As humans we are not designed to live in isolation. We require the support of other for our basic survival and our emotional and mental well-being. While family and friends are typically our primary source of support, sometimes the issues we face become too complicated, intense or confusing to manage without the help of a professional. As a counselor, it is my role to provide that outside perspective and therapeutic support needed to overcome those issues that seem too great to manage alone or with your current support system. Read our Blog HERE

Creating in our lives is the key to living a successful and fulfilling life. Individuals struggling with life changing choices, difficult relationships and school, work or life stressors often suffer from depression, anxiety, anger and self-control management. I work with individuals, couples and families to develop skills and systems that create harmony and balance in their lives.

My therapeutic orientation is primarily empowerment theory, which focuses on embracing an individual’s power to make choices and create alternatives to “what ought to be” and changing “what is.” In relationships of , people can explore the real commitments that define their lives and create visions of self-fulfillment that are attainable.

I also work from a systems theory perspective, which includes mental health issues and works to identify the areas within a client’s or families’ entire system that affect behaviors. Understanding our role in these systems and evaluating how we take on roles can be very powerful in transforming behaviors and outlook.

Specialty Areas:

Anxiety/Panic | Coping Skills | Disability | Depression | Family Relationships | Grief/Loss |Life Transitions | Parenting | Personal Growth | Relationships | Stress | Self-Esteem | Self Care
   

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and frustrating roles we have. Unfortunately, there is no manual teaching us how to become effective parents and raising well-adjusted children. In our current society, the nuclear family of the 1950’s in no longer the norm. Families come in all varieties and have a variety of struggles to overcome. Providing parenting support and counseling is an area of emphasis in my practice. I help parents develop skills in logical consequences, establishing boundaries, managing anger and teaching children decision making.

Depression
 At some point in our lives we experience moments or periods of depression. When is it time to seek help? It is when it interferes with your ability to manage daily living and enjoyment of life. It can include feelings of pervasive sadness, hopelessness or simply a lack of joy that last days or even months when untreated. My approach involves treating the depression as well its underlying causes to provide immediate relief and long term resolution.

 

Families with a disabled family member have special support needs that most families don’t experience. I help families work through the struggles of supporting a disabled family member. I work with them to create a lifestyle that is supportive of their own needs as well as those of their family member.

Couples Counseling
Couples counseling involves adjusting communication styles in ways that are supportive rather then destructive. Often time couples will develop a way of communicating that is detrimental to the relationship. While a couple maybe compatible sexually, sometimes the communication troubles will interfere to the point of intense stress. Together, as a team, we address areas that interfere with intimacy, trust and compatibility.

Persons with disabilities and those who love and support them face a variety a struggles intertwined with the disability, but also issues that are hidden by the disabling factor. I help people with disabilities develop self-determined goals. I help their families and support network create an environment that fosters and nurtures independence. Everyone has the basic right to experience the highest level of self-fulfillment possible.

Anxiety
Like depression, anxiety occurs with many people, although its forms may vary. Irritability, compulsive or obsessive thoughts or behaviors, physiological sensations such as a racing heart and sweaty palms or an extreme need for control are all hallmarks of anxiety. My approach is an integrated one based in increasing the sense of control over anxiety and life in general.

Divorce and Co-Parenting
Current divorce rates are high, making it one of the most common and significant life changes. Successful restructuring of the family and effective co-parenting has many benefits. I work with parents to move forward and keep lines of communication open so that those benefits can be realized.

 

 

 

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Experience
I have always been interested in helping people develop themselves to their fullest potential. I have worked in social services for thirteen years, including working with persons with disabilities in academic and community based environments. I have served as a group and individual parent educator and worked with the Department of Children and Family Services in assessing and improving parenting skills. I have worked with persons with mental health issues in maintaining the least restrictive community based lifestyle, as well as in institutional settings. I have experience in supporting people struggling with grief, loss and life transition management. I have worked with adolescents in therapeutic group home facilities and in the community. My experience in these varied settings has provided me the opportunity to work with people of a variety of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. I am a registered counselor in the state of Washington my registration number is RC0045850.

Education
I have a bachelor of arts in Psychology from Saint Martin’s College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington. In additional I have completed several continuing education trainings in disability services, coping skills, self-determination and parenting. My complete resume is available upon request.

Fees/Office Hours
I charge $70 per 50-min session. I have sliding scale for those who are unable to pay the full rate. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Debit, personal checks and cash, payment is expected each session. I accept Washington Basic Health and crime victim's compensation. I accept other forms of insurance if your plan allows "out of network providers". Please check with your insurance company for verification if they will allow that service for you.

My office hours include evening and Saturdays. Please contact me to discuss a schedule that is workable for your needs.

Contact Information
Connie Woodyard, MSW
The Cornerstone Building,
627 W. Franklin Street Suite 6,
Shelton WA 98584 360-462-7552.
Email: connie@counseling.com