Patty DumontLCSW

I do not think that it is uncommon that those of often those in the helping field, entered it because at some point in their own lives they needed help. I started out wanting to help, to be the person that I needed in my younger years. Thankfully I found that help within my first few years of college and was able to work through the issues that led me to the helping profession. That has evolved for mr over the years to the realization that it is a privilege for me to be able to walk with people during their most difficult times. A privilege I know, is one that not all, get to experience but one that I carries many responsibilities but also full of reward. I know that people place their trust and faith in me and I take that very seriously. It is not easy to ask a stranger for help nevermind then share even more intimate details of what is happening. I want to collaboratively work with you to meet your needs and achieve your goals. I truly love what I do.

I believe that we still have significant stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental health treatment in our society. I think periodically, mental health will become an issue that people want to bring awareness and education to but then it seems to fade away into the background as a new issue needing attention emerges. Having worked within this field for about 25 years (and a therapist for the last 17 of those), seeking mental health treatment still carries significant stigma for so many. So much so, I can't say that I have seen as much change as one would hope in a 25 year period. The landscape of the mental health field changed dramatically with COVID, with services being available via Telehealth and more accessible than ever as issues such as transportation were no longer barriers and people kept their appointments, but I also distinctly remember some of my older clients falling off as they did not want to deal with the technology, I have definitely seen more people seeking help. I have also seen employers stepping up their behavioral health benefit, especially with their staff working remotely and more isolated than before, yet it still doesn't feel like enough. There are still so many who waited until their mental health was so compromised they were not able to fulfill their responsibilities whether at work or home or both. They will tell you that they were taught to "suck it up". They were discouraged from expressing emotions or even worse having difficulty managing them. They will tell you of family members who presently so desperately need help but will not seek it.. I think everyone can benefit from prioritizing their mental health, our children included. Most can benefit from talk therapy. Some to a lesser degree than others but the benefits of gaining insight and maybe even some new ways to manage the many challenges we all face at some point or multiple points in our lives. Wouldn't it be nice for us to be able to address our mental health without it being any different than someone who goes to a doctor for their physical health. Our mental health and emotional well being are equally as important and we as a society should shift our thought process to more of an integrative approach that prioritizes our physical AND mental health equally. If we continue to normalize taking care of emotional health as we do our physical health, the stigma could not continue. I know for my daughter, I would like for her to one day be able to live in a world in which both are treated equally, given equal priority and that being the norm not the exception.

It is my goal that I create a space in which you feel safe to explore the needs and goals and are able to unpack their presenting problem, without any fear of judgment, as well as explore any fears or concerns they may have. My hope is that each person I meet feels accepted and understands the importance of a collaborative approach in which we work together to identify the best approach for you. Those things can not occur without the rapport and trust that is intrinsically the foundation in which a therapeutic relationship is established. Of course we all have many years of education and training that are important in ensuring we are competent but the number of initials after your name do not equate to the ability to establish rapport and make a connection with a client so that the real work can begin.

• Florida, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW8444
• Minnesota, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 30779

I think we all start out in this field wanting to help others but I have found in my work over the years that it is a privilege to be able to walk alongside people during some of their most difficult times as well as equipping them with the tools they need. I take very seriously the trust that is placed in me. My goal is to not only develop a therapeutic relationship but to provide a space in which you feel safe exploring the presenting issues. There is no one approach that will be effective with everyone, as therapy is tailored to your specific need. Whether you are facing depression, anxiety, loss, or any of the many stressors that many people face throughout their life, my purpose is to walk with you in reaching your goals. Therapy can be challenging, but my goal is to work with you in developing a plan that will allow you to reach the goals you have. I will work with you to determine your goals and do so through evidenced based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solutions Focused Therapy. I have experience working with primarily ages 12 and up in a variety of settings both inpatient and outpatient as well as crisis intervention. I have a great passion for adolescents and the unique challenges they face. I have also worked within both Acute and Palliative Care, giving me a unique perspective and understanding of the importance of an integrative approach that I carry with me in all my work. We all face challenges throughout our lives, myself included, but that is in part one of the many reasons I have such passion for the work I do. The first step is reaching out, from there we can work together to address whatever you may be facing. I look forward to having the privilege to assist you in achieving your goals, whatever they may be, as well as overall wellness