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, object relations, E.M.D.R., and the thinking of Harvey Jackins, the founder of RC.
My work with you would be to help you identify and understand the connections between current experience and how the past impacts your current response, to facilitate catharsis, new insight, and the release of 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 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 our partner and respond to them. Couples tend to develop patterns in how they interact with each other (including sexually) which can be frustrating and unsatisfying. So my work is to help you understand how this happens in your relationship, and remove it as an obstacle 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 have worked in the social services all of my adult life. I have been a therapist for over 12 years. I have a Masters of Science in counseling. I am a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In addition to that I am a trained mediator. I have given hundreds of hours of workshops and trainings in conflict resolution and communication skills. I worked for 7 years for the Multi-Cultural Counseling Service. I have experience therefore, working with clients from a variety of cultural, multi-cultural, and economic backgrounds.
I have received special training in E.M.D.R. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (E.M.D.R.) is a highly researched process, created by Francine Shaperio, to help people process trauma. Highly effective with Post Tramatic Stress Syndrome (P.T.S.D.) 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. 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 about 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 we were working on and what our goals and desired outcomes were. 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.
Lynn Fitz-Hugh, M.S.
WA State licensed LMHC Psychotherapist Individuals, Couples and Family Therapy Reclaiming our True Self... North Seattle/Shoreline office Call: (206) 713-0497 e-mail: lynn@fitz-hugh.org