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Hello and welcome! My name is Bonnie St George-Ayotte, Licensed Mental Health Counselor #60996772 in the state of Washington. I specialize in trauma-informed, person-centered care for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other performance impairments, and PSTD.
My approach
With a foundation in neurobiology, self-concept, and resilience, clients can experience approaches from the best in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which builds a mindfulness component into CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) which promotes resiliency in relationships, Narrative Therapy, and other expressive therapies that celebrate neurodivergent individuals. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives.
My focus
Clients come for support and guidance for mental health challenges including Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma, Depression, OCD, Grief and Loss, and issues of low Self-Esteem. Personalized therapeutic strategies can assist adolescents and adults in achieving mental well-being, increased confidence, and tools to enhance the way they respond to the world around them.
My communication style
Clients come to me from a variety of backgrounds and strengths. I love to hear people's stories and have a geeky sense of humor. Clients often state they feel welcome and relaxed very quickly upon meeting me. They find an ally who believes in them, who will defend them, and who isn't afraid to be honest and call out patterns that prevent better outcomes. I am a real person, who has been there and can speak from both struggle and success. However, I prefer success!
My journey to mental healthcare
I was first attracted to the field of counseling when I was unable to find relief from my own overwhelming anxiety. As I learned the neurology behind my struggle, and found relief, and became obsessed with a desire to help others find relief and wholeness of their own. I'm also a classically trained fine artist, so the ability to use narrative and other expressive means to help build self-esteem and success for people is a continual source of joy for me. I began as a fine art instructor in the 1990s. I've been a therapist since 2010, first in Canada (I'm Canadian), and now in the USA. I look forward to many more stories!
My goals for you
True to form as a Motivational Interviewer, my role is to help clients establish their own goals, based on the results they seek for their own lives. Clients remain in control of their own choices and destinies. I can help identify strengths, weaknesses, and barriers to success. I can provide accountability and encouragement. And I can help clients to recognize true desires and motivations, so they have the best chance at personal success.
My first session with you
By the end of a first session with me, I want clients to feel they have found an ally, and a skilled therapist who is a good match for their unique situation and struggle. We will identify specific issues, make some starting goals, and assess safety and resources for the coming sessions together. I make sure clients feel heard, important, and safe to be honest in working with me. Their sense of progress is central to therapy.
