Pamela Swanson, M.Ed., LPC
Mental Health Counselor / Therapist
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Therapy that Works
I am the sole practitioner at ABC Solutions which offers individual, family, and couple counseling. My approach is solution focused and narrative—looking at the presenting problem and finding solutions within the story the client tells about his/her life. I adhere to the systemic approach when looking at families—believing the system has created the problem rather than one person in the family being the problem. I include many cognitive/behavioral techniques such as homework, repeated affirmations, goal sheets, hand outs, in session practice, and other behavioral techniques to assist with quick change. While most problems can be dealt with in this manner, a client’s history often has an impact on “stuckness” and past issues will be taken in to account if necessary.
The initial assessment always includes a brief history of family, work, medical, social environmental, alcohol and drug use, along with previous treatment and risk assessment (suicidality and homicidality). With any significant finding a more in depth evaluation may be necessary.
I have experience and training in parenting, premarital therapy, play therapy, couple issues, gay and lesbian issues, trauma, anger management, mood disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, anxiety, compulsive disorders, health related issues, co-dependence, eating disorders, women’s issues, stress management, post traumatic stress disorder, occupational issues, life management, bereavement, adolescent issues, domestic violence, incest survivors and sexual dysfunction.
I work with all ages face to face but can not provide play therapy for children telephonically for obvious reasons. Though I have worked with trauma survivors extensively, many trauma treatments require face to face counseling. I cannot do EMDR telephonically.
I believe in the power of my clients to heal themselves with guidance and education. By applying the skills they will learn in the therapy sessions they can transform their lives. I also believe that by changing your thinking you can change your life. Your feelings come for your thinking. Even when “out there” circumstances seem to control your life, you can choose how to perceive them. I help you take charge of your life.