Karuna Counseling: Offering Compassion and Community for Six Years and Counting

An open house was held Friday, August 23rd in celebration of Karuna Counseling's continued presence in the Sidney community. Staff was on hand to greet and welcome community members as free hotdogs and bratwurst were served.

"We want to let people know we're still present in the community providing care." Nichole Peralta Azor, owner of Karuna Counseling comments. "This creates an opportunity to put names to faces in a more casual atmosphere. Mental health and support is not meant to be a scary thing." 

Tours of the building and property were conducted, and they showcased the different rooms and the meanings behind them. Anita Rushman who has a "Friends" themed room commented, "We're here for the community, and we're not going anywhere." A newly licensed counselor, Rushman is digging deep to discover where her talents fit best, "We wanted to host an open house to show the community the different forms of mental health support that we offer." 

Karuna Counseling began after Peralta Azor's initial employer shuttered their doors. "When Sidney's Mental Health Center closed, my biggest fear was that we'd leave an entire community in need." A casual conversation with a friend led her to Paula Abbott's office at WNCC where the prospects of opening her own center began to flourish. "I'd recommend that anyone trying to open a small business in the community knocks on her door." 

Opened in July 2018, Karuna Counseling has offered services in many different fields, and they also provide telehealth visits for those unable to leave their homes, or in some cases, their fields. "Some farmers pull over in their tractors for their virtual appointment, then start back up in the field as soon as they're finished," Peralta Azor affirms. Access to Karuna goes far past the physical, as the organization is a registered Region 1 Network Provider. Anyone without insurance or available funds can be seen for a significantly deducted rate. "Even as little as $7," Azor encourages, "Finances should never impact the ability to receive proper care." 

A born and bred Nebraska girl from Hastings, Peralta Azor moved to the Sidney community with her family in 2010. Certified as a trauma specialist in EMDR therapy, she decided to extend her roots into Sidney, "Even though I am now based out of North Carolina, my family still considers Sidney to be home for us. I may have relocated, but Karuna has not; we're still here for you." 

Boasting an impressive network, Karuna has several specialists working to create a positive and impactful environment for the community and surrounding areas. 

Jessica Bower is a licensed specialist offering virtual counseling; if you're looking for help from the comfort of your own home, she may be the perfect fit for your needs.

Sheila Howard is licensed in youth and intermediate counseling. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as play therapy, all of which are offered in person.

Jacquie Cox is licensed in cognitive behavioral therapy with children and offers her services virtually, "To watch her conduct her sessions with kids is honestly the coolest thing," Azor states, "I love learning from Jacquie." Anita Rushman is a new face to Karuna. Still searching out her specialty, she is provisionally licensed to offer in-person services.

Rounding out the stellar roster is Nichole Peralta Azor, the architect of Karuna Counseling. Working virtually from her office in North Carolina, Petalta Azor specializes in trauma and EMDR therapy - a form of psychotherapy that helps process traumatic memories and other distressing life experiences involving the movement of the eyes. 

Things may look different at Karuna, but they're still operating the same, "I firmly believe therapy is an opportunity to work through issues together. I'll hold the handlebars until you can pedal off on your own," Peralta Azor reiterates, "It is a rewarding and fun process to watch the other clinicians go through the same is like experiencing the process twice." 

You can schedule a consultation with Karuna Counseling by calling (308)-249-7853 and leaving a detailed voicemail regarding the services needed. Within 24 hours, you will receive a return phone call to continue setting up your appointment. Karuna Counseling is located at 731 Illinois Street in Sidney.