206-902-7003
info@williamsoderberg.com
In My Practice
Counseling Services
We all need help in our lives at one time or another. The therapeutic environment gives us a chance to gain perspective while focusing on ourselves and those we care about. We may need to learn new skills and find new tools or rediscover those we have lost. Sometimes we lose hope and may need help to get it back. We may feel overwhelmed and need to find more balance in our lives.
I work with individuals, couples and families to gain insight and to identify the underlying causes to challenges in their lives. I help people figure out where they are currently at and find solutions, while building on the strengths of the individual, couple and/or family. With my assistance, clients prioritize their needs and then set simple, realistic, and achievable goals. Clients draw on their experience and learn to appreciate the areas of their life where they are enjoying success. Clients gain the skills and tools needed to meet their goals. My specific approach may vary depending on therapeutic needs, but may involve cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, family systems, narrative, solution focused and psycho educational techniques. I work from a trauma informed lens, with a broad focus on attachment practices. All services are provided in a safe, supportive, empathetic and accepting environment. I treat all clients with respect and dignity, especially in regard to age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital and socio economic status.
The Teenage Years
The combination of teenage hormones with the onset of mood disorders like depression can create a significant challenge for both teens and parents. If a teen experiences a traumatic event or the loss of a loved one, this adds an additional layer of feelings and thoughts to sort through. Parents may notice that their teens are trying to cope with anxiety, managing school academics and pressures, perfectionism, substance use, and low self-esteem or struggles with body image. Additionally, they may be exploring their sexual and/or gender identity, as well as their ethnic or racial identity. Teens are figuring out the question “who am I, and who do I want to be?” Building healthy connections with friends and later in intimate relationships are a significant part of the these years.
Learning to set healthy boundaries and prioritize demands are important. When teens learn strategies to reduce depression and anxiety, they will have tools to take into their adult life. In therapy we look at the symptoms and contributing factors as well as more typical teen behavior and create a focused plan to address problems. Having an ally during this time can help with processing and preparing for the next stages of growth and discovery.