Courtney Dobson LISW

I believe that people do well if they can, and if there is an area they are struggling it may mean they need to build more skills. It sounds silly if you just say it, but when you really think about it your perspective on struggles may change. I don't believe any child decides to have an accident in their bed, so I would never try to use shame or guilt in dealing with it. They would choose differently...if they could. I don't believe any person chooses to skip work so much that they can't pay their bills, willingly putting themselves on a downward path. They would choose differently...if they could. As a therapist it's my job to help uncover the hidden barrier, and teach skills to overcome it so have the ability to make the best actual choices for their lives.

I think learning how invisible illnesses manifest in the body is one of the most impactful things I have learned as a professional. Many people feel therapy only treats the "feelings" side of things but that dismisses very real physical side effects and symptoms that people are experiencing. Being able to listen to someone talk about their fatigue, memory loss, aches and pains and then help them name it as depression or anxiety or whatever it may be allows people to feel seen and to acknowledge the truth of what's going on and can propel people forward in therapy.

So not exactly a movie but a YouTube video called "How the Story Transforms the Teller" by Donald Davis. In it he talks about how people can find and tell the stories that are important in their lives, and how by telling their story they can own their experiences, empower themselves, and begin to heal. This video really impacted how I view narrative therapy, perspective taking and reframing, how important retelling and owning your story can be, and how as a therapist I need be a listening ear so people can tell their stories and continue on their path to healing through reflection.

• Ohio, Licensed Independent Social Worker, I.1901591-Supv

I’ve worked for the past eight years helping people and families achieve their goals. I’ve worked with child protective services, as well as community mental health agencies providing quality mental health counseling, therapy, and case management to children, adults, and families.