This page was modified
on 12/10//2011 
113 South Ninth Avenue
(the northeast corner of Poplar and Ninth)
The new home of
Palouse Counseling
Recovering From Trauma
Bad things happen. Sometimes horrific things happen to us as both children and adults, and people turn to therapists to help them cope with the devastation trauma can cause in their lives.
Our therapeutic approach to trauma has changed in the last decade. We used to think that people needed to talk about and "work through" the traumatic event in order to heal. What we have learned is that this approach often simply retraumatizes the person, leading to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dissociation—even increased drug and alcohol abuse and suicides.
The more effective form of treatment involves:
1. Strengthening the person's defenses,
2. Providing relief from symptoms,
3. Assuring external safety,
4. Establishing internal safety, and
5. Establishing good functioning in daily life and relationships.
Once these five goals are met, a person may or may not choose to explore the traumatic event(s). But we have made sure they are ready, and strong enough to withstand the trauma of memory. We then work on meaning-making and perspective. Many people find that, absent symptoms and with their lives functioning smoothly, they are content to leave the past in the past.
I personally believe that everyone has within themselves the drive to heal and to move forward. Everyone has the tools they need. It is the therapist's job to help them write the plan, establish their foundation, and build their healing.
Laurie L. Heikkenen, LICSW 2011
Coming Soon
"Small Packages"
Gift and Consignment Shop
We are planning a small consignment shop to provide a place for
some of our creative clients to sell their hand-made jewelry and
other products. Sales of other items will provide funding for
therapy for people who have no other resources. We hope to open
soon--watch this space!
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT MOVES
In April, 2009, Palouse Counseling transferred our State chemical
dependency license to Teaming for Success, allowing us to focus
on mental health and emotional wellness. People with
questions about their chemical dependency treatment at Palouse
should call TFS, as all chemical dependency records transferred
with the license. Teaming for Success can be reached at 509-522-2791.
Palouse Counseling Recognized as "Outstanding
Social Work Agency" of 2003 by the Washington State Chapter
of the National Association of Social Workers
Okay, so this is old news but we are still very proud of it!
"The trick is in
what one emphasizes . . .
We either make ourselves miserable,
or we make ourselves strong.
The amount of work is the same."
~Carlos Castaneda
Previous
and Other Quotes
Administrator/Webmaster Email
Admin
Palouse Counseling, PLLC
is owned and managed by Laurie Heikkenen, LICSW
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