Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna (Kit) Bolliger.
Hi Anna (Kit), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After 30 years in corporate America, and having been harshly affected by the 2008 economic downfall, I chose to return to school and get my degree in Community Mental Health. While obtaining my Master’s Degree, I was exposed to a different type of therapy; equine assisted psychotherapy. I knew at this point that this was a method I wanted to incorporate in my practice. This is surprising since I have never owned a horse or anything in that realm.
In 2012 I had made the decision that while I lived in Chicago and therapy opportunities were everywhere, I wanted to work in an underserved area. Rural America called me and with with my husband’s near retirement, we both focused nation-wide for my own practice location. We debated between northern GA, Maine or NC.
My previous corporate years had been in the home furnishings industry, so I was familiar with Greensboro area and surrounding towns. These didn’t have the “need for therapist” component I was looking for overall.
So in 2015 I graduated from National Louis University in Chicago and headed out to NC. I joined forces with two locals of Randolph County and opened up Acres of Hope, an equine assisted therapy facility. Together we provided bereavement camp activities for local hospice agencies, leadership trainings for school systems and counseling services for children and adults. The services were utilized by many and the counseling side of the business kept growing.
As the counseling side flourished, I broke away from Acres of Hope in 2022 and opened up a stand alone counseling office, with an emphasis on Critical Care Providers: Teachers, First Responders, Foster Parents and parents of Tweens.
My purpose is to provide a safe place, judgement free zone where one can drop their baggage and know that healing occurs. This has been a very successful step in both my practice and now I also help to educate student counselors. Interns from various programs have worked here and have learned about micro cultures, trauma care and disorders. Many folks in the area have had their needs addressed through their care.
Randolph County is growing at a rapid pace. The people who have lived here for multiple generations fight the growth. Mental health is still a taboo subject. We don’t have a psychiatrist in the county; we have to rely on telehealth. This county for its growth is still 20 years behind in mental health awareness and acceptance. The school system doesn’t meet the emotional needs of its students, and the parents are struggling in trying to find the answers. First responders are constantly dealing with drugs, death and trauma. Foster parents are in demand in this county, and families are truly affected by the drug epidemic.
My overall philosophy is if my therapists and I can help people tackle their demons, then my goal is accomplished. We don’t have to live in fear, anxiety, depression or trauma. Picking up the phone and calling for help is the bravest thing anyone can do. My door is always open for those in need and who WANT to change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggles to open a practice in Randolph County were unique. Here is a big city girl, coming from Chicago, to a county of 140k people. I wasn’t known. I was an outsider and I wanted to help people. It was an uphill battle.
Medicaid is the prevalent provider of services in this county, or state insurance. When I opened up my doors, I took neither.
I was fortunate in that I came from a sales and marketing background so I hit the road and drummed up corporate business for Acres of Hope. Eventually my name as a therapist began to become known. I work with very complicated cases, so harder issues tend to get referred to AKB COUNSELING. Being paneled with insurance companies has opened up additional doors for helping those in need.
Over the years I have built a great network of psychiatric expertise through Piedmont Psychiatric Associates and their nurse practitioners. Many of my clients require medication management and I trust Piedmont Psychiatric Associates team.
My other real obstacle was recognizing I couldn’t be the office manager and the therapist. Hiring my office manager in 2023 has been the blessing from manna! Kathleen Garner has allowed me to focus on growing the business adding therapists and marketing as she handles the nitty gritty details. She is 100 percent my right hand.
Growth for AKB Counseling includes plans for group sessions and providing mediation and couples counseling. We also have a therapist active in the LGBTQIA community.
As far as groups go,
our first, Coping with Grief During The Holidays, launches the week of thanksgiving and goes through the New Years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
AKB COUNSELING is known for providing support for the most complicated trauma cases. Folks dealing with bi-polar, severe depression, anxiety or complicated PTSD, are seen and heard at AKB COUNSELING. While my journey here began with horses, it has morphed into an office setting. There are still have a few clients who work with the horses, but most prefer the quiet office in an obscure building, on the “old main drag” of town.
Because of my clientele, my work demands continual contact with the doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in town. Staying on top of medications prescribed and how clients respond to the medications is just as important as the therapy itself. Having open communication with the medical providers is one of the things that makes this practice unique. I work hand in hand with the doctors around town.
What were you like growing up?
I was the youngest of 7 kids, five brothers and a sister 12 years older than myself. Raised in an Irish Catholic family brought unwritten expectations. Each of us kids were taught that taking care of your neighbor was a natural part of life. My brothers were rough with me, and expected me to take their shenanigans with ease. My siblings didn’t intend to create an abusive environment, but it was the natural outcome of having a bratty baby sister who wanted to do what her big brothers were doing. I developed a very sensitive side to the underdog in most situations because of this upbringing. Ultimately, the bratty sister left home at 18 and struck out in the world on her own.
I have lived overseas, traveled extensively and had the opportunity to work for the US Government as well as the private sector of corporate America. My family of origin taught me great skills in negotiating and in acceptance of all people regardless of the path they walk on.
I grew up in Dallas, TX, and seldom return to the area. My family of origin is still there and much like my Randolph County people, seldom leave their surroundings. Texas is not where I am most comfortable, as I enjoy trees, green and four seasons, I attended Catholic schools and church as a youngster and was active in both Choir and Girl Scouts. I always wanted to ride horses and be out in nature, but that did not happen until age 52; my very first horse came into my life. I have currently have one Arabian, Max; an Arab/Morgan, Abby; a Tennessee Walker, Harley and two miniature horses, Nugget and Duke. I think my family looks at me and goes “you never know what she is gonna do now.”
While living overseas I was blessed with giving birth to a beautiful baby girl, who is now in her early 40s. I am married to a fabulous husband who supports my dreams and my business. He is oftentimes at the office doing some construction job or another, as I expand in the building and take over more office space. My life is truly blessed in many ways.
Pricing:
- Most insurance is accepted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.akbcounseling.net
