About Alpenglow Counseling
Established in 2023
Thank you for considering Alpenglow Counseling! Alpenglow Counseling was founded with the vision of providing holistic treatment for individuals and families and incorporating interventions that extend beyond conventional talk therapy. The goal at Alpenglow Counseling is to create a space where clients feel empowered and accepted, and where true healing is prioritized over symptom management.
The Meaning Behind the Name
A Letter From the Founder, Dr. Schilling
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, a place I will always consider a home. It was important for me to honor my Alaskan roots as I created my own therapy practice. What better way to show my clients the value I place in my work, than by representing one of the most important parts of me in my practice?
When I think of Alaska, it is the picturesque mountain peaks and the breathtaking natural beauty that come to mind. Yet, even in the “big” city of Anchorage, living in Alaska can be an isolating experience and one that requires a particular resilience. Reflecting on this, I recognized that life mirrors this dichotomy; it presents challenging and isolating moments. And yet, amidst hardship and adversity, there can still exist profound beauty.
However, at times, finding the beauty in life, especially among trauma and disconnection, feels impossible and hopeless. When considering a name for my practice, I wanted to validate this experience, while also acknowledging and reinforcing the idea that resilience does reside within each of us. Hence the name “Alpenglow” felt like a fitting metaphor to the resilience of the human spirit.
When the sun is below the horizon, sunlight has no direct path to reach a mountain. Yet, we are often able to see a reddish glow around mountains after sunset and before sunrise. This is due to an optical phenomenon called Alpenglow.
How remarkable is it that light persits when one least expects it?
Further, how remarkable is it that light persists where it should not be possible?
Even in our darkest moments, there is the possibility for light to get through. In the beginning it may be an illusion, and with healing it can become real.
I would be honored to be a part of your journey towards hope and light.
Sincerely,
Heidi Schilling, PsyD
Heidi Schilling, PsyD
Alpenglow Counseling’s Guiding Principles
Therapy is collaborative.
This collaboration takes various forms. It encompasses a joint effort between the client and the therapist, recognizing the client's expertise in their own life and valuing their preferences for the treatment process. Collaboration also extends to include family members, partners, a child's school, faith-based communities, or any other essential systems in the client's life. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the client and integration of any of the other essential all aspects of their life into the therapeutic process.
Therapy is done in an office and outside of an office.
Some people feel safe in a cozy office, while others feel more peaceful outside. Therefore, we offer sessions in a traditional office space, as well as the option to go outside. Outdoor sessions may be in the form of walk and talk therapy or engaging in a therapeutic activity outside, such as playing soccer in the parking lot. The aim is to create a comfortable and adaptable therapeutic environment that suits the client's needs and preferences.
Therapy is dialogue and engaging experiences.
Since not all clients connect with verbal communication, we provide an opportunity where growth, healing, and transformation can occur without talking needing to be the emphasis. This may involve play, the presence of an animal, art, movement, music, or numerous other approaches.
Therapy is done during session and in between sessions.
While insight and skill-building take place within the therapeutic space, a significant portion of the work extends beyond the session. This may involve clients practicing new skills within their real-world experiences, doing readings, or completing therapeutic assignments.
Between sessions, clients might also seek additional forms of healing, such as medication management, occupational therapy, support groups, or EMDR to complement the work done in the sessions.
“Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
“Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”