Therapists in Helena, MT

In today's world, it seems that there are a million things that inundate us; causing us to question, to fear, to fight. If you are someone who longs for peace, whether with self or within relationships- I'd love to join you on that journey.

Welcome! Prior to affiliating with Mount Helena Counseling, I was fortunate to provide psychotherapeutic support to individuals and families in the Helena area for over 18 years. My experience has allowed me to provide counseling to persons spanning the age continuum from adolescents to aging adults. My areas of expertise include end-of-life, grief and loss, palliative care, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, gender questioning, and suicidal ideation. Our work together will include "talk therapy" (focusing on thoughts and feelings) as well as mindfulness-based activities (focusing on present "in the moment" experiences).

I provide psychotherapy/counseling to adults for the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, low self-esteem, codependency and life transitions.

As a therapist, my aim is to meet you where you are. I help by fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment, centered on exploring the unique issues and struggles which brought you to therapy. I will provide support and understanding within the therapeutic relationship for you to better understand yourself and the difficulties you are having. In this process you can learn to understand and manage the obstacles that have led to the struggles whether it be in your mood, behaviors, self-esteem, jobs, and/or relationships. I believe in the most difficult of times there is also an opportunity for change and growth.

I provide counseling/psychotherapy as well as neurofeedback services. My goals in working with counseling/psychotherapy clients include providing a safe and supportive environment, helping clients process unresolved emotional issues, helping clients increase their self knowledge and helping clients develop more effective coping strategies. My client's struggles include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, stress, anger, low self-esteem, and interpersonal conflicts. Many of my clients have stress associated with work or home, unresolved childhood issues, and/or various forms of emotional trauma.

It's common to seek out therapy after many unsuccessful attempts to "fix it" on your own. I recognize the efforts you've put forward to improve your life and I'm here to help you address the things that stand in the way of healing and restoration. Some common needs that are addressed in counseling include: improving emotional regulation, alleviating symptoms of anger, depression, trauma, and anxiety, improving relationships, developing parenting skills, rebuilding the ability to trust and many more.

I work well with adults, adolescents, and families, and am experienced in a variety of issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, codependency, addiction, relationship issues, parent-child relationships, adoption, and more.

I enjoy working with individuals (tweens, teens, and adults), and families. Depression, anxiety, autistic challenges, grief, life changes/crises, developmental growth, attachment, relational issues, adverse spiritual and religious experiences, and other concerns are my areas of focus. I am open to all faith traditions. I am a licensed professional counselor and an Ordained Interfaith Minister, trained through The New Seminary in New York City.

Being a mental health counselor means that I get the honor to walk alongside individuals on their journey towards a more fulfilled, purposeful and holistically healthy life. I believe in the healing power of a collaborative therapeutic relationship and work to provide a warm, supportive and empowering environment where lasting growth and change can take place. My belief is that everyone is capable of achieving a full life with deeper, more authentic relationships with the self and others. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to explore the aspects of life that can be difficult to hike through alone.

I received my undergraduate degree from Carroll College, then attended graduate school at Arizona State University where I received my Masters of Social Work in 2011 and Doctor of Behavioral Health in 2014. I have worked extensively in the substance abuse field, but do not exclusively treat those with substance abuse issues. Along with addiction issues, my specialties include cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, self-esteem, and co-dependency.

I thoroughly enjoy working with individuals that are interested in seeking help in change and understanding, especially if it relates to trauma. I have 12 years experience in law enforcement which has allotted me first hand experience in numerous traumatic incidents, and personal insight. With that being said, I find it incredibly rewarding and meaningful to offer education, coping skills, and understanding on how to deal with some of life's tragedies, large or small. I believe it is very common for anyone to become 'stuck' in life and need a little therapeutic push in the right direction.

At this time, I am exclusively a Telehealth provider for Montana clients. It is one of the most profound honors of my life the last 17 years to have people trust me with their deepest wounds and to share their journeys of courage. I have learned the importance of being lost, the language of rain and storms, and the deep echoing of the mourning howl. I believe that by allowing and accepting the mystery of loss with it's own timing, we have a chance to claim our path, our symbols. In order to become whole, the shadow and the light must be recognized, all must be explored.

I enjoy helping children overcome and heal from life's challenges. I believe that teamwork with parents is critical to kid's healing and healthy development. With over 18 years of professional experience, I specialize in treating children ages 2-13. I offer effective evidence based treatment for behavioral and attention disorders of early childhood, and childhood trauma. Children's stumbling blocks can be rooted in divorce, learning or developmental disabilities, loss, grief, tantrums or behavioral difficulties, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety and academic struggles. Counseling can help turn these struggles into valuable life experience and increased confidence.

I believe individuals have it within themselves to effectuate positive change and that the therapeutic relationship can facilitate that process. By providing a person-centered approach to therapy, clients use their own wisdom and self-knowledge to move forward, improve their lives and achieve a greater level of self-actualization. Recognizing common threads and patterns woven into the tapestry of each unique reality, affords greater understanding, appreciation and empowerment.

I work well, enjoy, and have experience with adolescents and adults in individual and group therapy. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy so plan to develop groups focused in that area. My focus in individual therapy is both cognitive and emotion based so I can coach my clients in both areas of her/his life, as well as address any behavioral concerns.

We all experience times in our lives where we need a little extra support, empathy, compassion, and understanding. Navigating the ebb and flows of life can be tedious and can take a toll on your mind, body, and spirit. Working through the barriers that our work life and family life can present can be difficult.

I am unfortunately full at this time. The first step toward change is always the hardest. I believe that we all are working towards a sense of purpose, wholeness, and connectedness. In my practice and my life, I am honored to have helped others find resiliency and overcome monumental obstacles to find peace and contentment in life. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques to fit individual goals. I do not have a "cookie cutter" approach but spend the first 1-2 sessions getting to know each client to develop a very individualized treatment plan.

Accepting New Clients! Hi there! Thank you for being here! I enjoy practicing from a relational and cognitive behavioral lens most days, and I am flexible to what you may need that session. It’s important to build a great therapeutic relationship to provide safety and trust. I have worked extensively with individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, life changes, and various mental health challenges and diagnoses. My goal is to help you create a healthier internal environment to be able to achieve your personal goals.

Helena Psychotherapy is part of the Rivers and Mountains therapy group in Helena, Montana, and offers therapy, training, and consulting by Patrick Van Wyk, PhD. The mission of Helena Psychotherapy is to provide high quality psychological services based on the best evidence and scientific research available, delivered in a compassionate and effective manner.