Hello, my name is Stephanie Wichmann (Pronouns: She/Her) I'm so glad that you are taking steps to seek information and support. I chose RiverWay Counseling as a name because it greatly reflects our local SW Washington area surrounded by water as well as symbolizes my view of natural resilience and healing.
"A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself"-Laura Gilpin.
"The river moves, but it follows a path. When it tires of one journey, it rubs through some rock to forge a new way. Hard work, but that's its nature"-Kekla Magoon.
"For life and death are one even as the river and the sea are one"-Khalil Gibran.
"Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water"-Christopher Morley.
A little about me: I'm a Clinical Social Worker (Portland State University) and Registered Drama Therapist (NADTA). Iv'e worked in non-profits, hospitals and treatment centers (inpatient to outpatient levels of care) for over 14 years. I served on the board of directors for the Columbia River Eating Disorders Network (CREDN) and the North American Drama Therapy Association) as the Cultural Humility, Equity and Diversity Chair. Currently, I am a board volunteer for the Columbia River Arts and Cultural Foundation.
I provide support for a range of emotional issues however I have primary experience working with clients affected by disordered eating and body image issues, grief and loss, adjustment issues. I also have a great passion working with and supporting LGBTQ+ and GNC communities. In a comfortable atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each clients needs to help attain the personal growth and social support their striving for.
I can help those in difficult life transitions: whether it be a death of a loved one (human or pet), change or loss of a significant relationship (romantic, family or friend), relocation adjustments, adjusting to sobriety, work challenges or life stress as well as adjusting to new roles or life stages (leaving home, new parent, aging, retirement, divorce).
I use (drama, humor, storytelling, improv) as a means of community engagement and therapy and can incorporate creative expression into your healing process if it feels right to you. I utilize a strengths-based, resiliency approach meaning that everyone has the capacity to heal and find purpose &meaning in their lives. I believe in a systemic and ecological approach to healing: meaning that many problems often geared towards personal responsibility/behavior change are often natural, systemic responses to what's happening in someone's environment and greater society or world. Together, we can find the balance of doing what we can in terms of our own behaviors as well as understand the larger family and social contexts. I also believe in the power of the natural world to help someone cope and heal from daily and situational stress. I love walk and talk therapy or sitting together in natural settings. If you are interested we can make it part of your treatment.
I love the Pacific Northwest and am grateful to be part of this community.
PLEASE NOTE: I have a current waiting list for new clients and also am doing virtual appointments only. I hope to return to the office later in the Fall.
I look forward to speaking with you!