“It’s a privilege to sit with another person, and support them on a deep therapeutic level.”

Rosemary Sheola, LMHC with HBH describes her therapeutic approach as, “Relational, encouraging, and non judgmental.”

Rosemary tunes into the individual and understands the world through their eyes. Through her relational approach, she’s able to offer support that encourages healing and growth.

Rosemary attributes much of her empathy to working as an elementary school teacher for 10 years, while raising her son. 

After many years of teaching, Rosemary earned her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University in New Hampshire. She’s since worked as a crisis counselor, helping people of all ages find coping strategies and access a network of support.

“I just really love working with, and supporting people,” said Rosemary. 

Rosemary creates a safe space for clients to explore thought patterns and behaviors that are causing them distress. She offers coping strategies grounded in the present moment to help clients bring awareness to their mind, body, and psyche. She believes that true growth and healing comes from integrating the whole individual.

To learn more about Rosemary’s background in the field, therapeutic approach, and what to expect from working with her online, check out our interview with Rosemary below.

What inspired you to become a mental health counselor?

I came into the mental health field much later in life. 

I was an elementary school teacher for about 10 years, working with children in preschool, kindergarten, and after school. I was also raising my son. 

I was ready for a career transition. Mental health counseling seemed like a fulfilling way to deepen my understanding of people and make a difference in their lives.

What have your experiences in the mental health field involved?

After earning my Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University, I started working as a crisis counselor for a community crisis agency. 

Over the years, the work transitioned into mobile crisis work: supporting children in schools and in their homes, and following up with teachers, providers, and the Department of Children and Families when necessary. 

We work as a team in crisis and find ways to offer the least intrusive modalities, and connect people to a network of support. 

I decided I wanted to try outpatient counseling, while working part time as a crisis clinician. I’m really enjoying the balance of both jobs.

How would you describe your therapeutic style and approach?

I’d describe myself as a relational therapist. I like to build a personal relationship with each client to understand what they want to work through, and what experiences brought them to therapy. 

I always practice a non judgmental approach, and interact with the client from a stance of curiosity and compassion.

I’ll offer contemplative techniques grounded in the present moment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), deep breathing, and mindfulness meditation to help clients bring awareness to their thought patterns, body, and psyche. 

Meditative coping strategies help us recognize our anxiety. We can learn its source, consequences, and how to manage it when it arises.

What mental health conditions and situations do you address?

I offer counseling for individuals experiencing a wide range of life challenges, including:

• Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Personality Disorder
• Substance Use Disorder
• Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
• Self-Harm/Self-Injurious Behaviors 
• Domestic Violence 
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Trauma
• Adjustment Disorder
• Parenting Issues
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career

What’s your favorite part about being a therapist?

I just really love working with people, you know? 

It’s been such a privilege to develop deep therapeutic relationships with people from all walks of life, and be a consistent source of support. 

It’s a really rich opportunity, just in terms of expanding your day to day interactions with people. 

Since starting outpatient work, I’ve been able to expand my caseload to both individuals and couples. I’ve always worked with children and families through crisis counseling, but I’m really enjoying couples counseling with HBH too.

I really love supporting a diverse group of clients.

What’s your favorite part about living in Massachusetts?

Well, I was born and raised in Pennsylvania until moving to New Jersey. I moved to Vermont for college, and finished my undergraduate degree at Keene State College in New Hampshire. 

When I moved to Western Massachusetts, I fell in love with the sense of community and change of seasons. I’ve always loved living in small towns where you get to know your neighbors and develop friendships in your community.

Interested in scheduling an appointment with Rosemary?

As an online licensed therapist, Rosemary offers counseling for individuals from all over the state of Massachusetts. 

She’s excited to guide you through the collaborative process of deepening your relationship with yourself, and others. 

If you’re interested in starting your mental health journey with Rosemary, please contact us today at (413) 343-4357. You can also request to schedule an appointment with Rosemary online.

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