Denise Meyer
I am a clinically licensed social worker. I went back to school at 54 after a 30 plus year career in special education and early intervention. My passion and gifts center on helping people overcome overwhelming life challenges and life transitions.
I also know what traumatic life experiences that you have no control over feel like.
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and CAMS to assist you in overcoming trauma, changing negative thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions and self-harm behaviors. My focus is to make you feel welcome in an accepting environment that allows you to be transparent and vulnerable in a way that brings healing for you.
First session
Our first session will consist of an assessment where I can get to know you better and find out what you expect to get out of counseling. The initial assessment is my chance to get an overall picture of who you are, where you want to focus, and the results you would like to have at the end of our counseling sessions.
Strengths
My greatest strengths are experience and imperfection. I also know what traumatic life experiences that you have no control over feel like. When life takes a turn that you did not expect or plan for, it can become very dark and feel like it is never ending. However, doing the work that sometimes feels like crawling out of a hole opens a person up to a lot of growth and insight not known before.
Ideal clients
I believe I am best suited for helping older clients (18 and above) who are in a life transition either due to aging, parental alienation/estrangement or facing a life challenging medical condition (cancer, heart failure). I also feel comfortable working with patients with severe mental health disorders such as psychosis and personality disorders, and suicidal ideation. Lastly, I was a special education teacher for over 30 years so working with individuals with disabilities comes naturally for me.
Origin story
The inspiration that drew me to this profession came from a traumatic life experience in my adulthood. When life takes a turn that you never thought would happen to you, it causes a person to either retreat and give up or take one day at a time to rebuild their life. After retreating for a season, I chose to rebuild. In my rebuilding I developed increased insight and strength about myself and others. I took what was meant to destroy my life and used it for good. I know what it feels like to be hopeless and not look forward to tomorrow. However, I also know what it feels like to turn that around and hold hope for the future in my heart and mind.
Ongoing work together
I keep specific notes on our sessions and do give a task at each session. Each session builds both on the last session as well as the new topic(s) coming out of the insight the client gleaned from the task given at the end of the last week's session. Plus, every third session or so, I check in with my clients to see if we are missing something that they specifically need/want to work on, talk about, or discuss. I try to be client centered during and throughout sessions. Building rapport with my clients is important.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I prefer using this method in person but have used it successfully via telehealth, too. EMDR is effective for reprocessing traumatic memories that cause distress. I have used it with clients who report grief, depression, and PTSD.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
This is one of my favorite tools that can be used for depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. The focus is to highlight client skills and resources for self-efficacy. This is a strength-based treatment modality that puts you at the center of your growth and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a great tool to use with clients who experience distorted thinking patterns like "all or nothing" or "catastrophizing," to name a few. There are many good tools to use with clients to help them manage life challenges.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have used this method primarily with clients who experience intense emotional reactions as well as suicidal ideation.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- OhioLicense I.2507396