My approach to working with people is based upon the idea that we were all born with a full range of possibilities and strengths, but as we went along our way various events, injuries, and hurts were accumulated. We formed responses or patterns based upon those hurts that served us well in the past, but now, brought into the present, hold us back or keep us stuck. I draw upon methodologies of: Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, object relations, E.M.D.R., and the thinking of Harvey Jackins, the founder of Re-evaluation Counseling (RC).
My work with you would be to help you to identify and understand the connections between current experience and how the past impacts your current response, to facilitate catharsis, new insight, and to release old patterns. Often it seems like a problem is very much rooted in the present, and the work is to understand what gives the problem power and to change that. This approach can be very practical and specific or can be focused on long-term foundational issues, depending upon your preference. I do believe it is possible to reclaim our true selves.
With couples, these patterns often cloud how we see and respond to our partner. Couples tend to develop patterns in how they communicate and interact with each other (including sexually), which can be frustrating and unsatisfying. My work is to help you understand how this happens in your relationship and remove obstacles to closeness between you, and to help you better communicate with and understand each other. I think it is possible to heal from hurts that have happened in your relationship, and to use these experiences to strengthen the relationship. In working with couples I draw upon the work of Harville Hendrix, John Gottman and David Snarch. I am in the process of becoming a certified Imago couples counselor.
I also have a speciality working with cross-cultural couples which I have been doing since 1994 and have received various trainings in. Cross-cultural couples struggle with all the same kinds of issues as other couples- however often we are not aware of the imprint of our own culture and the opinions and behaviors we hold are culturally influenced leading to conflicts which are actually based in culture. While I by no means am familiar with every culture, I have learned how to help couples identify when an issue is cultural, to move away from any sense that one way is the right way, and help them build a bridge across the cultural divide.
I have worked in the social services all of my aduI have worked in the social services all of my adult life, I have been a therapist since 1994, and I have a Masters of Science in counseling. I am a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Additionaly I am a trained mediator. I have given hundreds of hours of workshops and trainings. I worked for 7 years for the Multi-Cultural Counseling Service, I have experience working with clients from a variety of cultural, multi-cultural, and economic backgrounds.
I have received special training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly researched process, created by Francine Shaperio, to help people process trauma and is especially effective with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety attacks, and phobias. This method duplicates what we do in R.E.M. sleep (dream state) while we are awake and have our conscious attention on our traumatic memories or fears. This method is very effective at reducing fears, nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety and avoidance responses. I have also been trained in brainspotting which is a specialized kind of EMDR. If you suffer from these sorts of problems I hope you will contact me -- you don't have to be stuck with these sorts of symptoms. E.M.D.R. is also good for improving your ability to perform to your full potential.
Please call me to set up an appointment. On the phone I will answer any questions you have about counseling, fees, directions to my office, etc. The first appointment is a time for you to share what issues you want to work on, and for me to talk with you about how we might work on those issues. At your second or third appointment we would make a treatment plan, which would be our agreement of what issues, goals and desired outcomes to be worked on. This plan can be modified at any point you like. It will also give a sense of how long counseling might take. I generally see people once a week, and we would pick a regular time for your appointments.
Washington State Licensed Mental HEalth Counselor (LMHC) Psychotherapist
Individuals, Couples, and Family Therapy -- Reclaiming Your True Self...
| North Seattle / Shoreline Office |
1424 NE 155th St, #204 Shoreline, WA 98155 |
My office is nearby Hamlin Park and Fircrest School Yahoo Map |
| Telephone | (206) 713-0497 | |
| lynn@fitz-hugh.org | ||
| By Bus | Metro Transit Routes 77 and 348 | |
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1424 NE 155th St is on the northwest corner of 15th Ave NE and NE 155th St Parking off 155th |
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