MENUAngel Peterson, LMHC
Angel Peterson’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
Humans need connection. It is the fuel for a meaningful life. Unfortunately our early relationships usually begin in broken connections riddled with generational pain and problems, or we have no connection at all because a parent was absent. It is within this insufficient context that our psyche is formed and our symptoms start to cluster and take root: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addictions, and a host of clinical disorders. In addition, we all have traumatic events that can shape us, such as the loss of a loved one, abuse, divorce, and so on. This is where counseling comes in.
Counseling offers a supportive relationship where we can reconnect and unpack our pain, face our shame, receive grace, understanding and support. Our work together can help heal your heart, revise your thinking patterns, and rewire your brain so that you can face life challenges as your best self. This is a process of going into our pain, grieving and letting go of what we need to let go of, learning to have healthy boundaries and relational structures, and becoming our authentic selves. When we are engaged in life in this way, we no longer just cope and survive, but can gain the internal skills to thrive. We can learn new ways of being and relating. We can transform our mindset and find more adaptive ways of doing life and relationships. We can thrive, even amidst ongoing hardships. This is difficult work, and it takes time, but the results are lasting.
I studied Clinical Counseling at the Townsend Institute. My training and orientation is psychodynamic, which means we go to the root causes of your issues. I am neuroscience informed and integrate attachment science, Object Relations theory, Internal Family Systems therapy, and Existential therapy. I am formally trained in EMDR and IFS therapy, and I have taken doctoral level coursework in advanced clinical skills. My treatment approach will be personalized to your needs.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief/loss
- Relationship issues
- Trauma
- Sudden deaths
- Suicide
- Military trauma
- Psychotic disorders
- Bi-Polar
- Eating disorders
- Family members with mental illness
- Recurring nightmares
- Older teens
- Christian perspective
- EMDR
- IFS
Q&A with Angel
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
Both. I can help you get to the deeper issue through the immediate problem, or just work with the immediate problem.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
Therapy is a collaboration. It will be helpful if you know where you want to start. If you don’t, I can help you figure that out.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
Finding real solutions so you can get better and face life challenges more competently.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
Inter-dimensional travel, because what is going on in hyperspace?!
5.) What makes you laugh?
Brutal honesty. Truth really is stranger than fiction!
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
Joan of Arc.
