Terry Cummings, MSW, LCSW, DCSW
Compassionate CLIENT Centered Therapy-
Focus Is On the CLIENT Not the PROBLEM-
I was first trained as a behaviorist and client centered therapist and moved to a psychoanalytic approach in graduate school. I have since been exposed to many approaches of mental health treatment and theory. from Freud and Jung to New Age and Eastern Philosophies, I have developed my own sense of a Humanistic
approach based on the premise that caring for the client is foremost in the treatment process. I have learned the healing relationship between therapist and client is more important then the theory or model that is being practiced, and it is also very important for the type of treatment being practiced to be consistent with the needs of the client. In other words, I don't make my client fit into my treatment approach but create an approach to meet the needs of my client. I truly believe in total acceptance and recognize that the patient has the power and responsibility to make changes required to solve problems and live a happier and contented life. I also believe that the unconscious is a powerful influence on everyone's perception of who they are and how the world responds to them. Self-discovery is part of the process, as is learning cognitive behavioral tools to resolve irrational beliefs and coping with emotions.
I believe that unconscious thoughts, as well as negative or irrational beliefs play a dominate role in in the problems we face in our lives. Therapy will focus on getting in touch with one's true self and gaining a rational understanding of the motivations behind one's unhealthy behaviors and beliefs. with this understanding one begins to accept life situations for what they really mean. The process therefore develops an acceptance of the problem, increases motivation for change and instills a powerful belief and awareness that one can actually have the power to make the necessary changes that are required to solve the problems, which brought them into therapy.
I have learned that the most significant factor in successful treatment of an individual is to focus on the individual and not on the problem. As I have taught my students and interns " If you focus on the problem you lose sight of the individual". No matter what problem the client brings into the therapy, the solution will be unique to the individuals experiences, skills and personal development. We have to treat the individual not the problem.
Education/Training
Received my Bachelor of Science in Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Seattle Pacific University and my Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Washington.
Bio
I have had an extensive career working with a wide variety of people of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations whom have presented with a wide variety of behavioral health issues. I have worked in the juvenile justice system, children's services, residential treatment of mentally and behaviorally ill children and adolescents, in mental hospitals working with mentally and behaviorally ill adults, adolescence and children. I have been trained in Functional Family Therapy and have provided for many years family therapy to families in conflict. Also I have had considerable experience in the field of chemical dependency. Although I am supportive of the 12-Step Model of treating chemical dependency, I am a Certified facilitator of Smart Recovery Meetings and provide alternative or adjunctive therapy for alcoholism or drug addictions.
I have functioned for several years as a trainer and/or clinical director of individuals who required specific experiential practice at performing individual, group and family psychotherapy. Also I have been on the faculty of University of Southern California and California State University of Long Beach.
Memberships
I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the California Association of marriage and Family Therapists.
Payments Accepted
Cash, Check, Credit Cards. Insurance not accepted.
Hours:Flexible (By Appointment Only)
Cost/Session
Sliding Scale
License:Licences Clinical Social Worker (LCS14741), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Grief and Loss
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Addiction
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Group Therapy
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Adolescents
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Adoption
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Asperger's Syndrome
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Marriage Counseling
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Men's Issues
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Play Therapy
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Children's Counseling
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Premarital Counseling
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Couples
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Problem Gambling
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Depression
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Relationship Issues
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Divorce
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Domestic Violence
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Sexual Dysfunction
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EMDR
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Stress Management
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Family Conflict
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Women's Issues
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Work and Career Issues
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
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Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD)
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Diplomate, Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
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Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
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Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
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