Anne Gustafson is a certified AAIT Therapist for teens and adults in Olympia, WA
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Do you ever wonder what therapy is, what kinds of therapy there are, what the difference between a counselor, a psychologist, a coach, a psychiatrist, a social worker is, or what mental health workers actually do, and where mental health workers work? Read on to learn more about what types of mental health care are out there so that you -whether you are seeking mental health services or are interested in a career in mental health- can get to know more about it, what resources are out there, and even get to know some of the amazing people doing this work.
Dr. Anne Gustafson is a licensed psychologist serving clients in Washington, Oregon, and California
Meet Dr. Anne Gustafson, PhD, LMFT, a psychologist for AAIT in Olympia, WA
What is your current role as a mental health professional in Washington?
I am a psychotherapist in private practice.
Where do you provide services?
In-person in Olympia, WA and online throughout Washington, Oregon and California.
What kind of services do you provide? Any special populations or certifications?
I provide psychotherapy to individual adults and teenagers age 13 and up. I utilize a unique blend of depth psychologies, CBT, expressive art therapies and Acceptance and Integration Training (AAIT). I am certified in AAIT and have advanced degrees in both art therapy and depth psychology. I have a lot of experience working with both teenagers and adults who are challenged by a variety of mental health issues.
How does your service help people live mentally healthy lives?
Anxiety and depression symptoms can cloud our knowledge of our true self, which is a source of creativity, joy, wisdom and connection that we all have access to. Using Acceptance and Integration practices, the symptoms are dismantled so that clients can genuinely access their natural internal resources and get free from being stuck. The client's goals for therapy are most important. I regularly check in with clients to make sure we are on the same page in regards to their goals and the ways we are making progress towards them. I help clients to gain a set of practices they can use on a regular basis on their own to find, build and maintain their mental and emotional health. In therapy sessions I show clients how to use the practices and often send clients home with mutually-agreed-upon specific things to do over the week to build on the therapy experiences.
What kind of people do you love working with?
People who feel they don't "fit in" with their peers and colleagues for a variety of reasons are most welcome! I look for and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, and have found that as we focus on the practices of acceptance, clients also grow to love and appreciate their own unique ways of being in, connecting with and contributing to the world.
Why did you decide to become a mental health professional?
I started studying psychology at a young age because I wanted to understand myself and the people around me. I have never lost the fascination with or desire to understand more and more about being human and the purpose of our lives here. As a young adult I choose this profession because I knew it would always be fascinating and it would allow me to always be learning.
What do you wish people knew about services with you?
You are the co-creator of your therapy, and it will be unique to you. As the therapist, I will guide you when you need guidance, and I will also encourage your own voice to develop and grow in strength. Together we will collaborate to find your strengths and to develop new practices, so that when you are ready to end therapy you will have gained tools for life.
What is your favorite way to take care of your mental health?
I practice what I preach! I have a daily meditation, yoga and reading practice that grounds me and fills my cup. I learned all the therapy techniques I know by practicing them on myself or having others practice them on me, so that I know how they can lead to healing in a very personal way. I also take regular time to enjoy the things things that I love: connection with friends and family, appreciation for beauty in all it's forms, humor, and respect for the wholeness of life.
How can people contact you to learn more about your services in Washington?
Text or call: 360-287-4391
Email: annegustphd@gmail.com
Website: www.annegustafsonphd.com
What is your website address or online directory link?
What are 1-3 resources or coping skills that you like to recommend for mental health?
One book I recommend especially for anyone who dreads the coming of winter is Wintering; the Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, by Kathering May. Many of us in the PNW suffer from the effects of less sunlight and colder weather during the long damp winters. This book is a lovely companion to curl up with when it seems endlessly dreary outside; it points out the ways that the cold and the darkness of winter can be appreciated and even enjoyed for what they are.
Anne Gustafson is a psychotherapist in private practice who helps people dismantle the symptoms of depression and anxiety so they can live with more ease and internal freedom. She meets with her clients (adults and teenagers ages 13 and up) in person in Olympia, Washington, and online throughout Washington, Oregon and California. Anne has been a licensed therapist since 2003 and has been professionally involved in mental health services in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitals, drop-in crisis centers, and community mental health centers in urban, suburban and rural areas across the Pacific coast. When she is not working she can usually be found reading an old-fashioned paper-bound book, cooking something yummy or enjoying the rain while hiking through a forest near her home.
If you are a mental health professional, or provide services that support mental health and wellbeing, and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out my contact form, or you can submit a form directly at: wellness-focused business or mental health practitioner.If you are looking for a mental health provider like the one featured above, or would like to start counseling services and connect with the message above, please reach out directly to the provider above.
If you are interested in trauma or relationship counseling for women in Tacoma, WA or online in Washington state, you can contact me, Katie Lorz, for a free 15-minute consultation. I will see if I can help, and if not, I will do my best to get you to someone who can. My goal is to help you find the mental health care you need to achieve your wellness goals.
