Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Mertz.
Hi Krista, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think a part of me was always made to be a counselor, even if I didn’t recognize it right away. Growing up, I was the “helper” and “peace keeper” in my family. Definitely played into the archetype of the eldest daughter. Throughout that experience, I learned, not only to be a good listener, but to seek out the heart of the person. It is easy to feel lost when you are the helper, to go unnoticed. I wanted others to feel seen and heard. To know that their voice had value. That they were not defined by what they experienced, but were created to live in freedom.
So as a typical high school student being asked what they wanted to major in, I said psychology (having never taken a psychology course). I was taking a guess that I wanted to be a counselor. Since then, it has been an ever life-changing journey of self-reflection, growth, and discovery. I absolutely LOVE what I do and feel so lucky that I took that guess on myself when declaring my major.
Currently, I own my own private practice and focus on working primarily with trauma. My heart in my practice to help others reveal what is holding them back, release trauma, grief, and pain, and reclaim the version of themselves they are meant to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If there has been a smooth part, it has been the trajectory of education. Master’s, Licensure, EMDR training, continuing education…..but that’s it lol.
Counseling is an art form, not just a set of skills you learn. It becomes an embodiment of healing that you hold as a mirror and hope for others. One of the first things you learn as a new counselor is that YOU have to be willing to go to the places internally that you ask your clients to go to.
Starting in my master’s program, I have been a counseling client myself ’till this day. So sitting with your own fears, insecurities, and wounds can make for a lot of ups and downs. My own counseling journey helps me to authentically show up in sessions with empathy, compassion, and genuine understanding. I can be self-aware enough of my own story to allow space for my client’s stories to be present without entanglement.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner of Arukah Counseling LLC and am an EMDR trained Licensed Professional Counselor. I specialize in working with trauma, including PTSD, C-PTSD, and attachment based trauma.
When we go throughout life, we experience brokenness and are taught lies about ourself that produces shame, fear, grief, and the feeling of being trapped. My hope is to help empower my clients to reveal their stuck points, release their trauma, shame, and grief, and reclaim the freedom to be authentically who they were made to be.
One of the things that sets my practice apart from others is EMDR therapy. EMDR is a somatic based therapy that often works to desensitize the trauma/stress response from distressing events/memories experienced. In less words, it helps the brain and body work TOGETHER rather than against each other to decrease trauma related symptoms.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
If we use stereotypes, I was a “good” kid. The responsible, people-pleaser, academically driven, kind kid. I loved rules. I loved making others happy. I just wanted to do the right thing and make others proud. Later on, I discover a lot of this was actually anxiety and perfectionism, but there’s been a lot of healing work since then lol. I now have a deeper understanding of my self, my voice, and what I am worth. I actively had to unlearn that being good and others’ opinions of me is not what defined me. I am kind, empathic, compassionate, passionate, and playful.
As a child, I was very in touch with my emotions. I was deeply empathic (so much so that I would cry leaving a single plushy at the store because I was overwhelmed by the feelings of it being abandoned). I used to say that if I could give every person in the world a hug and just tell them they are loved, THAT would be what I would choose as my superpower.
Dance was the best outlet for me to explore these complex emotions. I have always been involved in the arts, whether it be music or theater, but dance shaped my life for the better and continues to be a part of my life today. I continue teaching ballet, tap, and jazz classes and even take some myself to continue being a part of that world!
Pricing:
- Out of pocket session $150
- Accepts most Cigna plans
- Accepts most Aetna plans
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arukahcounselingllc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arukahcounselingllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Arukah-Counseling-LLC/61562831236662/?rdid=OJsFDFJbGM2W7ryM&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FL7jYxM5HNZJK8TNf%2F#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-mertz-m-ed-lpc-5672026a/
