Guidance to Move Forward: A LiveWell Counseling Journey

When life feels overwhelming, asking for help can be difficult. MaryAnn Bartell, a Christian Health team member, realized she needed support during a difficult family transition that left her with uncertainty about the future.

“I needed guidance,” she said. “I was experiencing anxiety about some serious life decisions that would affect not just me but my family as well. I needed help making those decisions, sticking to them, and feeling confident in the outcome.”

Although MaryAnn had worked alongside the team at LiveWell Counseling, a Christian Health service, for years, seeking therapy herself initially felt intimidating.

“I think there can sometimes be shame around mental health,” she said. “But eventually I reached a point where I realized I needed to fight for myself.”

Taking the First Step

MaryAnn didn’t choose LiveWell Counseling just because of convenience and familiarity. “I came to Live Well because it had a great reputation,” she said. “And working here, I've always known that.”

Her experience was a testament to that reputation, even exceeding her expectations from her first session.

“Walking in for the first time, I felt uncertain and vulnerable,” she said. “But by the time I left, that feeling had already begun to change. Everyone made me feel comfortable immediately: there was no sense of shame.”

She credits the whole team, from the scheduling staff to her providers, with making the experience comfortable and welcoming from day one.

“From start to finish, the whole process was amazing,” she said. “I was met with nothing but kindness, compassion, and professionalism.”

More Than Just Therapy

MaryAnn worked closely with her therapist Carly Viglione, Outpatient Mental Health Therapist, and medication provider Dr. Monica Dhingra, Psychiatrist, both of whom played important roles in helping her navigate a challenging time in her life and start the path toward growth and self-discovery.

“What helped me most was being held accountable,” she said. “I felt like I knew what decisions I needed to make, but it’s easy to fall back into old patterns. Going to therapy each week helped me see things in a better way: to see the value in myself and my family and make the best decision for me.”

MaryAnn says proper diagnosis and treatment also had a major impact on her daily life. With support from her care team, she gained the tools and strategies to help her significantly improve herself in many ways.

“I’m living a very productive life now,” she said. “I’m more patient, more motivated, and approaching life with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

Today, MaryAnn openly encourages others to prioritize their mental health and seek support when they need it.

“It’s easy to go to the doctor when you break an arm,” she said. “But it’s not always easy to stop and say, ‘I need help with my mental health.’”

That’s why she hopes sharing her experience will encourage others to take the first step toward bettering their mental wellness, without fear or embarrassment.

“There’s no better time than right now to help yourself,” she said. “The team at LiveWell is so equipped to support people through difficult moments with compassion and professionalism.”

In fact, MaryAnn has become such a strong advocate for counseling that she says several coworkers have sought therapy after hearing about her experience.

“I tell everybody: you shouldn’t feel ashamed,” she said. “Getting help was one of the best things I ever did. Looking back now, I can’t imagine navigating the past few months without the support I found at LiveWell. It has made such a meaningful difference in my life.”

How LiveWell Counseling Can Support You

Whether you’re facing a difficult life transition, relationship challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed, support is available. The team at LiveWell Counseling can support you on your journey with personalized, compassionate care, including talk therapy and medication management, in a gentle, comforting environment. To learn more about how LiveWell can help you, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit LiveWell Counseling.