What is the investment for sessions?

Session cost coincides with the type of session length you are looking for: Single session (45-53 minutes) $180Double session (one hour & 45-53 minutes) $ 350Intensive session (2 hours & 45-53 minutes) $ 500If cost is a barrier, please let me know when we talk. I have a limited number of reduced fee (sliding scale) spots for those who qualify.

How long are sessions?

There are a range of session options: Single session (45-53 minutes) $180Double session (one hour & 45-53 minutes) $ 350Intensive session (2 hours & 45-53 minutes) $ 500Unsure which session is right for you? Let's chat and talk about the strengths & differences and see what fits you best!

Do you accept insurance?

No. I do not accept any insurance, nor do I do any direct insurance billing. This allows me to maintain a high degree of privacy and flexibility in your care. However, I do provide a superbill each month that you may submit for potential out-of-network coverage or benefits. Please check with your insurance provider for those policies and procedures.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept all major credit cards, FSA cards, & HSA cards.Payment is handled on the day of service.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations and reschedules that are made up to 48 hours before a session are no charge. Any cancellation or reschedule made less than 48 hours before a session is charged the session fee.

Do you offer in-person or Telehealth?

I offer both! I provide in-person counseling sessions in my Columbus, OH office, which is located by Blendon Woods in the Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna area and Telehealth sessions to any client in the state of Ohio.

Where are you located?

My office is located at 5025 Pine Creek Drive, Columbus, OH, 43081.It is off of 161 & Little Turtle Way in the New Albany, Westerville, Gahanna areas next to Blendon Woods Metro Park.It is a beautiful and calm setting surrounded by mature trees that sets the tone of a secure retreat where you don't have to perform or be perfect. A powerful place to reset, recover, and revitalize your mental health!

Why did you call it Echo & Athena?

This is a heritage as well as a symbolism story.My personal background is that I'm a conglomerate of ethnicities. I come from families that are Greek, Welsh, English, Irish, Scottish, & German. The two most prominent in my lineage are the Greek & Welsh.Echo in Welsh mythology and folklore is a recognition of the divine loop between our creative expression and the return response from the universe.Athena is one of the two most powerful Greek gods. She is the goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare.Echo & Athena Counseling is the call the universe is giving to you to create a more aligned, authentic, and evolved form of yourself. We work together to find your greater truth through wisdom, courage, and strategic means so that you can live with greater peace, joy, and experience being more of who you want to be!

What is your background?

Before getting into counseling, I spent over two decades as a principal, director of professional development, classroom teacher, coordinator of strategic initiatives, and high school football coach. I've also owned my own speaking and leadership/well-being coaching business which was the catalyst for this work. When working with clients all too often issues that have roots in trauma would present. This pushed me to go further in my learning, which led me to go back and get a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After working at a local practice, I felt it was time to use my entrepreneurial, life, and education experience to open Echo & Athena Counseling where I blend all of these aspects and my mental health experience to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go!Degrees:Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Walden UniversityMasters in Educational Administration and Leadership: Ashland UniversityBachelors in Secondary Education: Youngstown State UniversityTrainings/Informed:Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing Flash (EMDR Flash)Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)Person-Centered TherapyHypnotherapyAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RODBT)and more in process as I love to learn and expand the toolbox to find what works best for you!In addition to all of this, I am a father to multiple kids, a husband-to-be, a dabbler in many things, and someone who sees life through the lens of having a neurodynamic brain (ADHD). I guess you could say, I've lived a lot of life so far and worn some tread off of my tires, but the part that gets me excited is that I get to bring all of this into session to support you! Whether it is dealing with emotional struggles, job changes, relationship struggles, or life changes, I've got your back via experience and training! Ready to take action? Text or call me at (614) 407-4037 to set up a consultation call.

Who do you work with?

The my clients are adults and typically entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals such as doctors, teachers, financial advisors, principals, nurses, executives, project managers, C-Suite professionals, superintendents, and others in leadership roles.However, those are just labels that identify a person who is constantly having to perform, who needs to be perfect to make life work, the person who has found a degree of achievement but who is realizing that all of those strategies that brought success are now causing their stress.I work with people who are tired of living repeated patterns that are impacting their personal lives, whether it is people-pleasing, living in a personal pressure cooker, or having moments where they don't realize their fuse has gotten short until it's too late and emotion boils over, the person who is ready to take action and end these cycles to live happier, healthier, and feel the joy in life that has gotten lost along the way.If this is you, I've got you! I say this as someone who has been there personally and who has been trained to help you develop the deep awareness to see what is happening before it happens and to build the right pattern interrupts that work for you, so that you can make the necessary adjustments to strengthen your desired outcomes. In other words, I help you become the next best version of yourself, sort of a you 2.0!

What if I am neurodivergent?

First of all, you're NOT neurodivergent, you are NEURODYNAMIC! And so am I! You have superpowers that neurotypical folks don't have. It's one thing to learn about the neurodynamic brain and a completely different thing to experience it. Whether you're ADHD, High-functioning Autism, or AuDHD, I bring lived experience and a non-shame based style to helping you gain traction in a world designed for neurotypical folks.

How do I work with you?

Easy as 1, 2, 3!#1 - contact me by any of these methods: text or call (614) 407-4037, email brian@echoathena.com, or fill out the contact form on this website. I will get back to you ASAP to set up a complimentary consultation call to ensure we are a good fit. #2 - if we choose to work together, I will share through my secure and HIPAA compliant system the required documentation.#3 - once the documents are complete, I will reach out ASAP to schedule your first session!

What can I expect in sessions?

I consistently tell clients, "you are the captain and I am the guide helping you navigate this water you're in."The first few sessions are an exploration of you, what brings us together, and building goals collaboratively to measure our progress and success, along with the introduction of skills to help you right now. We don't need to wait months to see progress, let's do something to get you moving immediately.Usually after these first few sessions, we do a check-in of the past week and approach any issues that are top of your mind, if there is an intersection with why we are working together we approach the issue with that focus. If it is something that is unrelated, but causing distress I support you exactly where you are. My education background has made me adept at pivoting at a moment's notice to maintain the overall focus, while ensuring additional present stressors are being worked through.

What do we talk about?

A lot of topics! We talk about specific moments and what is going on below the surface of your being, topical subjects you want to discuss: quantum mechanics, life plans, kids, work, etc., strategic approaches and what we are doing in session, your history and how it's impacting the now, intimacy, values, boundaries, and so much more! You get to be the captain of the ship, I am the guide taking you through the precarious waterway of where you are in this era of life.

What do clients say sessions are like?

In this profession, client privacy is paramount and something that I take extremely seriously and protect it like a rabid junkyard dog, so I do not put client testimonials on my website.However, I can share the general overarching themes that are shared with me about the experience:Clients express feeling like a person and not an experimentClients express relief and appreciation that I am "in it with them"Clients have expressed appreciation for how excited I get when they experience success and how deeply I feel it when they are in the struggleClients have told me that they feel at peace and don't have to be perfectClient express gratefulness that I am kink-friendly and do not judge for what consenting adults safely enjoy togetherClients have expressed relief in being able to swear, laugh, and show other emotions in session without fear of judgementA word directly from me on this, I will always be present with you. If you need to say, "fuck" say it. If you want to stay buttoned up, do it. This is your time, your struggle, and I am honored to walk with you on this path.

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing Behavior

Brian Lidle, LPC

Jun 23

3 min read

People-pleasing behavior can be a silent yet powerful force in our lives. It often stems from a deep-seated desire for acceptance and approval, leading individuals to prioritize others' needs over their own. This blog post will explore the roots of people-pleasing, its impact on mental health, and practical strategies to break free from this cycle.

Eye-level view of a serene landscape with a winding path

Understanding People-Pleasing Behavior

What is People-Pleasing?

People-pleasing is the tendency to go out of one's way to satisfy others, often at the expense of one's own needs and desires. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as:

Avoiding Conflict: People-pleasers often agree with others to maintain harmony, even if it means suppressing their own opinions.
Overcommitting: They may take on too many responsibilities, fearing that saying "no" will disappoint others.
Seeking Validation: Constantly looking for approval from others can lead to a fragile self-esteem.

The Roots of People-Pleasing

Understanding the origins of people-pleasing behavior is crucial for overcoming it. Some common factors include:

Childhood Experiences: Many people-pleasers develop this behavior in childhood, often as a response to parental expectations or a desire to avoid conflict within the family.
Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-worth may feel that their value is tied to how much they can please others.
Fear of Rejection: The fear of being rejected or abandoned can drive people to prioritize others' needs over their own.

The Impact of People-Pleasing on Mental Health

Emotional Consequences

People-pleasing can lead to a range of emotional issues, including:

Anxiety: Constantly worrying about others' opinions can create a cycle of anxiety and stress.
Burnout: Overcommitting to please others can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.
Resentment: Suppressing one's own needs can result in feelings of resentment towards those being pleased.

Relationship Strain

While people-pleasing may seem beneficial in maintaining relationships, it can actually create distance. When one person consistently prioritizes the needs of others, it can lead to:

Imbalance: Relationships may become one-sided, with the people-pleaser feeling unappreciated.
Lack of Authenticity: Friends and family may struggle to understand the true feelings and desires of the people-pleaser, leading to misunderstandings.

Strategies to Break Free from People-Pleasing

Recognize Your Patterns

The first step in overcoming people-pleasing behavior is to recognize when and how it manifests in your life. Consider keeping a journal to track situations where you prioritize others over yourself. Ask yourself:

What emotions do I feel in these situations?
What are my true feelings or desires?
How do I react when I say "no"?

Set Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries is essential for breaking free from people-pleasing. Here are some tips:

Communicate Clearly: Let others know your limits. For example, if a friend asks for a favor that you cannot accommodate, respond with a firm but polite "I can't help with that right now."
Practice Saying No: Start small by declining minor requests. This will help build your confidence in setting boundaries.

Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial in overcoming people-pleasing behavior. Engage in activities that nourish your mind and body, such as:

Exercise: Physical activity can boost your mood and self-esteem.
Mindfulness: Practices like meditation can help you connect with your feelings and reduce anxiety.
Hobbies: Pursue interests that bring you joy and fulfillment, independent of others' expectations.

Seek Support

Breaking free from people-pleasing can be challenging, and seeking support can make a significant difference. Consider:

Therapy: A mental health professional can help you explore the roots of your behavior and develop coping strategies.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide encouragement and accountability.

Embrace Authenticity

Learning to embrace your true self is a powerful antidote to people-pleasing. Here are some ways to cultivate authenticity:

Reflect on Your Values: Identify what truly matters to you. Aligning your actions with your values can help you make decisions that feel right for you.
Express Your Opinions: Practice sharing your thoughts and feelings, even if they differ from those around you. This can help build your confidence and assertiveness.

Moving Forward

Breaking free from people-pleasing behavior is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion. By recognizing your patterns, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and embracing authenticity, you can reclaim your life and foster healthier relationships.

As you embark on this journey, remember that it's okay to prioritize your needs. The more you practice self-acceptance, the more you will find that your relationships can thrive in a healthier, more balanced way.

Final Thoughts

People-pleasing behavior can be deeply ingrained, but it is possible to break free. Start by taking small steps towards prioritizing your own needs and desires. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of living authentically and confidently are worth it.

Take a moment to reflect on your own habits. What steps can you take today to start breaking free from people-pleasing? Remember, your needs are just as important as anyone else's. Embrace the journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.