We are excited to introduce our newest therapist, Bridgette Inukiha'angana! We searched high and low to find the perfect fit-- something who brings great experience and the right therapeutic touch to our practice. This blog will feature a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get to know Bridgette better. From their therapeutic approach to their thoughts on common mental health concerns, this blog will provide insights and answers that can help you feel more comfortable and informed as you embark on your therapy journey. Stay tuned for more content by Bridgette!
What made you want to be a therapist?
The mental health field has always intrigued me and I knew from a young age I wanted to be a therapist. Sometimes life has different plans for us! I now can see the beauty in the direction my life went, but whew, it is hard in the moment! During this time there were a lot of changes and aspects of my personal life I wanted to work through. I began seeing a counselor who was able to guide me to loving myself and giving me an extra confidence I did not know I was capable of having. Therapy literally changed my life and helped me work through some significant moments I did not realize still affected me. While continuing to do therapy and continuing down another career path I thought I enjoyed, I knew in my heart a clinical therapist is what I wanted to be and what I always wanted to be. As I continue my career and my own personal journey of healing there have been multiple moments that have affirmed this and have made me feel like I am doing something meaningful.
Can you describe your therapeutic approach and how it helps clients?
It is hard to specify one therapeutic approach that I utilize because each client I see has such individualized needs. While I use many evidence based interventions and pieces of therapeutic approaches I would say my therapeutic approach is heavily person centered. I feel this approach allows clients to come as they are and will allow them to be in control of their healing. I believe people are continually changing which allows them to strive to make meaningful changes that can positively impact their life. Somatic healing and learning how your body responds to situations is a significant part of healing and learning to love yourself. A big part of my therapeutic approach is allowing clients to learn to love who they are and where they are at in their process while also giving them a space to work towards a version of themselves they aspire to be.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy that you encounter?
One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is that I will give you all the answers and advice that will change your life. While I am a guide who will steer you into understanding different personal concepts, I believe that gaining confidence and power within yourself will lead you in the direction that is right for your life. Another misconception is that going to therapy is easy. Therapy is insightful, exciting, exhausting, but can be overwhelming at times. Therapy takes effort and work in the therapy space and outside of the therapy space. When a client puts in the work everyday the potential for growth is always there. “The work” can look different day to day but showing up for yourself to the best of your ability is the ultimate evidence of self love.
How do you support clients who are hesitant to start therapy?
I find most clients who are hesitant to start are usually unsure of what to expect. Ensuring I am available to answer questions and hear their concerns is vital in the beginning of therapy. Some clients are hesitant because they are embarrassed or ashamed they “have to do” therapy. Building a strong and trusting relationship with a hesitant client is the best thing I can do as a therapist to reassure the hesitant client that ongoing healing is possible in a safe, accepting, and non judgemental environment.
What specific areas do you specialize in, and why did you choose these areas?
I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing negative symptoms that are related to Complex PTSD. Some symptoms may present as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relational issues, anger management (not to be confused with the absence of anger), dysfunctional family dynamics and more. Other areas I have extensive experience in is working with children and adolescents who are facing emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Can you share some general advice for individuals dealing with complex trauma?
Complex trauma can significantly impact a clients life. My general advice for someone dealing with the number of symptoms this can cause is to be gentle with yourself and in your healing process. Complex trauma often involves significant amounts of internalized shame and frustration. Learning to be gentle and kind to yourself can help you rewire the neural pathways that have, in some clients, been hardwired to internalize any negative action or feeling and use this information to patronize yourself. Complex trauma shows up in significant ways and learning to love yourself is a huge part of continuing to heal the wounds that complex trauma impacts.
What role does the therapeutic relationship play in the healing process?
THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP IS EVERYTHING! In my experience building a healthy and well connected relationship with a client yields the best results for meaningful change for my clients. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship increases clients self confidence, their desire to continue healing, enhances their day to day decision making and much more. Whew! So much good comes from a strong relationship in the therapy space.
What do you find most rewarding about your work as a therapist?
The short answer: seeing clients make changes in their lives that empower them to continue on the journey to personal peace and acceptance.
The long answer; working as a therapist has allowed me to heal some of my own wounds and to continue to learn and grow within myself. While this is rewarding for me personally, it is even more rewarding to hear a client has used a tool they have learned in therapy in their daily life. It is rewarding to hear a client has advocated for themselves in a way they only hoped to before beginning. It is rewarding to see a client gain confidence in themselves and learn to trust themselves in ways they used to look towards others for.
What can a new client expect during their first therapy session with you?
During the first session we will begin building that relationship that I discussed above. I will give you a space to share your truths and your story in whatever way you are ready to share. The first therapy session gives us a chance to establish a strong alliance and a relationship built on trust. That trust begins in this first session. This session gives us a foundation to beginning our therapeutic relationship while also allowing me to better understand what is impacting you and what would be helpful to start working on.
What advice would you give someone who is considering therapy but feels nervous or unsure?
JUST START! Come as you are and just start. Sometimes the hardest part of therapy can be the conflicting feeling of wanting to begin therapy but not wanting to start at the same time. My advice for those of you who are thinking about starting therapy but just not quite sure yet, JUST START. Therapy is hard but also staying in the same patterns and cycles that are negatively impacting you is hard. Choose the hard that can potentially end in some relief of the symptoms you currently have.
What are some things you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy traveling, watching sporting events, playing different sports, binge watching TV shows, and enjoying time outside together. I thoroughly enjoy playing volleyball and basketball. I believe as a therapist there is always more to learn so self development in my free time is important by reading, listening to podcast, or meeting with other professionals.
At Root Counseling, we care about you and will continue to provide highly effective therapists to be part of your healing journey. To learn more about Bridgette and other our therapists, you can do so here.
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