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 (CRC.) 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 generally do not accept children for remote services. (Exceptions can be made. Please message me.) I understand the complexities of balancing work, school, and personal relationships. My goal is to help you build self-esteem, compassion, and mindfulness so you may achieve your personal and professional goals. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, informed by multicultural, feminist, and strengths perspectives. I believe your experiences are shaped by your cultures and gender, and I strive to help you meet your goals 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. If you have had therapy perviously, I will ask you about your experience and if you have any preferences. We will develop goals and a plan for moving forward. I will be filling in my intake paperwork during this session. I do not complete documentation during regular sessions.
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 your 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.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work well with queer and LGBTQIA+ clients and understand the mental health challenges you face, especially those from conservative backgrounds. I find supporting teens and young adults particularly fulfilling, helping you navigate your experiences and develop skills for success in work or school. I also specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, those with mood disorders, chronic illnesses, and other disabilities. My background in rehabilitation counseling equips me to assist clients with various challenges related to employment, education, and personal growth, with a strong understanding of the ADA and related legislation. Important notes: 1) Intake paperwork must be completed a day before your appointment. If not received, the appointment will be canceled. 2) Sometimes an intake needs to be cancelled due to insurance concerns. I understand this. Please message me to let me know if you wish to reschedule once resolved. 3) Persons who no-show/no-call intake appointments will not be rescheduled. 4) I have a 24-hour no-show/no-call policy. Emergencies are understood, and the $50 fee may be waived if communicated promptly. However, repeated late cancellations will incur this fee. Multiple late cancellations in a row may be cause for discharge. My time is important, as is your. Please respect both of our schedules. Thank you for your understanding.
About Dena Sidmore-Seyer
Specializes in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Eclectic
I use a combination of therapeutic modalities best suited to meet your specific needs. I integrate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, trauma informed care, and others. I am currently taking course work expanding my knowledge of other modalities, including EMDR and somatic.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe in providing therapy from a non-biased, empathetic, and compassionate perspective. I believe in providing you with a supportive and safe environment where you can explore whatever it is you need to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy is a necessity. Different cultures have different beliefs in general, and about therapy, in specific. Everyone has different lived experiences. I hope to validate and honor yours. I strive to provide safe space, regardless of racial or ethnic background, religious preference (or lack thereof), sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability. I have gained experience in Southern California, Phoenix, Des Moines, Moline/Davenport, and at Iowa State. I provide remote services in Illinois and Iowa. Cultural sensitivity is also important for me to understand my own biases. I have not had the same experiences as immigrants, people of color, trans or gender nonconforming individuals, or many other identities. Should you choose me, and I make a mistake, I hope you would feel safe letting me know. I will accept it & do any research necessary so you, the client, don’t have to exert your energy doing so.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness and mindful meditation can be very helpful in reducing anxiety. Understanding the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and actions can help reduce patterns exacerbating depression, anxiety, and stress management struggles.
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 your wellbeing. This is also important for understanding my own biases as a clinician.