Teletherapy for Vermonters
Healing Matters Counseling Center (HMCC) is a virtual Vermont-based mental health therapy center founded by Ali Warhaftig, MSW, LICSW.
HMCC believes that trauma-informed, meaningful connections are the hallmark of effective therapy. Authenticity and transparency within this relationship is incredibly important, so Ali frequently engages in open and honest conversations about your wellness goals and therapy experience. She recognizes that curiosity leads to education and understanding. Therefore, Ali educates herself and engages in antiracist, anti-oppressive, and liberating practices. She is compassionate, affirming, and thoughtful when working with adults experiencing the impacts of neurodivergence, trauma, depression, anxiety, and/or 2SLBGTQIA+ experiences.
Approach to Therapy
HMCC hopes that you walk away from therapy with three things - education and understanding of your mental health experience, tangible skills to manage life's ups and downs, and the ability to sit with and process your emotions. Being trauma-informed means that HMCC will:
Prioritize your safety by moving at your pace
Take time to build a trusting relationship
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Offer choice as much as possible
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Collaborate and honor that you are the expert of you
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Empowerment in your healing journey
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Ali is trained in the following types of therapy -
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-based Interventions
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Modified for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Exposure, Response, Prevention (ERP) Therapy for OCD
Somatic-based Interventions
Arts-based Interventions
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Therapy Process
STEP 1 - CONSULTATION PHONE CALL
During a 30-minute phone call, you will learn about your therapist, their style of therapy, and the intake process. HMCC therapists will ask about what brings you to therapy and what you are looking for from the experience. This phone call gives both the therapist and potential client an opportunity to ask any questions as well.
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STEP 2 - REGISTRATION PAPERWORK
Before your first appointment, your therapist will email you registration paperwork, including HMCC policies, diagnostic assessments, getting-to-know-you questionnaires, and more. This paperwork must be completed at least 24 hours* before your first appointment to allow our therapists time for review.
​*If registration paperwork is incomplete at this time, your initial session may be subject to be rescheduled.
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STEP 3 - INTAKE PROCESS
During your first two sessions, you therapist will ask questions to get to know you better, including questions about your goals and expectations of therapy, your mental and physical health, childhood upbringing, education and/or employment, social relationships, substance use, and religious/spiritual beliefs.
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STEP 4 - TREATMENT PLANNING
In your second or third session, your therapist will help you identify realistic, measurable goals for you to work on while participating in therapy. These goals are typically reviewed every 60-90 days or upon your request.
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STEP 5 - FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS
During the intake process, your therapist will make a recommendation for the frequency and length of therapy that will most benefit you and your goals. HMCC typically recommends that clients meet weekly to build their relationship and get into a routine. Everyone's experience and length of therapy looks different, so HMCC therapists engage in collaborative conversations about what your therapy experience will look like.
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If you have questions about what kind of therapy we can provide for you, contact HMCC here.
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”