(Feb. 22, 2013) Katherine Smith, Debra Dotson and Amy Ginnavan have known each other for about 10 years, and they have all worked together. The women had been counseling residents, but it wasnโt until recently that they decided to start their own business.
โItโs exciting to take everything weโve learned and bring it together to benefit the community,โ Dotson said. โWe love the community and weโre excited to help strengthen individuals and families.โ
They found two units in the Blue Heron Shopping Center on Route 50 in West Ocean City and started renovating the spaces in September. The trio opened their business, Seaside Counseling & Wellness Center, and began seeing clients in December.
With more than 30 years combined experience, Smith said, โWe all have a different niche we like to focus on.โ
โWe complement each other nicely,โ she said. โWeโre all very passionate about what were doing.โ
Individual, family and group counseling sessions are offered. They will also visit local schools to meet with students/clients during the day.
โIt makes it easier on families if they canโt bring their kids here,โ Smith said.
Added Dotson, โWhat I enjoy about our center is that we are โฆ focused on clientsโ strengths and building on those.โ
Ginnavan said the women are trained to work with all age groups, from young children to senior citizens.
Community wellness classes and continuing education courses for social workers and other professionals will also be available. They plan to offer stress relief, nutrition and meditation classes, among others, as well as social media assistant for parents.
Once the weather gets warmer, the women would like to offer โwalk and talkโ therapy sessions, on the Boardwalk, beach, Assateague Island, or at any other outdoor location.
โI think people are more willing to open up [in that type of environment],โ Smith said.
A grand-opening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 28, from 3-6 p.m. A ribbon cutting will take place at 4:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.
For more information about Seaside Counseling & Wellness Center, call 410-213-7875 or visit www.seasidecounselingandwellness.com. Referrals are currently being accepted. The company works with all major insurance companies. A sliding scale is in place for those without insurance or who wish to self-pay.
Day, weekend and evening hours are available by appointment.
โOur mission is to be available when our clients need us,โ Smith said.
