Our Counselors’ Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Serving Clients Well
At Bridgehaven, we believe that providing exceptional care for our clients requires not only compassion and skill but also a commitment to continuous learning and growth. As the Clinical Director, I am incredibly proud of the ways our team of dedicated counselors is going above and beyond to enhance their expertise and deepen their capacity to support and serve our clients.
Our counselors are passionate about staying at the forefront of new therapeutic techniques, expanding their understanding of various mental health challenges, and honing specialized skills to best address the unique needs of the individuals and families who seek our care. Here are just a few examples of how some of our counselors are investing in further education and certification to better serve our clients:
1. Brainspotting Therapy: A Cutting-Edge Trauma Healing Technique
One of our therapists, Debbie Lewis, has recently completed training in Phase 1 and 2 and is currently working towards certification in Brainspotting Therapy, a highly effective treatment modality for trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties. Brainspotting is an advanced, integrative therapy technique that helps clients access and process unresolved trauma by focusing on specific eye positions that are linked to emotional and psychological issues.
What makes Brainspotting unique is its ability to work directly with the brain’s physiological responses to trauma, allowing clients to release deeply held emotional blockages. This modality can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may have experienced trauma that is difficult to verbalize or that traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully addressed. By focusing on where the trauma is “stored” in the brain, Brainspotting enables the therapist and client to work together to process and heal from deep emotional wounds in a safe and effective way.
We are excited to have Debbie on our team, as she is now able to offer this powerful treatment to our clients, helping them move past emotional scars and find deeper healing.
2. Perinatal Mental Health Certification: Supporting Women Through Life’s Transitions
I am currently pursuing a certification in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. This specialized training focuses on understanding the emotional and mental health challenges that women face during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Perinatal mental health is a critical area of care, as women can experience a wide range of emotional challenges during and after pregnancy, including postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, and other related conditions. This certification will help equip me with the tools and knowledge necessary to support women in navigating these complex and often misunderstood emotional landscapes.
By pursuing this certification, I will be better prepared to offer compassionate, informed care to women who are experiencing mental health challenges during one of the most significant and vulnerable times of their lives. This aligns with our commitment to helping women feel seen, heard, and supported as they transition into motherhood.
3. Christian Trauma Care Provider: Integrating Faith and Healing
Finally, one of our counselors, James Hall, has achieved Level 1 Certification through the Christian Trauma Healing Network as a Christian Trauma Care Provider. This certification is designed to equip therapists with the tools and frameworks necessary to address trauma from a faith-based perspective. The Christian Trauma Healing Network is an excellent resource recommended by James. This resource even has a Pastor’s Trauma Toolkit available. This fits into how Bridgehaven desires to not only support clients but also expand our educational opportunity and skillset to support local churches and communities.
For many clients, integrating their spiritual beliefs into the healing process is an essential part of their recovery. This certification allows James to combine evidence-based trauma care with
biblical principles, offering a holistic approach to healing that acknowledges both the psychological and spiritual aspects of trauma recovery. Clients who may have experienced spiritual pain or whose trauma has affected their faith can benefit from a provider who understands the intersection of mental health and spirituality.
The Power of Lifelong Learning
Each of these education opportunities reflects our team’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care for our clients. By continuously expanding our knowledge and skills, we
ensure that we are equipped to support individuals from all walks of life, regardless of the challenges they may face. Our counselors are deeply committed to using their unique gifts to help others heal, grow, and thrive.
We recognize that every client is unique, and that means we approach each person’s healing journey with a mindset that’s flexible, compassionate, and rooted in ongoing professional development. Whether it’s through new therapeutic techniques, specialized certifications, or integrating a client’s faith into the healing process, we are dedicated to ensuring that our team has the training and expertise to serve you with excellence.
Thank you for entrusting us with your care. We look forward to continuing to grow alongside you, offering new tools and fresh perspectives to help you find the healing and wholeness you deserve.
With Gratitude,
Olivia James
Clinical Director, MA, LMFT
Bridgehaven Counseling Associates