Russ Patten (he/him)

Clinical symptoms of trauma can significantly impact a persons capacity to function and engage life, particularly as it applies to relationships with others, social interactions and community participation. There are effective, evidence based somatic methods, like EMDR therapy, that can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and the level of distress clients experience when trauma symptoms become triggered or activated.

Anxiety can be incredibly frustrating and limiting in one's life, reducing confidence and diminishing a persons capacity to engage aspects of life in a meaningful and optimally functional way. Client can develop greater control over their anxiety be being more aware of entrenched, unhelpful thoughts that exacerbate their symptoms and consciously adjusting/reframing such thoughts. I also teach coping rooted in mindfulness and somatic principles, so client can become better at symptom management.

Depression can feel like being in a dark pit and forgetting how it feels to be outside of that darkness. CBT informed strategies are important in addressing depression. In addition, symptoms of depression are often accompanied by loss of meaning, hope and purpose. Exploration and identification of important personal values can reignite internal motivation. Values clarification coupled with committed, realistic, goal informed actions are significant in overcoming depression.

Nature can be an ally in our work together! I serve as a safe and supportive guide to assist you in accessing the healing power of the natural world in combination with you counseling needs. I help you access the healing power of nature in order to find more stability, clarity, peace and direction in your life. This process allows you to access you own inner compass, instilling a greater capacity to navigate the wilderness of life with grace, confidence and a sense of humor.

Understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors is a key element in making meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. We have the greatest capacity to change the course of feeling, actions and outcomes/consequences in varies circumstances of life, when we learn to become more aware of related thoughts, make active efforts to challenge unhelpful patterns, and adjust thinking in a manner the builds self concept, confidence and self compassion.

Trauma therapy often initially involves nurturing safety in the therapeutic alliance and container, as well as developing effective tools for managing trauma symptoms when triggered or activated. Trauma therapy to reduce severity of symptoms and improve client functionality is most effectively engaged, and produces the best results, when somatic awareness and related modalities, like EMDR, are used. Trauma is held in the nervous system and relate distress can effectively be released.