Wendy Patterson

I know that it can feel scary to do therapy, so congratulations on taking the first step! I welcome people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, class backgrounds, etc. You have come here for good reasons, and I look forward to getting to know you and exploring those reasons together. I know life can be hard at times and my goal is to help you work through what is getting in your way of having the life you want and the relationships you deserve. I believe you can heal from difficult things and go on to live a fulfilling and happy life.

Therapy often begins with the place you feel broken, or where you are having difficulty with relationships in your life. You may feel stressed or worried, sad or lost, or desperate and lonely. You may feel bad about yourself, for who you are or things you’ve done. None of this is insurmountable. I work from the assumption that you are good and intelligent and have the inherent ability to heal. My goal is to help you to recover from traumatic experiences, regain your wholeness, and help you find your course in life. You’re a whole person and together I want to help you back to yourself, to who you really are.

I’m very down to earth and unpretentious. I am different from other therapists you may encounter in that I don’t focus on methodologies or techniques which can often sound like psycho-babble. I think the most important thing I can (and do) bring is to listen carefully with empathy and true caring. That is what allows people to share difficult things they are experiencing -- which is why you came to therapy! I can help you gain insight into the challenges in your life, and help you to change them when possible, or to develop coping skills when you can’t. My goal is help you become empowered to change your life and make it more joyful.

I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds in a therapeutic capacity for several decades. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and although I have trained in various methodologies, I believe the key to therapy is a close connection with your therapist. My goal is for you to feel safe to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. I aim to foster a space where you feel understood, supported and empowered on your journey.

Our first session is a time to get to know each other a bit. You can explain what is bringing you to therapy and I can explain my approach. We can see if we are a good fit to work together. Over time as you feel safer and share more, my hope is that you will feel seen and heard -- which in itself can be healing.

I particularly like working with people who are going through significant transition periods, including young adults and people over 50. These can be challenging times when you may feel lost, unsure of yourself or what direction to take in your life. I can provide reassurance and guidance as we sort out your goals and what direction you want to take. I’m passionate about helping people transform their lives.

Having experienced a lot of deaths (of humans and pets) myself, I am very familiar with grief. I’m not going to tell you there are stages or say there’s a timeline for getting through it. Grief can rip your guts out and leave you wondering if there is a God. I know how hard it can be, and you don’t have to sugarcoat it with me. There are many kinds of losses and getting through them can be very difficult. I’m ready to be by your side as you share your grief. And I can tell you that it will, eventually, feel better.