Now That I'm Counseling - Holistic Counselor

Since my graduation from ACHS I have increased my client base at a steady pace over the past three years. I have opted for private practice, so my first clients were the toughest. I gave myself away in the beginning. I offered my services in mini seminar format to local groups, churches and businesses for little or no cost. I did work as a volunteer at local shelters for battered women. I had to do much leg work initially, but the results worked. Eventually I had a client who recommended me to another person, and so on and so on, and that is how my practice grew.

I have also used the Internet as a tool in growing my practice and getting my name "out there", so to speak. I have a blog on which I write daily, http://holistic-counselor.blogspot.com/. I also write posts for other blogs and forums. My blog automatically posts to my Facebook page, as well as on my LinkedIn Forum. I use My Space and Twitter to invite followers to read my posts. I invite people to view my blog, suggest topics they would like covered, and comment on my posts. The results have been excellent. Virtually all my clients read my blog daily, and I have received emails from other followers asking for postings on topics they would like covered.

For those of you reading these blogs, the leg work may be substantial in the beginning, but pays off in the end. Don't skip the Internet. It can work for you as well.

Good luck in your endeavors!!

The ACHS Experience - Holistic Counselor

I've been an information junkie all my life. I'd been practicing with herbs, supplements, nutrition and a holistic lifestyle for years. Finally I decided to get the necessary credentials. I started my search for a school on line, as most of us do today. I checked out lots of local institutions... I live in NYC, so there's loads... and decided that with a child at home, PTA President, and a part time job I really had no more hours available to attend classes in person. That's when distance learning became a real solution. After much debate and research I settled on ACHS. Their reputation and accreditation were in order and the staff I encountered in my initial contacts were supportive and willing to help me complete my work. Throughout my studies I received excellent feedback and intelligent critiques on my work. My mentors were bright capable people who took their position as advisor quite seriously. As a result of their efforts, and my own, I completed the program with Honors.

I entered the program never before having worked through distance learning. I was surprised at how much I loved it. Doing the labs with my son was a blast. We made infusions, decoctions, salves and creams. We tasted, rubbed, sniffed and inspected. He even used some of our work as a class project! It was a great bonding experience for us, me being a single Mom at the time. My son is proud of my ACHS experience and calls me Dr. Mom. I knew my son was watching my efforts and so I made certain to ace all my classes. How could I ask more of him than myself. Thanks ACHS. This was a terrific life changing experience!!

Update from Nat 308 Grad Mike Debanewicz

Mike Debanewicz, Nat 308 graduate, has been featured in the first of a new series being tapes for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and the City of Miramar. View the clip here: