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BEACON OF HOPE COUNSELING
Coralville, IA
About Us
Welcome to Beacon of Hope
Beacon of Hope Counseling is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and the unwavering commitment to helping others. Founded by Bobby Jo, who, after seeing the impact of mental health on her own life, returned to school as an adult to pursue her passion for mental health, this practice emerged from a deep desire to support those in need.
Bobby Jo initially focused on community issues such as domestic violence and addiction, unsure of where her path would lead. However, her journey through school opened doors to medical social work, where she discovered her true calling. In her interactions with patients, she found herself spending more time in the rooms than administrators expected, realizing that her passion lay in connecting with individuals on a personal level.
This realization propelled Bobby Jo to seek a role that allowed her to provide one-on-one therapy. For two years, she worked at a nonprofit organization, gaining invaluable experience before deciding to open her own practice. Originally named Coralville Counseling Center, it was later rebranded as Beacon of Hope, reflecting her vision of being a guiding light for those navigating their darkest times.
The name "Beacon of Hope" symbolizes a source of light and guidance during life's storms. Just as a beacon shines brightly to lead the way, Bobby Jo aims to instill hope in her clients, helping them find their way through challenges and reminding them that there is always a path forward. Her passion for helping others is deeply rooted in her own experiences, and she believes that even in our darkest moments, we have the potential to grow and emerge stronger.
At Beacon of Hope Counseling, clients find not just a therapist, but a compassionate partner dedicated to their healing journey, fostering an environment where hope and growth can flourish.
Beacon of Hope founder, Bobby Jo Salm
Bobby Jo, a registered play therapist, focuses on children, understanding their unique needs and the importance of play in their healing process. She wanted to create a practice that embraced new ideas and innovative methods. While the clinic incorporates traditional narrative talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, Bobby Jo’s primary approach is psychodynamic therapy, allowing her to explore the deeper emotional connections that influence behavior. She also believes in ensuring that each clinician has their own niche, fostering a diverse range of therapeutic styles.
In her quest for creativity in therapy, Bobby Jo sought to integrate animals into her practice, recognizing the profound connection between nature and healing. This led to the inclusion of Tucker, a trained therapy dog who is a 12-month-old Sheepadoodle. Tucker spends 80% of his time with children and 20% with adults. Unlike what many might expect from energetic dogs, therapy dogs are trained to approach clients with calmness and purpose. They sense when someone is open and in need of comfort, making them particularly effective in working with children, who are often more receptive to their presence.
Additionally, Brit, another therapist in the office, has three bunnies that are currently in training. These bunnies, while only emotional support animals at this time, offer therapy in their own way during sessions, mainly with children. While any of these animals can interact with adults, children tend to be more attuned to them, making the therapeutic experience more impactful.
At Beacon of Hope, the emphasis is on breaking down barriers and harnessing the natural world around us. Bobby Jo believes that the elements of earth, along with the companionship of animals, play a significant role in healing. By fostering a holistic approach that encompasses nature and the comforting presence of therapy animals, Beacon of Hope Counseling creates a safe space for individuals, especially children, to explore their feelings and find hope in their journey.
Let’s Work Together
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