal empowerment, decreased stress and tension, improvement in mood and ability to cope, greater balance in life, and hope.

How can our patients schedule counseling sessions with you? Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most insurances including Optima, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Virginia Health Network. You can set up an initial appointment by calling 757-296-0800 or emailing admin@wholejourneywellness.com. Let us know you are being seen at Richmond Natural Medicine and we will ensure you are prioritized in getting started with services. You can also find more information and request an appointment by visiting our website at wholejourneywellness.com. We look forward to hearing from you!