Shawn Thomas Berthel LMHC

I offer an open and safe space for clients to explore their concerns, free from judgment and with unconditional positive regard. Clients who come to me for services can expect a professional engagement filled with warmth and humor, as well as care and concern for the client's well-being. My number one goal in working with any client, is for the client to experience success in attaining solutions to their concerns, and achieve their highest good in living their best life.

After the paperwork is completed and a file has been established, the first session is very organic. Meaning, its a free flow of the client's thoughts and concerns, without a need for a lot of structure or rigidness in focusing too heavily on any one area. I call it "the time of unpacking". It is the space of time for the client to quite honestly open up that mental closet or emotional storage space, and let everything fall out wherever, so that we can look at what we have going on. From there (typically intended for future sessions) - guided by the client's needs, we develop a plan of working together to repair or replace what needs to be addressed so that the client can move forward again more successfully.

Collaborating with other providers is guided by the client's needs and their permission for me to contact their other providers of care. Working with other providers that the client already works with, requires a release form to be signed by the client, and then having a discussion with the client about what those collaboration needs look like and the extent to which they will be used.

• Washington, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LH60656550

Beginning in 2013, I worked for two clinical mental health and drug treatment agencies over the course of three years, before starting my private practice. I have been in private practice since October 2016. Prior to professional counseling work, I have worked in retail, restaurant, and customer service fields, to name a few other areas of employment.