Menzo Faassen

My name is Menzo Faassen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Virginia, Tennessee, and New Mexico. I am eclectic in my approach to therapy including techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Reality, and Motivational Interviewing just to name a few. My primary focus is what you want to get out of the therapy process.

My approach

With most clients, I like to incorporate some techniques from Psychodrama. Psychodrama was developed by J.L. Moreno and is sometimes referred to as Shakespearean Psychology. Some of the techniques I will use include doubling (where I help you speak your unspoken truth), role play, and empty chair. If this isn't comfortable for you, don't worry, I can help you get more comfortable and/or utilize other techniques.

My focus

Some areas of expertise that I have include Substance Abuse/Dependence, Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety. As a member of the LGBT community, I am also comfortable with addressing LGBT issues including the coming out process and self-acceptance. I also have facilitated grief support groups and can help people work through their grief. I have worked in Community Mental Health, Residential, and other outpatient programs. I have worked on military bases, worked with individuals, and groups. I am willing to work with just about anything that you are wanting to bring into your sessions.

My communication style

I have been told that I am a very easy person to talk to. I seek to create an atmosphere where you are not judged, where you are able to trust me, and where you feel safe so that you can work on what brings you into therapy.

My journey to mental healthcare

I grew up in Tennessee and dealt with personal grief and trauma at a young age. I also faced struggles in school. These helped shape me and drove me to care for the well-being and feelings of others. I studied both Social Work and Psychology in undergraduate school. I went to graduate school and earned my Master's Degree in Community Counseling. I worked in residential and intensive outpatient alcohol and drug treatment, after that I went into community mental health working in non-profit centers. I took a break and worked as a Military Family Life Counselor at Ft. Campbell, KY. I moved to New Mexico for 2 years and continued working in community mental health. I finally moved to Virginia in 2022 and worked with a local non-profit. My current full-time position is at a substance abuse partial hospitalization program.

My goals for you

I will typically start each session with the question of "what do you want to get out of your work today?". This is to set our goal for that session. In addition, I encourage you to set not only short-term goals but also long-term goals. I also like to review those goals so that we can work productively. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relatable, and Time-Limited.

My first session with you

During our first session, you will get to know me and I will get to know you. The first session is where you get to tell me your story and share what you are coming to therapy for.