Lisa Millay
Hi, my name is Lisa. When I was younger, I read The Making of a Psychiatrist by Dr. David Viscott. In the book, the doctor walked into his office to see a client taking books off the bookshelf and throwing them onto the floor. That is how I remember the book anyway.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I worked for over 30 years in hospice in the bereavement department, supporting those experiencing grief, anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, and life transitions.
The doctor connected with that hurting person with such compassion and insight, and he allowed for vulnerability and healing. I wanted to connect like that with hurting people and help them in their struggles. I didn't become a psychiatrist, but I did find purpose in helping others walk through difficult life journeys. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I worked for over 30 years in hospice in the bereavement department, supporting those experiencing grief, anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, and life transitions. We also dealt with anxiety, depression, and other life struggles that came up along the way. I am passionate about helping clients navigate life's most challenging moments. I will provide a safe and supportive environment where you can process emotions, build resilience, and discover coping strategies. Life sometimes gets messy, and you may feel isolated and overwhelmed. You don't have to face this alone. I have journeyed with hospice patients and their families for 32 years, and I would be honored to journey with you.
First session
Therapy with me is collaborative and is most effective when we actively choose the focus together. During the first session, I may ask questions to get to know you better and to understand what your expectations are for our sessions. We'll explore your coping styles. I will also answer any questions you may have, and we will create a plan for moving forward.
Strengths
I don't feel that I am the expert. I want to hear your perspectives and what has or hasn't worked for you. Your experience and insights matter. I feel that I'm authentic in counseling. I would want that in a counselor, even if it isn't always the most comfortable. I let you know what I'm thinking, and I want to know what your thinking. That is the quickest and easiest way to move forward and obtain the results you are looking for.
Ideal clients
If you are experiencing a difficult life transition and would like to have someone in your corner, I would love the opportunity to be that person. I know the emptiness, confusion, anxiety, and sadness that can be involved. And I know that it helps when you aren't alone. One thing I have noticed is that it helps to have someone who will listen. It also helps to have someone willing to gently help us think through thought patterns that keep us stuck. Sometimes we aren't aware of those patterns, but if we become aware of them, we have the opportunity to change how we show up for ourselves and others.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Every moment of our lives, we are choosing what we focus on. If we don't consciously choose, our brain just goes into habits. We may have a habit of focusing on what we fear, or what we can't control. This can cause feelings of worry, anxiety, or depression. CBT focuses on becoming aware of our thinking, and how that affects our feelings and actions. Becoming aware of this and taking action empowers us to create a more fulfilling life.
Attachment-based
It is sometimes useful to become aware of how early relationships impact our current functioning. We may uncover emotional wounds and unhelpful patterns that continue to show up in our current feelings and behaviors. When we become aware of these things, we have the ability to change how we show up for ourselves and others.
Christian Counseling
If faith is a part of your journey, we can include it in our sessions if you feel comfortable. The wisdom of God remains highly relevant today, and the peace and guidance He provides surpasses anything we can devise on our own.
Location
Virtual sessions