Our History
Wendy Blackwood
MS, LPC-S, TA-S, NCC, DCC, EMDR-C
I grew up on a farm in Arkansas, where I learned the value of hard work. I knew I wanted to help people, and began counseling doing therapeutic foster care and community health. However, I found myself booked so far out, I didn’t recognize my clients by the time I saw them a second time. This type of care felt more medical in nature, and was not in line with my moral and ethical standards. I knew I needed a change.
I founded Healing Path Counseling in 2005 in Central Arkansas. With assistance from other therapists, I’ve focused on delivering holistic care based on the individual. My clients’ personal, individual needs determine how I work with them. Every person is different, and so is each session.
I enjoy working with all types of people – children, parents, the elderly, working professionals, first responders such as firefighters, police officers, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), and even other mental health professionals. I’ve seen all ages and situations.
Our practice has a homey, non-clinical atmosphere where you can relax enough to collaborate on your issues. We educate you about your situation, and give you tools you can apply in your personal life.
Credentials:
- Master of Science (MS)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Associate Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)
- Technology Assisted Counselor
- Technology Assisted Counselor Supervisor (TA-S)
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Distance Counseling Certified (DCC)
- EMDR Certified
- EMDR Consultant (EMDR-C)
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
Boards & Memberships:
- Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling
- Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association Board (ArMHCA)
- Alumni Board – University of the Ozarks
- ArMHCA Member
- AMHCA Member
- EMDRIA International Association Member
- Arkansas Association Counselor and Educations Supervision (ArACES) Member
- Trauma Recovery Network Member
Frequently Asked Questions
Clients
Make sure to have your paperwork complete beforehand to save time. Our office is on the second floor. Enter our lobby, and if no one is there, a counselor will come out at the top of the hour. We will review your paperwork in the lobby before entering the counseling room.
During your session, we will listen to you, and ask questions. We will collaborate on what would bring you the most relief.
After your first session, you will have the option to book a second session. We recommend meeting weekly at first, and then space your visits out depending on your time and budget.
Visiting a mental health counselor has lost a lot of its stigma over the past few years. However, we prefer to protect your privacy, and typically do not take insurance.
When insurance is used for counseling, the treatment has to be considered “medically necessary.” This means “diagnoses”, “health records”, and “justification for treatment”. Most people who come to see us are not mentally ill and should not have a diagnosis — they are simply struggling with relationship issues.
If you want to use your insurance benefits, the first thing to do is contact your carrier to ask the following questions:
· Do I have mental health benefits?
· What is my deductible and has it been met?
· How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
· How much do you pay for an out-of-net provider?
· Is there a limitation on how much you will pay per session?
· If you have an HMO, is authorization required by primary care physician?
Counselors
I want to work to develop my supervisees in a collaborative way. Before taking on a new supervisee, I like to meet and get to know you to make sure our styles are compatible.