Whitney Scheef

With over 20 years working in counseling and related fields, I provide a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy that prioritizes safety, trust, and meaningful connection. I believe that healing happens within a supportive, nonjudgemental therapeutic alliance between client and counselor. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard and understood.

My work is primarily trauma-focused and I also specialize in helping indivduals navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, acute stress and the lastiing impacts from narcissistic or emotionally damaging relationships within their family, relationships and at work. I am trained and provide EMDR, in addition, I hold a level II Clinical Certified Trauma Certification, am a Certified Narcissistic Trauma Professional, certified to provide Internal Family Systems therapy, and have a certification in DBT, which helps to increase distress tolerance, emotional regulation and helps build stronger communication for improved relationships.

My additional training enables me to provide a multi-modal therapy approach tailored to fit each individual client's specific needs in counseling. My approach is highly collaborative and client-centered.I meet each client where they are and work alongside them to help them move towards their goals and create the life they are striving for. I believe therapy is not something done to a client but something we actively engage in together.

Clients often describe my approach as warm, empathetic, and nonjudgemental. I actively participate in sessions to tailor them to a client's personal experiences, goals and build upon their exsisting strengths. Above all, I believe that a strong counseling relationship is essential to meaningful growth and lasting therapeutic change.

During our first session, my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable sharing what has been weighing on you and hear aobut the things that brought you into therapy. I also like to establish a treatment plan and 2-3 goals that I collaboratively create with clients to enable them to know what course their therapy could take and to ensure that it fits with what they feel they want to get from our time together. Many people come into therapy with a lot and I feel it is vital to provide validative listening so you have an opportunity to talk about what's currently a problem and so I know what is important for you to focus on in counseling.

While I also complete the intake process, while I gather information, I want you to feel that our first meeting was meaningful and supportive, rather than administrative. I approach this process with empathy and respect for each client's unique experiences.

Before inake sessions conclude, I also like to provide something that you can take with you-a skill or therapeutic insight- to enable us to begin making progress from the first time we meet. My hope is that you leave our first meeting feling heard, validated, supported and hopeful for the progress we plan to achieve in your life during our counseling journey.