I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa, as well as a Board Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I hold a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University, focusing on disability awareness and advocacy. I have 15 years of experience in various clinical settings in Southern California, Phoenix, Iowa, and Illinois. I primarily use play therapy with children. I find it challenging to implement remotely, thus I do not accept children for remote services. I understand the complexities of balancing work, school, and personal relationships. My goal is to help you build self-esteem, compassion, and mindfulness, equipping you to achieve your personal and professional aspirations. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, informed by multicultural, feminist, and strengths perspectives. I believe that individuals' experiences are shaped by their cultures and gender, and I support clients in navigating their concerns with an unbiased, empathetic ear.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session we will discuss your medical and therapeutic history, your expectations, and the specific goals you wish to address. We will review any previous therapeutic experiences and feelings you may have about them. We will develop goals and a plan for moving forward.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I work well with clients who are motivated to overcome concerns they feel are holding them back. I am accepting, empathetic, and validating of my client's lived experiences. I understand the difficulties which may arise due to disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity as I, too, am a member of the queer and disabled communities. I believe with empathy, mindfulness, and effective coping skills we can begin to lives the lives we envision.
About Dena Sidmore-Seyer
Specializes in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Eclectic
I utilize a combination of therapeutic modalities best suited to meet the client's needs. I integrate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral, Rational Emotive, Compassion based, Humanistic & Existential, dialectical behavioral, and trauma informed care modalities. I am currently taking course work in AEDP, EMDR/ somatic modalities, and basic DBT.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe in providing therapy from a non-biased, empathetic, and compassionate perspective. I believe in providing the client with a supportive and safe environment in which to explore their needs so they may become a more actualized version of themselves.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy is a necessity. Different cultures have different beliefs in general, and about therapy, in specific. Different lived experiences are to be expected, and validated, from persons from marginalized communities, including (but not exhaustively) BIPOC, LGBTQ+, genderqueer, neurodivergent, chronic illness, disabled, and poly communities. I have provided therapy and case management in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Maricopa county (Phoenix area.) I also have experience at Iowa State Uni and am native to this area. Cultural sensitivity is also important for understanding my own biases as a clinician.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I have basic experience with Buddhist principles and with the practice of mindfulness and mindful meditation in specific. Understanding the science behind mindfulness can be quite beneficial in aiding a person to understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is especially beneficial in assisting people to change current behaviors they find problematic.
Feminist
Understanding and empathizing with the challenges women and other femme presenting persons experience due to societal bias, stereotypes, discrimination, etc is necessary for a well rounded appreciation of factors impacting the client's wellbeing. This is also important for understanding my own biases as a clinician.