We had the good fortune of connecting with Racheal Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Racheal, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
In today’s society, therapy is becoming more normalized, and more people are engaging in it. While this progress excites me, I still believe there are aspects of therapy that many people are unaware of. One common myth I often hear is, “Going to therapy means I’m weak.” In reality, seeking therapy is an act of strength and a profound expression of self-love. It signifies a choice to no longer struggle alone and a willingness to invest time and energy into truly understanding yourself.

Another prevalent myth is, “Going to therapy means something is wrong with me.” For so long, many of us have defined our worth based on our experiences, often labeling ourselves in ways that foster shame and hinder self-compassion. The truth is, having a mental health condition doesn’t make you defective or any less valid than someone without one. Furthermore, anyone can benefit from therapy; you don’t need to be at your lowest point or have a diagnosis to seek help.

Many of us believe we need to be “fixed” because we think who we are right now isn’t good enough. Therapy offers a space to show up exactly as you are, recognizing that nothing about you needs fixing. Instead, it’s a place to heal, acknowledge your pain, and address the past experiences that have made it difficult for you to live as your true, authentic self.

What many people don’t realize is that therapy is much more than just talking about your feelings or rehashing your problems. It’s an active, collaborative process where you and your therapist work together to uncover patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that may be holding you back. Therapy isn’t about being given advice or being told what to do; it’s about gaining insight and learning tools that empower you to make changes in your life.

Therapy is also a space where you can explore aspects of yourself that you may have never fully understood. It’s an opportunity to dig deep and discover the roots of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through this process, you can begin to break free from cycles that have kept you stuck, whether they’re related to past trauma, relationships, or self-esteem issues.

Moreover, therapy can be a space for growth, not just healing. It’s not only for those in crisis but also for those who want to evolve, improve their emotional intelligence, and lead a more fulfilling life. Therapy can help you develop skills like setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and managing stress—skills that are essential for living authentically and fully.

Lastly, there’s a misconception that therapy is just an expensive venting session. While therapy does involve verbal processing and expression, your therapist is trained to guide you in healing from past experiences. Many therapists now invest significant time and resources in specialized training, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems, The Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, among others. These modalities are proven to help people heal at the root of their symptoms, offering insight into the origins of their patterns and behaviors.

What’s often overlooked is that therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Different therapists use different approaches, and finding the right fit is crucial. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find a therapist who resonates with you, and that’s okay. The therapeutic relationship is a key part of the process, and it’s important to feel safe, understood, and supported by your therapist.

If you’re on the fence about starting therapy, ask yourself this: A year from now, would you be okay being exactly where you are today? Therapy is an investment in your future self, a step towards not just surviving, but truly thriving.

 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets you apart from others, and what are you most proud of or excited about?

What sets me and Turning Point Counseling apart is our deep commitment to authenticity and connection. We pride ourselves on being relatable and approachable, coming into the therapy space as our true selves. Each therapist at Turning Point has their own unique story and experiences that have shaped who they are today, which allows us to connect with our clients on a deeper level. I’m incredibly proud of the team I’ve built—each therapist brings genuine empathy and understanding to the table, ensuring our clients feel seen, loved, and free to be themselves.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

In 2020, I decided to open Turning Point Counseling. At the time, I was working at another practice, but I felt a fire within me to create something of my own. Leaving that practice was a difficult and painful experience. This experience only solidified my decision to leave and start my own practice.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to trust my intuition and gut feelings, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Starting my own practice wasn’t easy, but I’ve come to understand that everything has a way of working out, even during tough seasons. Being a therapist comes with its challenges, but it’s also the greatest job in the world, and the fulfillment I get from helping others makes every obstacle worth it.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that Turning Point Counseling is a practice where clients can expect to be met with genuine care and understanding. We don’t just offer therapy; we offer a space where people can feel truly seen and supported as they navigate their personal journeys. I understand firsthand the courage it takes to seek help and confront personal pain—that’s why I founded Turning Point Counseling in 2020. My own experiences have guided me to create a practice where individuals can explore the root causes of their pain and gain effective tools to cope with intense emotions.

Aside from owning Turning Point Counseling, I’m also a Licensed Professional Counselor offering individual, couples, and family therapy. I specialize in treating relational issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, illness, grief, and loss. I take immense pride in the practice we’ve built and the incredible team I’ve assembled. We’re dedicated to understanding our clients and helping them move forward. We hope you’ll allow us the honor of helping you do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Phoenix for the weekend, I’d make sure they experienced the best of what this vibrant city has to offer. Having lived here for 15 years, I’ve come to know and love the unique blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and local culture that Phoenix provides. We’d start the weekend with a relaxing Friday afternoon at Civana Resort, indulging in spa treatments and unwinding by the pool. Dinner would be at LGO (La Grande Orange), where the pizza is some of the best in town, setting the perfect tone for the weekend.

Saturday morning would begin with a hike in the Superstition Mountains, showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds Phoenix. To keep the adventure going, we’d explore the Phoenix Mountain Preserves afterward, offering more stunning desert landscapes and a chance to soak in the tranquility of the area. In the afternoon, we’d head to Old Town Scottsdale to explore its art galleries, boutique shops, and historic charm. The day would end with a lively brewery tour, hitting local favorites like Wren House, Roses by the Stairs, and OHSO, where we’d sample craft beers and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Sunday would be dedicated to a day trip to Sedona, one of Arizona’s most breathtaking destinations. We’d take a scenic drive, explore the iconic red rock trails, Lunch at Elote Café would be a must, allowing us to savor some of the best Southwestern cuisine in the region. After a full day of exploring, we’d return to Phoenix for a light dinner at Postino, enjoying their famous bruschetta and a glass of wine to cap off an unforgettable weekend. Phoenix offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, relaxation, and local culture, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Southwest.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible love and support of the people who have encouraged me to dream big, take risks, and believe in myself. Erick O’Brien, in particular, has been a constant source of encouragement and faith. He’s been my biggest fan since the inception of Turning Point Counseling, believing in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. I’m especially grateful to Erick for helping me come up with the name for my practice, a name that embodies what it means to take the brave step towards healing.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to my mom and dad, who have supported me from the very beginning, back when I first said, “I want to become a therapist.” They’ve stood by me through every step of this journey, offering unwavering support and love.

As I reflect on this journey, I also want to thank my past self for the courage it took to make difficult decisions, step into the unknown, and trust that everything would work out. I’m grateful for the challenges and hard times that have shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences have not only brought me to where I am but have also given me the strength to continue moving forward.

Website: https://www.turningpointcounseling.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningpointcounselingaz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbturner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087325057409 

Image Credits
https://www.carleynelsonphoto.com/ @carleynelson_photo

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