Role: Web Design & Brand Strategy Focus: Mental Health Branding, Patient Accessibility, Trust-Building UX, Educational Resources
Project Overview Lori Montgomery, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and strengths-based therapy, required a digital space that felt safe and welcoming for potential clients often in a state of vulnerability. The “Willow Tree” brand needed to move beyond a clinical list of services and instead offer a compassionate, non-judgmental entry point to healing. The new website focuses on demystifying the therapeutic process (e.g., explaining EMDR and Somatic Healing) while streamlining the path to booking a consultation.
Key Deliverables & Features
- Trauma-Informed Design Aesthetic: Recognizing that website visitors may be anxious, the design language was chosen to induce calm.
- Soothing Visuals: We utilized a soft color palette, nature-inspired imagery (the Willow Tree motif), and open typography to create a “digital safe space” that feels inviting rather than sterile or medical.
- Empathetic Copywriting: The content strategy shifts from clinical jargon to client-centered language (“You don’t have to face these challenges alone”), immediately validating the user’s feelings.
- Educational Service Breakdown: Therapy modalities can be confusing for patients. We structured the “Services” to be educational first.
- Modality Explanations: Distinct sections for complex treatments like “EMDR,” “Internal Family Systems (IFS),” and “Somatic Healing” explain how they work in plain English, helping clients understand which approach might fit their needs.
- Quote Integration: Strategic placement of quotes (from Brené Brown to Tolkien) throughout the scroll breaks up dense text and offers moments of reflection and hope.
- Frictionless Patient Onboarding:
- Clear FAQ Pathways: A robust “FAQ” section addresses common barriers to entry (pricing, insurance, what to expect in the first session), reducing the anxiety of the unknown before the client even reaches out.
- Direct Access: “Psychology Today” profile integration and clear contact forms ensure that when a client is ready to take the step, the technology doesn’t get in the way.
- Land Acknowledgement & Inclusivity:
- Community Grounding: A prominent Land Acknowledgement for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation anchors the practice in its local context and signals a commitment to inclusive, culturally aware care.
The Outcome The new website successfully translates Lori Montgomery’s therapeutic presence into a digital format. It serves not just as a business card, but as a preliminary stage of care, helping clients feel seen, understood, and safe enough to reach out for help.
