Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Rappold.
Hi Tracy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since high school, when I took my first psychology class, I have been interested in psychology, interested in therapy, and interested in learning more about psychotherapy. I wanted to help people feel better in life. My first job after my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology was at a residential home helping four adult men who had mental health challenges take day trips on the weekends to some historical sites around the area (Valley Forge, Brandywine Battlefield, etc.). After that I worked in a Partial Hospital Program (also with adult men) running group therapy all day. I worked in addiction before, during, and after completing my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University. I was inspired by the stories of clients and also inspired by people’s willingness to change. It was while working in addiction that I decided to go into private practice. I first started with a small office in Exton, PA and then moved to Downingtown and opened the practice Counseling Downingtown.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say that it has been a fun and happy road mostly. The difficulty is starting a business, learning what I could about advertising (Psychology Major) while trying to make it work enough to make a living off of it. However, the being a therapist part – that I always loved. I face the job of being a therapist with love and gratitude and optimism.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The therapy I do is eclectic ( a little bit of everything) because every client is different. I would say overall the therapy I do is a humanistic therapy. When I am with a client, I look at all aspects of that client. I look at their values. I look at beliefs. I look at awareness and thoughts and feelings. I do use aspects of psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory in my therapy sessions. I also utilize and am constantly thinking about attachment theory when I am with my clients. I continually participate in educational opportunities about not only effective treatment but also human development. I receive training and education about how problems happen for us as human beings and how we can solve those problems. I subscribe to a really holistic approach to therapy. I also consider the positive psychology of things, things like gratitude and optimism and hopefulness. I don’t just aim to remove a problem, I aim for my clients to have a good quality of life. I believe, with therapy and the right therapist, problems can be removed and people can have happy thriving lives without anxiety.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband and my four children have always been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I wouldn’t be doing the job I love without them.
Pricing:
- $115/60 minutes
Contact Info:
