Therapists in Nikolai, AK

Holistic health is complemented by the counseling process as emotional and mental wellness contributes to overall balance. This philosophy is part of my professional framework. It is a joy when a tool is learned and successfully implemented by those for whom I have the privilege to provide care. Empowerment is key to locating one's innate fortitude, a place from which to achieve healing, peace and ultimately joy. It is important for me to consider the specific needs of each client as no one is wired exactly the same. As such, I call my style "eclectic" in that I draw from different approaches to address a given goal - or set of goals - based on the unique challenges of each individual or couple. I utilize several approaches: reflective (Rogerian), cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, self-compassion, self-regulation techniques, and Gottman. The theory utilized lies beneath the overarching goal of making a connection that establishes a safe place in which to experience healing. I graduated from Alaska Pacific University in 2005 with my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in psychiatric inpatient and residential settings, I.e. group, family, individual therapies and intake assessments, and in outpatient settings including agencies and private practice. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies (minor in French) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1998. Living in Japan for a combined 2 years reinforced my love of people and learning what motivates them to behave the way they do. With this came an enjoyment of learning how language reflects a culture. Similar to Kachemak Bay that hugs the coastal town of Homer, Alaska in which I was born and raised, I perceive humans as evolving creatures whose "waters" can be stormy, calm, and affected by the tides. No matter how brutal the storm, calmer waters inevitably make their way to shore.

Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.

Hello there! My name is Rachael and I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Alaska with 20 years of experience. I have served clients of all ages. It has been my privilege to support people as they overcome issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, self-injury, and thoughts of suicide. These are the most common concerns that my clients have brought to their sessions. My goal is to be someone who you feel is listening fully, without judgement, helping you identify your needs and find within yourself the answers that you are seeking. I tend towards a client-centered approach and have found a lot of success in using Motivational Interviewing techniques. Over the past 20 years, I have built a large therapeutic "tool box" so I am able to adjust my style and approach to meet the needs of each unique individual that I have the privilege of working with. You made a great decision to seek help through counseling. It would be an honor to accompany you in this part of your life's journey.

I am licensed in Alaska with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Texas with over 7 years of professional work experience. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, my name is Kristina Hentges and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska and Texas and have ten years experience. I believe that counseling is an opportunity to walk along side a person who is experiencing a challenge and help them over come it. A counselor will provide knowledge and experience to help get through difficulties and assist in making and reaching goals to better one's life. I have had the privilege to aid those facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, addictions and so much more. I believe that signing up for counseling is a brave act. Its shows strength when we ask for a new perspective. I hope I can help you with that! Welcome to Better Help! *Please note I prefer counseling people via video or audio only.

I am licensed in Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi and Montana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Alaska and Montana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, my name is Pamela Huckaby, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist. Congratulations for having the courage to ask for help. I really look forward to working with you to help you realize more of your goals and feel happier about your life. This process will not be easy, but as we work hard together, you can change your life for the better. It will take work and dedication, and it will be important for you to practice the things we talk about in our sessions together. Sometimes you may not like me very much, because I will need to confront you about things that are no longer working for you. But I am dedicated to helping you along the way, and hope that we can establish a trusting relationship. This is your journey. I am here to help, but not do it for you. The more you take this process seriously, the better results you will have. My experience as a bilingual case manager, counselor, crisis worker (Designated Mental Health Provider – DMHP), group facilitator, art therapist, psychotherapist with a strong background of treating trauma, treating severe and persistent mental illness, and as a diagnostician have prepared me well for providing compassionate and effective mental health services. I have 9 years’ experience as a mental health therapist. Previous to graduate school, I worked for approximately 10 years as a case manager in mental health, Head Start, and for a domestic violence shelter. I interned with Child Protective Services and Hospice before starting my work as a therapist. I also have experience working for the Family Advocacy Program, as a contracting social worker with the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan. So, I am experienced in working with military families as well. I have worked with all age groups - individuals and families. I have been well trained by 3 different public mental health agencies - Center for Living in The Dalles, Oregon, Comprehensive Healthcare in White Salmon, Washington, and Bear River Mental Health Services in Brigham City, Utah. I contracted with the Air Force in Okinawa, Japan, working in The Family Advocacy Program (FAP). I am a licensed clinical social worker/LCSW for the state of Utah. I am trained, and experienced at providing various evidence-based treatments, including, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Counseling, Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT for adults. I am certified in CBT Plus (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children to treat Anxiety, Behavior, Depression, or Trauma), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy to treat adults with Trauma and Major Depression), and CETA (Common Elements Treatment Approach - for the effects of trauma). I am also trained and experienced in providing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is a leading modality for treating trauma, and can be effectively done through virtual sessions. I have also recently been trained in Brainspotting. Together we can decide which treatment modality may work best for you, according to your treatment needs and goals. I have facilitated CBT Group, Multi-family Group for individuals with Schizophrenia, Art Therapy Group, DBT Group, Sexual Trauma Group, Relational Aggression Group, and a community Emotional Life Skills psychoeducational class. As a life coach and Master Rapid Eye Technician, I have also practiced the energy psychology modalities of RET (Rapid Eye Technology) and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) since 2001. My Bachelor’s degree is in Psychology, with a minor in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. My Master’s degree is in Social Work from Walden University. I am able to provide services in both English and Spanish, and I have been certified with the State of Washington as a DSHS Bilingual Counselor. Together we will explore the way your thoughts and perceptions have influenced your feelings, behavior, and experiences in life. We form our belief systems as we react to our individual experiences. Much of the time we blame ourselves, and express self-hatred when things don’t go the way we would like them to. This then affects how we experience life. But, as you discover why and how you think the way you do, you will be able to reframe your thoughts/beliefs, in order to create more positive outcomes and satisfaction in your life. That doesn’t mean your life will then magically be perfect, but you will be armed with the coping skills you need to work through the challenges you face. There will be homework, but no shaming. This is your journey, with me as your facilitator. We will go at your pace. Please feel free to ask me any questions, or to stop me, if we move in a direction you don’t want to go. I may gently push at times, but I will honor your wishes. I truly look forward to getting to know you personally, as we make important discoveries that will provide insight and skills for your life currently and in the future.