Debra Schmitz

No matter how old we are, each of us does the best we can to deal with the stresses and changes that life brings. Sometimes, however, along life’s journey, those stresses can become overwhelming leading to feelings of discouragement, anxiety, anger, and powerlessness (to name a few). We can feel “stuck” in patterns of thinking, feelings, and behaving. I believe that the counseling relationship offers hope.  As a clinician, I work from the foundation that there is no stronger power of transformative change than that of the therapeutic alliance.  That relationship then forms the platform from which behavioral and emotional changes begin to happen through thoughtful engagement, skill-building, and utilization of strengths and resources. Counseling offers a safe place to discuss the things that have happened or are happening in your life (without criticism or judgement), to be heard and validated, and to find solutions leading to an improved quality of life.  Counseling can help you let go of the past, adjust to the present, and help you create the future you desire.