RHONDA MADSEN, M.A., LPCC

Studies tell us that an important factor in whether or not a person finds counseling helpful is the rapport and connection that person has with their therapist.  I believe part of what makes that connection possible is comfort and resonance with the clinician’s approach and theoretical orientation.  I would like to tell you a little about my approach so that you can decide whether I might be a good fit for you.

I believe that we all have core beliefs based on our experiences that, when negative can result in us having difficulty relating to others and finding peace and meaning in our lives.  Often these core beliefs result from experienced trauma.  Examples would be a person who was held up at gunpoint and now believes they are unsafe or a person who was raped and now believes themselves to be dirty or unclean.  Other core beliefs come from perceptions of life experiences that might not seem traumatic to an outside observer, but that dramatically influence the way a person views the world, others, and their self.  For example, a child may perceive they are being replaced by a new sibling and begin to believe they are replaceable.  It is empowering for us to discover what our negative core beliefs are and where they came from.  It can be life changing to process and release those beliefs and replace them with positive life affirming beliefs.

EMDR is a powerful treatment modality that can help people identify, process, and replace negative core beliefs associated with trauma and/or negative perceptions of life events.  It is my favored approach because I have witnessed both personally and with my clients how helpful it can be.

I also incorporate guided imagery, coping skills, mindfulness, CBT in my overall approach.

I have a passion for working with people who have experienced trauma.  I also work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress related to life changes, and with those seeking greater life satisfaction.  I work with individuals ages 14 and up. If you think we might be a good fit, I look forward to working with you.

Education:

Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of New Mexico
Master’s in Clinical Counseling from New Mexico Highland University
Trained in EMDR
Trained in Hypnosis
Internship in Equine Therapy
Specialties and Types of Therapy: 
Anxiety, Career Stress, Coping Skills, Depression, Life transitions, Mid-life issues, Panic & Phobias, PTSD, Self-Esteem / Empowerment, Stress Management, Trauma CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed
Rhonda Madsen