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Mental Health Counselor / Therapist in Norman, OK

Preferred Member

Ellen Donaldson, LMFT, LADC

Ellen Donaldson, LMFT, LADC | Mental Health Counselor / Therapist photo
If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes!
Taking the first step...
I believe in taking a holistic approach to counseling. Since most issues are interrelated, positive change in one area begins a ripple effect of change in others. My training and over 25 years of clinical experience is diverse, addressing issues related to relationship problems, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, grief and stress. In addition, I offer two women's groups and an individualized Anger Management Program. Since 1995, I have been an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma. Courses taught include, Understanding Addictions, Stress Management, Chemical Dependency, Human Emotions and Advanced Counseling Skills.
One of the most effective interventions I use is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR). It is enormously successful in treating PTSD and is often used with complicated grief issues. EMDR came to Oklahoma in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, on April 19, 1995. This tragedy resulted in widespread trauma and grief, throughout the state. A team of volunteer EMDR therapists immediately flew into Oklahoma City and worked tirelessly for several months, providing this therapy to victims, survivors and rescue workers. I was fortunate to have been in the group of 300 licensed therapists who were trained to carry on their work. As a result, I became certified in EMDR and have incorporated it into my therapy practice. It has allowed my clients to more effectively cope with and resolve a wide variety of issues and problems affecting their quality of life. EMDR continues to be one of the fastest, most valuable resources for individual healing.

I am a Licensed Marital & Family Therapist, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor and a Certified EMDR Therapist. My practice utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, showing the connection between thoughts, feelings and behavior. I also offer assertiveness and stress management training, in addition to chemical dependency counseling and chemical dependency interventions.
Education/Training
University of Oklahoma, 1980--Bachelor's Degree, Social Work
University of Oklahoma, 1984-- Master's Degree, Human Relations
Bio
I have worked in the counseling field for many years, initially as the clinical director for NAIC, an outpatient substance abuse treatment agency in Norman, from 1985 to 2003. Since 1995 I have been an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma, and I have taught classes on chemical dependency and addictions, human emotions, stress management and advanced counseling skills. In 1994, I started my private counseling practice, in Norman, which has become my full-time work. In addition to counseling and teaching, I have conducted chemical dependency interventions since 1991, and I am a certified therapist in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Since 2002, I have served as a board member on the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselor Certification Board.
Memberships
Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
National Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
EMDR International Association
Oklahoma Drug & Alcohol Professional Counselor Association
Payments Accepted
Credit and debit cards, Health Savings accounts, cash, checks and Health Choice or Tricare insurance
Hours:Afternoons and evenings
Cost/Session
$90.00
License:Licensed Marital & Family Therapist, Oklahoma, License number: 612
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy  Life Transitions
 Addiction  Marriage & Family Therapy
 Anger Management  Marriage Counseling
 Anxiety and Panic  Premarital Counseling
 Caregiver Issues  Relationship Issues
 Couples  Self-Esteem Issues
 Depression  Stress Management
 Gay or Lesbian Issues  Trauma and PTSD
 Grief and Loss  Women's Issues
 Group Therapy  Work and Career Issues
Licenses/Certifications
 Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA)  Licensed Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC)
 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)