March Newsletter

Hello from your friends at Hope and Healing!

We have many important announcements to share with you, including the latest updates to our website… follow the link to check them out!

We’re celebrating because…

…and social workers are the backbone of our practice, and in many ways our communities. Did you know that social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States? According to the NASW, “the profession is expected to grow by 12 percent by 2030.” A social worker’s job is never done, but always appreciated. We recognize the hard work and dedication of our social workers at Hope and Healing, and encourage you to thank a special social worker in your life this month!

March is also Women’s History Month!

Did you know that Hope and Healing is 100% female owned and operated?

Jennifer Voorhaar’s holistic vision for our practice has evolved tremendously over the last 20+ years. In 2018, Jennifer founded Hope and Healing Psychotherapy to create a place for client’s to receive mental health services. With a committed staff who also recognized the importance of overall wellness for effective mental health treatment, she knew it was time to expand her services.

When the opportunity to offer amenities like yoga, massage, and aromatherapy all under one roof became available, Jennifer took advantage of it, and opened the doors on the Hope and Healing Therapy and Wellness Center you know today!

We were delighted to host all of those who joined us for our Winter Wellness Workshop:

Beating the Winter Blues!

Attendees enjoyed creating their very own “make and take” aromatherapy products, relaxing with 60 minutes of yoga in our studio, and learning new coping skills for the challenging winter months… (not to mention, hand-painted cookies!) We asked participants to leave us some feedback… here’s what they had to say:

Would you attend another workshop? "Yes, absolutely!" "Yes!!!" "Yes - definitely!"

Any improvements/changes suggested? "Can't think of anything - it was great!" "I thought it was perfect!"

What did you like best? "The leader was very knowledgeable and provided more information that I expected." "The take aways - love the lotion!"

…and our next one is right around the corner!

Make your own "Counting Sheep" sleep blend and hydrosol pillow spray, learn about healthy sleep habits, and finish up your workshop experience with a relaxing Yin "sleepy time" yoga class… (pajamas strongly encouraged!)

All are welcome and registration will be open soon!

Introducing our Scent of the Month for March…

S W E E T O R A N G E

Orange oil uses are well known for their effect on emotional health specifically with anxiety. Few things can boost mood and calm the mind like citrus oils, and orange tops the list!

Orange essential oil is rich in the chemical component d-limonene which is an emotional and physical powerhouse! It’s one of the lowest priced essential oils on the market, but don’t let that scare you away. You don’t always get what you pay for – you get way more than what you pay for with this oil. In fact, dollar-for-dollar, I’d choose Orange essential oil (Citrus Sinensis) over any of the expensive oils on the market like Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile, and even the beloved Frankincense.

Emotional/Energetic Qualities of Orange-

-Soothes the perfectionist who can't tolerate mistakes

-Calms tension and an overwhelmed mind

-Emotionally uplifting: eases pessimism

-Calming and relieving for anxiety

How does Sweet Orange Essential Oil Help with …

Anxiety: Studies have proven that orange oil can actually relieve anxiety in dental patients who were waiting for a dental procedure. One study even evaluated both orange and lavender essential oils in comparison to music or control (no intervention). Researchers uncovered that patients who were exposed to the essential oils enjoyed a significant reduction in pre-surgical anxiety, and that their mood was boosted as well.

Digestion / Queasiness: An inhaler can help settle your stomach and help promote digestion.

Purify / Immunity: Orange is a wonderful option when others around you have a cold. Use it in a moisturizing body oil or diffuser to stay healthy and boost immunity.

Energy / energizing: Diffuse orange essential oil in the morning and greet the day with energy and motivation.

Important Safety Information:

Although sweet orange oil is non-toxic, it may cause skin irritation. Use in low dilution (1-2%) when applying to the skin, such as in bath or massage oils. Older, oxidized oils increase the potential for skin irritation. It's best to buy citrus oils from organically grown fruit, as citrus trees are heavily sprayed. The citrus oils are cold-pressed, and the pesticides come through the process and are found in the oils. Sweet Orange is not photo-toxic.

Never apply orange or any essential oil to your skin directly (without blending into a carrier oil such as jojoba wax, coconut oil, or lotion). As with ALL essential oils, never ingest essential oils without the advice and supervision of a trained professional, and keep bottled oils out of light and heat, and keep the cap tightly closed to avoid oxidation of oils.

Courtesy of Glori VanBrunt, LCPC + Aromatherapy Specialist

Did you know that we host corporate events?

We spend 1/3 of our time at our workplace, so maintaining an environment that promotes mental health and wellness is of upmost importance.

Could your workplace benefit from a corporate event with Hope and Healing?

Send us an email!

Important Friendly Reminders:

With respect to the medical offices with whom we share the building, face masks are required to enter the building, and optional within our Wellness Center office (Suite 6).

If COVID exposure or symptoms are prevalent, please cancel your scheduled appointment or request a Telehealth appointment.

In the event of inclement weather or other special circumstances, Telehealth may also be requested.