Facilities across the country specialize in mental health or addictions counseling, but Burns boasts one of the few organizations to also include wellness for a multi-faceted approach to real-life success. Symmetry Care addresses symptoms from mental, physical, and emotional perspectives for deep, lasting change.

New clients with Symmetry Care begin with a counselor specific to their mental health or addiction needs. They get to know each other, talk about the client’s struggles, and set goals based on their vision of a healthy, productive life. As counselors identify where physical activity and nutritional coaching might support an individual’s overall goals, the counselor brings Wellness Coordinator Drew Dobney into the conversation.

Dobney, a Vale native, has a master’s degree in wellness management and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She was excited about the opportunity to join the Burns community, not only because of its proximity to her hometown, but to serve on a unique team that drives complete wellness for its clients. After a year with Symmetry Care, she says that no two days are ever alike, and she enjoys when her clients reach recovery milestones.

Health and wellness can start small. Dobney meets one-on-one with each client to understand their needs and develop steps to support their recovery goals. She might encourage clients to take a daily walk or make a simple food trade. These steps alone can help to lower body mass index (BMI) or reduce the need for medication. As these changes occur, clients often seek the peer group activities, group workout classes, or cooking classes that Symmetry Care offers. Each activity, paired with counseling, builds momentum and confidence. Eventually, a client may phase out of all Symmetry Care services except Wellness because of the tools and community they gained through their recovery.

In addition to working with outpatient clients through individual and group sessions, Dobney supports the organization’s Residential Treatment Facility with nutrition and health counseling. She noted that addiction recovery and mental health management are not about stopping certain behaviors, but cultivating and exchanging them for those that serve the individual better. As they leave behind one substance or activity, they often pick up others. Though these may be less harmful, they are merely a temporary bandage, and individuals should continue to receive professional support as they strive for a balanced life.

The Wellness program has been so successful that Symmetry Care added an additional Community Health Worker to the team, Rebecca Parrish. Dobney hopes that, with the additional support from Parrish, the Wellness program can serve more people, offer additional exercise and cooking classes with more diversity, and continue to serve referrals received from Symmetry Care’s community partners.

If you are ready for help, reach out to the Symmetry Care team at 541-573-8376.