Watha Dubonnet

Hi. My name is Watha Dubonnet. In addition to being a Marriage and Family Therapist for thirty-plus years, I have raised three kids, been worked over by a two-year-old, and survived their teenage years. I fell in love with my Grandson, forgot how to say no, but he grew up in spite of me anyway. Life throws all kinds of fastballs at us sometimes and I am here to help. You are not alone.

My approach

After all these years it depends on what the patient wants, what they need. Some are looking for self-exploration, while others are looking for educational information to help them understand, manage, to cope with life, family, relationship, mood swings, anxiety, stress, chronic depression, domestic issues, and lest we forget, trauma whether current or something from the past. Therapy is designed to look at prevailing issues that are disturbing your ability to function in life. Behavioral modification with cognitive thought-stopping techniques is effective with proper support. Grief support is without a doubt beneficial for those who are feeling isolated and alone. And I cannot begin to tell anyone reading this that there is support for those who suffer from Bi-Polar disorder. I know how hard it is to understand when you are in the midst of moods running asunder. Yes, I will refer back to a prescribing Physician if need be. Medication can be valuable, effective and must be monitored. Life is not easy...you are not alone.

My focus

I generally work with clients who are seeking help, safety, and understanding of their current situation. Trauma and stress seem to be a prevailing theme. Solutions, options, and support can go a long way for those who are beyond their ability to get on in life. For today's society, the pace is so fast and there is so much pressure coupled with chemical dependence, mental challenges and to meet the expectations of that society sometimes it takes someone to slow it down, take it down a notch, explore the psyche, the soul, and ask something as simple as "what is going on?"

My communication style

I am soft-spoken, kind of laid-back, but can rise to the occasion when need be. It depends on what the client is in need of. In the initial stages of therapy, you cannot wrap a laughing hyena surrounded by lions in soft rabbit skin fur and try to get them to purr like a baby. You ask questions, reassure them, help look for solutions they can manage. I tend to observe, listen to language very carefully, helping them achieve their goals and objectives.

My journey to mental healthcare

Do you want the long answer or the short one? My older brother, Lynn, committed suicide when he was 23 years of age. I was sixteen at the time. I suspect that is why I do this kind of work. Also, my Mother was a nurse. She usually worked in ICU, Intensive Care Units, but on occasion, she would have to work in the Psych ward. She hated it! But I loved the stories that came out of those shifts. I was so curious about what motivated people to engage in questionable behavior. In college, I discover the word Psych meant soul and I was hooked after that. And...James Hillman had a way of explaining human behavior that I felt like I could do this. I could make a difference. So, I guess I do it for Lynn.

My goals for you

Goals, their goals, are generally defined by what they perceive as a need. More often than not, stability of mood, relational interaction, economics, both familial and community, whether work or school are sought after. We explore how their day-to-day existence is going. How they would like their respective lives to look, to feel. We set the goals and work toward them.

My first session with you

First sessions are always interesting. The Client has been thinking about this first session prior to arriving and generally has an expectation, an agenda, full of questions, and wants to be reassured. Some are anxious and you try to reassure them. Some are well-defended and combative from the start and they are looking for reassurance as well. I tend to engage others by asking why they are here, what they would like to see happen...and how I might help them. Connection, that initial connection, can be crucial.