Mental Health Counselor / Therapist in Lake Havasu City, AZ
Pamela Swanson, M.Ed., LPC | Mental Health Counselor / Therapist photo
Pamela Swanson, M.Ed., LPC
Therapy that Works
ABC Life Solutions
Location
351 Farallon Dr   
Lake Havasu CityAZ 86403
Additional Location
4376 42nd St NE   
EsmondND 58332
Practice Information
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.
Licenses/Certifications
 Certified Professional Counselor (ABPC)
License Info
AZ--LPC 2152, ND-659-4-1-+10
Education
I recieved my bachelor degree in elementary education and special education the summer of 1971 from MInot State University in North Dakota and taught school for about 15 years. IN 1984 I also receiving a masters in remedial reading from Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MInnesota. I began a career change in 1992 and got my masters in counseling educaiton from North Dakota State University in 1994 and began my private practice that year. Over the years I have gotten certification in EMDR, Bereavement, as well as extensive training in attachment disorders. I am currently involved in a one year program for infant and toddler mental health with the Harris Institute in Phoeniz, AZ.
Bio:
As a master’s level therapist I bring a wealth of experience to guide you in your change process. I am also a certified EMDR provider and a certified bereavement counselor. I have been in practice in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, since 1994, having received a master’s degree in Counseling Education from North Dakota State University in May of 1994. I expanced my practice to North Dakota, where I spend part of my year, having been licensed in that state since April of 2010. I adhere to the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association, of which I am a member. Married and with three grown children and a grandchild, I have personal experience in marriage and family.
Recommendations
Payments Accepted
cash, check, credit card, insurance
Hours
8-6 m-f and 8-12 sat.
Cost/Session
$65
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
 Addiction
 Adolescents
 Anger Management
 Anxiety and Panic
 Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
 Body Image Issues
 Caregiver Issues
 Chronic Illness
 Couples
 Depression
 Divorce
 Domestic Violence
 Eating Disorders
 Educational Therapy
 Gay or Lesbian Issues
 Gifted / Talented Issues
 Grief and Loss
 Learning Disabilities
 Life and Wellness Coaching
 Life Transitions
 Loneliness
 Marriage & Family Therapy
 Marriage Counseling
 Men's Issues
 Neuropsychological Evaluation / Testing
 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
 Online / Teletherapy
 Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
 Relationship Issues
 Self-Esteem Issues
 Seniors and Elder Care Issues
 Sexual Dysfunction
 Stress Management
 Trauma and PTSD
 Women's Issues
 Work and Career Issues
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