Mary Ellen Trenga
Greetings, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). I have worked in the field of mental health for over 35 years in many different settings, providing counseling to a wide variety of clients of all ages, stages and diagnoses. What I have learned, most of all, is that people are more alike than different.
I have worked in the field for over 30 years demonstrating the ability to work with a variety of clients in a compassionate and non-judgemental way.
We all need to be seen and heard in a genuine and heartfelt way. Providing services in a safe and nurturing environment, offering opportunity for an authentic and compassionate relationship between therapist and client, is the foundation for healing and change. Unfortunately, even positive change is stressful. Knowing that there is a safe and judgment free space to process feelings and explore options can be life changing. Therapist and client together can develop collaborative goals to continue moving forward .
First session
We will begin with brief introductions, allowing you to ask any questions may have. I will review the basics of confidentiality and expectations for each of us. I will encourage you to share why you have decided to engage in therapy, and begin to establish possible goals for treatment. We will discuss scheduling and frequency of sessions for the short term future. We can then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Strengths
I have worked in the field for over 35 years demonstrating the ability to work with a variety of clients in a compassionate and non-judgemental way. I am able to listen, reflect, and share in a style that encourages honesty and authentic connection. I have been successful not only with individual clients, but couples and families as well. I have had particular successes with parents and adult children that have been estranged. Providing an atmosphere of safety and nurturance has proven to encourage healing in the most difficult situations. In that safe and comfortable space , people are able to relax physically and emotionally to share even their deepest hurts and disappointments.
Ideal clients
I am particularly adept at supporting clients that are struggling during life transitions: divorce, separation, step-parenting, transition to college, career change, health changes and aging, etc. I am able to process thoughts and feelings with them while encouraging new ways to cope and accept change. I have found that most clients are eager to improve their situations but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about the struggle that has brought them to therapy. Together we process ,explore options and develop new skills to support life challenges.
Treatment methods
Eclectic
My clinical experience has informed my understanding of many different treatment methods. Clients often develop increased awareness of negative thoughts and feelings using therapeutic interventions of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Solution Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques that increase and support corrective experiences and positive change. I have extensive training in many treatment methods knowing that each client is unique and best served by whatever works for them. I believe the most important aspect of effective healing is the relationship between the client and therapist. The establishment of trust , compassion, and commitment is the foundation for real and lasting change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- DelawareLicense PC-0000894