My name is Andrea Walker, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I see individuals, couples, and families. I approach therapy using Internal Family Systems, Narrative, Somatic Experiencing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and CBT. I see people with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Relationship issues, Grief & Loss, and Personal Development.
My approach
I approach therapy with a mix of Internal Family Systems (part of me wanted to eat the cake and part of me didn't), Narrative Therapy (creating our life story), and Somatic Experiencing (helping get us out of our heads and into our bodies). Emotionally Focused Therapy (facilitating secure connection with self and others), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (change our thoughts to change our lens) - matching the client to the therapeutic approach.
My focus
I typically work with people who have symptoms from Depression, Anxiety, or Trauma that are affecting their ability to live their best life. I work with couples who are struggling with connection with their partner, and are wanting to find back what they used to have with each other. I also work with families who are struggling with relationships with their teenagers and adult siblings or parents.
My communication style
I create an environment of calm and nurturing, inviting clients to be able to go into those hard places and look at the scary or uncomfortable things while someone walks with them on their journey in an open, non-biased, and caring manner. I am very down-to-earth and easy to talk to. I am authentic, transparent, and real. I invite humor, joy, tears, relief...all are welcome here.
My journey to mental healthcare
My aunt was a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and I always looked up to her. My mom was a psych nurse in behavioral health for 25 years. My cousin and first husband lost their battles to depression and bipolar disorder to suicide. I have grown up around mental health and it's challenges, and this drives me to want to help others experience positive outcomes in their lives.
My goals for you
We will set goals in the first session or two, and this will be a collaboration between us. I believe the client knows more about their life and their needs, and I am here to give input and help you find your best way to wholeness.
My first session with you
In our first session, we will get to know each other a bit. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, what life looks like for you right now, what the previous chapters of your life looked like, and what you would like to gain from therapy.