Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Toson.
Hi Chanel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for counseling began when I was in middle school after being approached by the guidance counselor to be a Peer Mediator. I loved to talk, and helping my peers resolve their conflicts seemed to come naturally to me. That experience sparked my interest in being a counselor. Whether in the schools or in the community, I knew I wanted to be in the helping profession. I am a double Eagle, having graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling. I’ve had the wonderful experience of working in diverse counseling settings, including in-home case management, group homes, day programs, and a mental health resiliency clubhouse for kids. My roles in these settings ranged from direct service delivery to management.
During the pandemic, I was met with career uncertainty. I knew that the time was right, now more so than ever, for me to serve and to use my counseling skills in a more impactful way. Creative Touch Counseling Center, LLC was formed to offer counseling support to youth, adults, couples, and families. In my practice, we promote mental health wellness through counseling services such as: individual counseling, group counseling, family and couple’s therapy. In addition to counseling services, we foster growth through providing psychoeducation workshops clinical training, and by going into the community to raise awareness for those who need it most. We do not offer a “one size fits all” approach to counseling, but every therapist in my practice brings a unique skill set to meet the individual needs of the persons we serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When starting anything new, challenges are expected. I am fortunate to have had much guidance and support along my journey that aided in avoiding some pitfalls, and that helped me to navigate others. One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to the new financial structure of being a business owner. I had to learn how to budget for not only my business, but also for my home. During this time, I also grew in my knowledge of partnering with insurance panels and networking in the community for additional patronage. I am also learning the importance of marketing and strategizing to reach my fiscal year and future goals for my practice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Mission of Creative Touch Counseling Center, LLC is to provide a comprehensive and “creative touch” to traditional counseling services for youth and families. Our specialty service areas include grief, anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, domestic violence, and so much more. Our therapists are competent in various treatment modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Animal-Assisted Therapy.
We provide counseling across the state of Georgia, providing both in-person and telehealth services. In addition to counseling, I facilitate clinical supervision to Master’s level trainees working towards completing their requirements for licensure in Georgia. It is my goal to help others grow into more confident and competent therapists!
My passion for supporting individuals along their grief journey extends outside of the counseling room as I am the author of “When Time Hasn’t Healed: 365 Affirmations for Your Journey through Grief and Loss”.
Time heals all wounds” is one of the most expressed sentiments shared with a person who has experienced a loss. But what happens when Time doesn’t heal? How do you stay motivated to find meaning in the days ahead?
I created this workbook to provide people with support and coping strategies for their journey through grief. This workbook lists daily affirmations to validate the most common feelings one experiences during grief, ie: loneliness, depression, anxiety, guilt, overwhelm, disappointment, and more. With lined pages for journaling and therapeutic exercises outlined to practice throughout the book, it is my hope that grievers will find space for their own unique healing to begin. And in their own way, learn to hope again.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
All my favorite childhood memories involve my faith, family, and fun. I was raised in church and loved singing in the youth choir and various community choirs. I have fond memories of singing alongside my family in a choir we formed called “The Raynor Choir.” Rehearsals were fun and entertaining as everyone would get on dad to bring his note up, so he didn’t bring the rest of us down. In addition to singing, we always came together for unforgettable Christmas celebrations, high-spirited spades game nights and the best home cooked fried seafood. I am truly blessed to have had a wonderful childhood, raised in a family full of love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativetouchcounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ct_counselingcenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTCounselingCenter
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q584J?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
