One must not lose hope but should keep their courage in the certainty that the hopelessness of our struggle does not detract from its dignity and its meaning.
Viktor E Frankl
A space where authenticity, vulnerability, and acceptance are encouraged and reflected.
“The mark of a wild heart is living out the paradox of love in our lives. It’s the ability to be tough and tender, excited and scared, brave and afraid - all in the same moment. It’s showing up in our vulnerability and our courage, being both fierce and kind.”
Brené Brown
Individuals
There are times in our life that we need support, we need space to find ourselves, listen to our body and heart, and care for the parts that are overlooked in the hastiness of life. We notice symptoms of discontent, hurt, maladaptive or even harmful behaviors in ourselves and our relationships. If you find yourself in a place where you believe that your inner-self needs tending, individual therapy may be a beautiful first step.
“Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meaning we give to situations.”
Alfred Adler
Pre-Marital Counseling
I utilize an evidence-based assessment tool called ‘Prepare & Enrich’ that facilitates exploration of personality profiles, relationship dynamics (assertiveness, self confidence, avoidance, & partner dominance), couple & family of origin mapping, personal stress profile, satisfaction, commitment, and abuse/substance abuse, with customizable scales that can focus on relationship season (Pre-marital, Seasoned Couple, Parenting, & Varying Faith/Spiritual traditions).
If utilizing the Prepare Enrich assessment and feedback sessions as a Pre-Marital Counseling tool, I offer a package-deal that includes the Prepare Enrich Assessment (completed online in advance of the feedback sessions) and four 50-minute feedback sessions (or two 2-hour) sessions for a cost of $450.00. This can be a beautiful gift to give to couples preparing/planning or engaged couples.
Couples
When we find our love story in the midst of disconnection, disruption, chaos, transition, resentment caused by life’s stressors, such as: jobs, children, in-laws, friends, spirituality, finances, equity in running a home and parenting, health concerns, elderly parents, negotiating intimacy, we may begin to notice the effect of losing focus from one-another. In couples therapy we can work to re-focus on connection, building trust, managing conflict, cultivating appreciation, noticing patterns and exploring alternative responses that enhance attachment and connection. Through our work, communication is enhanced and intimacy restored.
“From the cradle to the grave, humans desire a certain someone who will look out for them, notice and value them, soothe their wounds, reassure them in life’s difficult places, and hold them in the dark.”
Sue Johnson, The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection
Families
Families are complex systems that require connection and freedom, belonging and autonomy. Parenting requires both firmness and kindness while simultaneously honoring each child’s personality and unique needs. Setting boundaries, building trust, offering stability and acceptance, are some of the goals families often seek. If you desire to enhance areas of weakness and accentuate areas of strength within your family system, family therapy may be an intervention that can provide space for all voices to be heard, respected, and a negotiated outcome experienced.
“Behaviorally challenging kids are challenging because they’re lacking the skills to not be challenging, specifically, skills of flexibility, adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving skills. Kids do well if they can.”
Ross W Greene, PhD
Contact me
Gretchen Scott MA, LMFT
gscott@confidentexpectationscounseling.com
(509) 557-0070
8601 N Division Suite G
Spokane, WA 99208