
Glad you are looking into starting counseling here at Mielke and Weeks Psychological Services!
A bit about me-
Though initially from a medical orientation in the health and fitness field,
I soon came to realize the underlying importance of emotional health and
obtained a MSW from Wayne State University as well as a Graduate
Certificate in Social Work with Families and Couples. Over the past 20+
years I gained experience working first at Judson Center and Orchards
Children's Services coordinating with Child .Protective Services and
providing In-home therapy for families. I also worked with Oakland County
DOC providing therapy for sexual abuse victims/offenders and their families.
I gained a particular sensitivity to families coping with divorce and
custody concerns. At Pioneer Counseling, co-worker, Dave Hamel and I
developed an educational support group for parents of challenging children-
those with severe ADHD and other behavior difficulties. While at Macomb
Family Services, many positive relationships developed with school social
workers who referred children.
Being of a social work orientation, we see most of life's struggles as
"bumps in the road" rather than disorders to be labeled. Sometimes it is
the bump - life changes such as divorce, job or health challenges or
family dynamics , but often it is the way we have habitually handled the
bumps that now brings us distress- anxiety, depression, mood swings, anger
and difficulty with relationships.
Although it is important to understand how the past has impacted the
present, it is equally important to be able to see that "that was then, and
this is now" and to be able to access our strengths as an adult to find
solutions in a timely fashion. To begin, most important is being able to
provide a client with a safe, protected space in which they feel free to
explore sometimes uncomfortable emotions without fear of being judged or
labeled. My clients have expressed feeling at ease sharing their sometimes
difficult and confusing feelings. They have also expressed that feedback
regarding other perspectives has provided insight particularly with partners
and children. While brief, solution-focused therapy is often appropriate,
many of my clients have returned as need arose over the years or as their
children have needed additional support with school challenges or
transitions.
I continue to develop an eclectic toolbox to assist each client in finding
their solutions. I am certified in EMDR (especially helpful for
trauma/PTSD) and utilize various techniques including CBT, DBT as well as
dream work to reach personal goals. I am particularly excited about the
ability to integrate sand play into appropriate sessions. I have recently
acquired additional training in San Francisco and am pleased to see how
beneficial it can be for adults as well as children.
I will be very happy to discuss any concerns, further explain sand play or
answer any questions you may have.
You can reach me at: Serena Marshman