Bensching Debbie LCSW

read moreAs a psychotherapist and mental performance trainer, I leverage over 25 years of experience in professional counseling, in-depth clinical psychological analysis, and skillbuilding. I was first introduced to the idea of clinical practice as an undergraduate student at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. After completing my graduate studies in Portland, Oregon, I established a thriving private practice here after working in an agency setting for several years. I have trained in a variety of complementary modalities and methodologies that have proven very effective in assisting my clients in both my clinical and mental performance training practices.

read moreIf we are not meeting in my office there are specific issues related to distance therapy, also known as Telemental Health: in short this means, the provision of mental health services with the recipient of services being in a separate location, and the services being delivered over electronic media. I use DoxyMe as my video-conferencing service. To receive services through a telemental health format there is a specific informed consent needed. It may be helpful to sign a release form for a physician who is prescribing medications for you, a treatment program you have been in recently, other mental health professionals involved in your care, etc.

read morePsychodynamic therapy is a major influence in my work with clients. The daily challenges we face create physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional tensions, which affect the way we feel. Our body sends us signals to alert us to these challenges such as pain, stress, anxiety, worry, or fear. These signals are often symptoms of larger issues that may need to be professionally addressed. Psychological symptoms have an adaptive purpose and are generally created in our unconscious mind as a solution.

read moreHypnosis is a powerful tool in creating change, as it is used in a clinical setting we refer to it as Clinical Hypnosis. Clinical hypnosis is very different from hypnosis used in entertainment where a performer makes you walk around a stage like a chicken. Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and heightened attention. Think about a photograph taken with a high-powered lens and the clarity achieved in little details. Similarly, when our minds are highly concentrated and focused, we are able to use them more powerfully.

read moreI'm stressed out… The word stress is common enough, it's part of every day language. In a 2006 APA survey nearly half of respondents reported concern with the amount of stress they have in their lives. We frequently hear about stress management being important, but why? What do you really know about stress? If you asked 10 different psychological experts you might get 10 different definitions for Emotional Intelligence. Substantial disagreement exists on the definition. To the average person Daniel Goleman is probably the most familiar author on Emotional Intelligence however it has been a concept that has been developing for over 30 years.

read moreWhat is Hypnotherapy? As a therapeutic technique, clinical hypnosis is highly versatile and powerful. We have many resources within our own mind that hypnosis allows us to utilize when addressing problems in our lives. For this reason, I often use hypnosis in my work with psychotherapy clients. Hypnotherapistscan help facilitate the desired changes and support the achievement of therapy goals related to most clinical situations, symptoms, and disorders. When there is interest, I also encourage clients to learn self-hypnosis as an additional treatment tool.

read moreCounseling can help most anyone who is motivated to work for desired changes and is willing to put the time and energy into the process. We all have an innate ability to heal ourselves. Learning how to develop that ability is part of the therapy process. If there is no belief in, or commitment to, the process, then it won't be helpful to you. But if you are willing to be honest with yourself, take ownership of your issues and keep going even when you want to stop, there is great hope for improvement and desired change.

read moreThe Process Healing Method (PHM) is a little known technique that is best defined as a waking state hypnotic treatment method based on a memory model. PHM is a treatment intervention for a wide variety of mental health issues. PHM works from a memory model to allow systematic treatment of pain, negative beliefs, difficult memories, and addictions without the client re-experiencing traumatic events. With some clients, I use PHM almost exclusively and with others it is used in combination with other treatment approaches.