Therapists in Burlington, VT

We are all worthy of love and belonging. It is a fundamental part of the human experience. We all strive to find meaning, purpose, connection, safety, and healing within all domains of our lives. I am enthusiastic about aiding people in their quest to deepen self-understanding, self-compassion, and personal growth. Together we will create a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, respect, authenticity, curiosity, and collaboration. This allows us to address the issues you are facing in a warm empathic space. It helps us to develop a greater awareness of self and others; cultivating more fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

Hello and welcome. My name is Vicki Garrison, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I deeply value my work as a clinician and providing services in a manner that meets your needs. As such, my work is grounded in establishing a genuine therapeutic relationship with you and maintaining a safe, warm, nonjudgmental, confidential, inclusive, and empowering therapeutic environment.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in repetitive patterns that can betray our deepest wishes for a fulfilling life. Perhaps you have developed ways of coping that were once effective but are less helpful than they were in the past. Natural life transitions themselves, even the joyful ones, can be full of complicated feelings like loss, grief, and resentment. Despite wanting a meaningful relationship with others, you may feel inhibited and alone. We can also just feel ‘off’ yet remain unsure why or what could be the cause. Exploring our unconscious minds and residues can illuminate great depths

I am dedicated to helping people address current challenges and long-standing issues through enhanced awareness of themselves and others. I have expertise in working with problems related to substance use and work extensively with people struggling with difficulties including anxiety and depression, relationships, employment, and school problems. Whether you are going through a difficult period or experiencing more pervasive symptoms, I am available to discuss treatment or to consult for assistance in navigating the often confusing mental health system. Supervision and consultation to other professionals are also available.

I work primarily with adults and adolescents. This includes family work in support of the individual work, but I do not do ongoing family or couples therapy. I have experience working with a broad range of patients but most of my experience is with difficulties associated with depression, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), problems with expression of anger, and teen/parent conflicts.

Note: My practice is full at this time; I am not taking new clients or adding to my waiting list: I believe that metaphor is the carrier of deep truths about the self, and the door to meaning and growth. As a therapist, I listen for metaphor in verbal and non-verbal interactions with clients. I was trained in Expressive Therapy and also use a developmental approach. I am also fully trained in EMDR. I base all of my work with children, teens, families, and adults in a grounding in normal development, taking into account developmental stages as I look at issues and problems presented.

In my clinical mental health practice, my goal is to support you in cultivating more peace, connection, and joy—honoring what this means to you and your individual experience. With over 15 years in the field, I have found that when one seeks support for the things that aren't working in their life, these things tend to get better. You can improve your world—I am here to walk with you on your path.

I have accrued over ten years of experience with people on sorting through a variety of life's difficulties. I work with people who may be struggling with all sorts of problems including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relational difficulties.