When Kathryn (Katie) Schiber and Lisa Fox decided to open Blue Chair Counseling in Maryville, Illinois, they weren’t just creating a space for mental health services—they were building a dream rooted in friendship, compassion, and their shared vision for making a difference in the community. Their official journey began on January 2, 2024, when they opened the doors of their welcoming practice to clients in need in Maryville.
From Thrift Shops to Therapeutic Spaces
The story behind the name “Blue Chair” is as unique as their journey. Both Katie and Lisa have a love for thrift shopping, often scouring local stores for hidden gems. One day, they stumbled upon a pair of blue chairs at a local Habitat for Humanity Restore. “We both fell in love with them,” Lisa recalls. “We split up the twins, each taking one home.” These chairs, a symbol of compromise and partnership, inspired the name of their practice.
Katie shares, “We tried so hard to come up with a perfect, therapeutic name, but nothing felt authentic. When I mentioned ‘Blue Chair’ to our accountant, she said, ‘I wouldn’t forget it.’ That was all we needed to hear.”
A Cozy and Calming Space
The Blue Chair Counseling office, located at 2921 Maryville Rd Suite B, in Maryville, is designed with intention. As Katie and Lisa explain, their goal was to create a space that immediately puts people at ease. Walking into the office feels like stepping into a cozy retreat—a reflection of the warmth and comfort they want their clients to experience.
“When clients walk in, we want them to feel comforted,” Katie says. The space is thoughtfully decorated with thrifted treasures, lush greenery, and soothing hues of blue and green. “It’s a space where people can feel safe to begin their healing journey,” Lisa adds.
The Friendship That Launched a Business
Katie and Lisa met through mutual friends and bonded over their love of dogs, long walks, and their shared career goals. Their friendship deepened as they navigated life transitions and professional aspirations. Lisa had already ventured into private practice and helped Katie take the leap into this challenging yet rewarding field.
“I knew she had my back,” Katie says. “Starting a private practice is not for the faint of heart, but our trust in each other made it possible.”
Meeting the Needs of Madison County
Opening Blue Chair Counseling in Madison County was a calculated decision. “We discovered this area was a desert for counseling services,” Lisa explains. While working in St. Clair County, they realized they could fill a significant gap closer to home. Their move to Maryville wasn’t without hurdles but perseverance and open communication paved the way.
Services and Expertise
Blue Chair Counseling specializes in trauma-focused therapy, couples counseling, and innovative modalities like brain spotting and somatic work. Katie describes brain spotting as a powerful tool for addressing deep emotional wounds: “It gets to parts of the brain that words can’t reach. Clients don’t have to relive their trauma through retelling—it’s about processing those emotions in a safe way.”
Lisa and Katie are also joined by a talented team: Darren, with his extensive background in mental health crises and couples therapy, and Whitney, who focuses on somatic work, religious trauma, and eating disorders. Each therapist brings unique strengths to the practice, ensuring they can meet diverse client needs.
The Future of Blue Chair Counseling
After celebrating their first anniversary in January, Katie and Lisa are focused on sustainable growth. They’re exploring ways to expand their services while maintaining the personal touch that sets them apart. “We’re not about just providing therapy,” Lisa emphasizes. “We’re about being a resource for the community, networking with other providers, and ensuring people get the help they need, even if it’s not with us.”
A Message to the Community
What do they want people to know about Blue Chair Counseling? “We care deeply,” Katie says. “We believe in our clients’ abilities to make positive changes. We’re here as guides and cheerleaders, but the progress comes from within them.” Lisa adds, “We’re genuine in everything we do, and that authenticity extends to everyone who walks through our doors.”
Blue Chair Counseling isn’t just a business; it’s a labor of love between two friends who are committed to their clients and their community. For those seeking compassionate and expert mental health care in Madison County, this dynamic duo and their team are ready to help.
For more information about Blue Chair Counseling, visit their website https://www.bluechaircounseling.net/.