MENUTami Ammerman, LMHC
Tammara Ammerman’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
My passion is working with children, adolescents and young adults who struggle with emotional control and dysregulation that causes hardships in their everyday lives. I am coming to Refresh Therapy after a combined 21 years working in Community Mental Health and in the Public Education System as a therapist and Mental Health Specialist respectively. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University in 2004, and I became a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in 2014 in Washington State.
At the heart of my work, I strive to create a safe space where people of any age feel welcomed, heard and respected. I believe that at the center of therapy, there needs to be a strong working relationship between client and therapist. This allows for the ability to work alongside each other, develop trust, explore difficulties and find skills to meet treatment goals.
I have a strong foundational background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that allows for exploration around how our thoughts, feelings and actions work together. I also have training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), School Based DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma Focused CBT, Collaborative Problem Solving, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Play Therapy, Sand tray Therapy and Art Therapy.
Every client has a unique story and perspective, no matter their age. There are many times in our lives when one area takes the lead and causes distress to us and those around us. This can feel overwhelming and at times hopeless. My goal is to meet you where you are and find ways to address the concerns that bring you to therapy in a collaborative, nonjudgemental and authentic way.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Children and young people
- School issues/ Social emotional learning
- Coping skills
- Goal setting
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/loss
- Life transitions
- Self esteem
- LGBTQIA+
- Trauma
- Anger
Q&A with Tami
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
I am comfortable with both. Therapy is a collaborative process and I work together with my client to determine the best therapeutic approach.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I believe strongly in client voice and autonomy. I see this as a collaborative process and believe that you know yourself and are the best author of your story. I also know that therapy can be overwhelming and there will be times when I need to lead, providing education and guidance. In the beginning, we explore different approaches and find what works best for you.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
I am a very compassionate, open-minded and non-judgmental person. I bring years of experience working with children and young people in very difficult situations. I can hold hope for my clients when they struggle to keep it for themselves.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
The power to fly. I don’t enjoy riding in planes and having this superpower would give me the ability to travel all over the world and explore other cultures.
5.) What makes you laugh?
I love humor. It is one of my strongest coping strategies. I love silly jokes, funny stories, baby belly laughs, and silly animal videos. I love spending time with others, laughing about life.
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
One of my favorite people growing up was my great grandmother. She was always full of stories. I would love to have the chance to have another dinner with her.
