Feeling overwhelmed? There are kids, parents, work, spouse, school, and when you think of all the things your head feels like it might explode. When you add in anxiety, depression, frustration from being unable to focus, grief, or any other mental health struggle, it probably adds to the whirlwind you feel like you're stuck in. Maybe you've been told "it could be worse," or to "be grateful," but this didn't make you feel any better. No matter how big or small you think your situation is, your emotions and what you're feeling are valid and important, and worthy of acknowledgment and exploration. It's time to take care of you and seek help, in a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space. Once you feel heard and validated, we can dive in together to explore where your feelings may come from. I understand it can be hard to reach out for help, but I will meet you where you are emotionally and proceed at your pace. Allow me to join you in your journey.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During the first session, I will gather a history and we will talk about what brought you to counseling. During the second or third session we will set goals for your therapy. From there we will embark on your journey!

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

Sometimes people aren't aware of the strength they have inside of them, or maybe they've lost touch with it. I aim to bring a strengths-based, person-centered approach. Also, a holistic approach is considered, as there are a lot of elements at play when it comes to mental health that includes the health of the body, mind, and soul. From there, we can weave in some CBT, EMDR, DBT, and other methods based on what your needs are.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) uses bilateral brain stimulation to reprocess memories that can become trapped in the body. (If you've never heard of this, you might be wondering what I just said, but it can be explained further when we meet). It was originally developed to treat PTSD, but has been further developed to treat other memories that are stored dysfunctionally. I'm excited that I can help people reprocess their trauma to live a more peaceful existence! Of course this doesn't rule out talk therapy and other methods; sometimes people just need a non-judgemental, safe, sounding board to verbally process what's going on, or to vent to an empathetic ear. I am here to support!

About Amie Hanson, LCMHC