Grief, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Pamela
Pamela’s professional goal is to assist in making lives happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. She describes herself as a pragmatic humanistic psychotherapist who leads with compassion. Pamela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing for over 30 years in California, New Mexico, and Michigan — where she practices currently. She has expertise in helping individuals cope with life stressors, transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues and marital counseling, family issues, 2SLGBTQIA support, grief and loss, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, ADHD, adjustment to school, mood changes, self-esteem, anger management, postpartum depression, overcoming burn-out, care management, and life coaching. She is also trained in crisis intervention at the Center for Domestic Preparedness/Homeland security and with the Red Cross.
She received both her Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan, where she graduated with honors. For Her Master’s degree in Social Work, Pamela graduated Summa Cum Laude. She has spent over three decades working with individuals, children, and families helping improve the quality of their lives and relationships. Pamela takes a well-rounded, global approach to behavioral health encompassing aspects from several schools of psychology including cognitive behavioral, existential, humanistic, and psychodynamic theories. In addition to providing individual counseling, Pamela has also worked as a School Social Worker and Hospital/Medical Social Worker. She brings these skills and her specialized training to her role as a therapist to provide you with the tools and support you and your family need in order to achieve the best version of yourselves in a calm and safe space. Pamela believes every person deserves a personalized approach to maximize the benefits of counseling.
Pamela takes care to tailor healing plans for each of her client’s unique needs. She provides a welcoming, non-judgemental and empathetic environment for you to begin to explore your strengths, heal, and thrive. She offers you in-person or virtual appointments. In sessions, we will focus on insight, adjusting patterns that you feel no longer serve you, and building emotional strength to manage anything life presents.
"It is not what happens to you but how you handle it that shapes your life. There is immense strength residing in you, and it is a brave first step on your journey of self-discovery to reach out for guidance. I would be honored to support you on this journey."
Get to know Pamela
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
As a young teen, there were 3 suicides in our school system in a short number of years. I developed a desire to help people in times of crisis early on. Later in life, someone very close to me overcame drug addiction and became a counselor. This added to my inspiration. I started volunteering in the field and my experience and education grew from there.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I have worked with all ages and multiple populations. I have lived in several diverse communities and have experience working with children, teens and adults. I have worked with people experiencing issues from regular stressors of daily life, to drug addiction, to extreme crisis. I am comfortable working in all of these circumstances.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am excited to work with anyone who is brave enough to reach out for assistance in their journey to a happier, more fulfilling life.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish all people knew that they have immense strength inside of them. When that strength is tapped in to, it brings a level of confidence and inner peace, knowing that they can handle anything that comes their way. When people achieve that level of contentment, they exude that feeling to others. It also allows for heartfelt kindness and understanding. I have a deep desire to see that spread to as many people as possible.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
The people I met at Thriveworks exude positive energy and I like that. I was also drawn to their mission statement: "to help people live happy and successful lives."
What inspires you?
My family, friends and co-workers inspire me. Nature inspires me. I believe beauty can be found almost everywhere if you look for it.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Clients can expect our first session to be about me learning about them. I would like to find out about their life, what inspires them, and what issues they would like to work on. It will be the first step on an amazing journey.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I believe it is important to get to know one another and establish a level of comfort. I would like to inspire a feeling of confidence that this journey of self exploration and growth will make a great difference in their lives. I would establish goals for our work together and expect those will evolve as time goes on.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
I am committed in both time and motivation to develop a plan that works for you. Our time is valuable and we will make the most of it.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I spend time with my family, I travel, and I love exploring new places.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
Life has had all sorts of twists and turns, but I stay focused on the good and the positive and view it all as a fun and fascinating road.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 35 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Michigan
- Graduating degree
- Masters of Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
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