Therapists in Firth, ID

Hello! Very nice to meet you! While I do not yet know you personally, clients have often told me that seeking out a therapist for yourself can be an exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful experience in itself! Which therapist will I be able to relate to? Which therapist might best understand me and my own unique feelings and life experiences? It takes real courage to take this first step on this journey toward self-discovery and change. Perhaps you will choose me to be the one to help guide you. I have over 35 years of experience in practice as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, first in California, and then in Idaho. A Masters Level graduate of the University of Southern California's (USC) Graduate School of Counseling, I have extensive experience working with both individuals and couples, along with families in many different settings and from many different backgrounds . One specialty area of my practice has been devoted to assisting survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma and abuse, including survivors of childhood abuse and neglect and domestic violence. Survivors of such abuse can sometimes suffer from after effects of trauma, such as emotional difficulties, problems with trusting others, anxiety and panic type attacks, and ongoing physical ailments. This kind of post traumatic stress (PTSD) can manifest itself in survivors of childhood and domestic violence. Sometimes these past experiences can be the cause of problems in the bedroom, including sexual dysfunction, trust issues, and problems with sexual intimacy. The good news is that these problems are treatable. If this sounds like you, let me help you with this. The worst thing you can do is nothing. My approach to the counseling experience is simple and straightforward. I believe that most everyone has the potential to learn, grow, and ultimately change if they so desire. For many, this process of self exploration is unfamiliar and even the thought of it can be anxiety provoking at first. For others, there is a sense of relief at finally disclosing to another human being the often hidden thoughts and feelings they have been experiencing and perhaps suffering from for so long. I am first and always a caring, empathetic, and emotionally supportive listener. You set the pace of this process. I am here to help guide and assist you. I work in various treatment modalities, and you will often hear therapists advertise about the types of treatments they utilize. Words such as cognitive, or cognitive behavioral, or psychodynamic are often used. Rather than telling you which approach is best, I will instead direct your attention to the numerous studies conducted over many years now which largely agree on one thing. Mainly, that the relationship which develops between the therapist and the client is single most important factor in achieving successful outcomes. And while required continuing education courses keep all clinicians current in this ever changing field, I believe that it is the personal characteristics of the therapist you choose to be most important. The therapist you choose should be skilled in fostering a positive, empathetic, and caring therapeutic relationship in which the client can safe to explore and discover themselves at their own pace with the therapist guiding and encouraging, but not dictating, their progress. I believe you will find me capable of fostering a positive and caring relationship with you which you will find to be emotionally supportive as well as solution focused, and tailored to your specific needs.

Welcome to my profile. I am so glad you are here! I am a clinical social worker licensed in New Mexico and Idaho with over 24 years of experience working with individuals and families. I have experience supporting clients with life challenges including coping with grief, loss, and change, depression, anxiety, family and career issues, and parent-child relationships. My role is to guide you to identify solutions that make the most sense for you. I have a great deal of experience working in Native and Hispanic communities and I am an enrolled Potawatomi tribal member. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. In addition to counseling, I conduct training sessions to help individuals and communities address trauma by focusing on their resilience. My role as your counselor is to help you feel comfortable and supported as you address life's challenges and identify solutions that make sense for you. I want you to feel comfortable with the process as you explore various options for improving and making the best of your life. I am trained in approaches such as cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy and I use a trauma-informed approach to create an environment of safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural competence. I realize seeking counseling is not always easy. You have taken the first step to improve and create the life you deserve. You are resilient! I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey!

Thankyou for reading my profile. It is difficult to convey my work in few paragraphs. I have been counseling since 1998 when I completed my first master's degree in Counseling. I later earned a second masters in Clinical Social Work. I understand that change is not easy and I know that no single approach to change works for everyone. With this in mind, I am willing to draw upon a number of modalities. I use techniques from mindfulness and gratitude along with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality Therapy to develop a plan of growth. I am always in partnership, working alongside the client and family as we move towards health. I believe that the client is the authority or expert with regard to their goals and needs. I follow the client's lead in developing those goals while offering my expertise in creating a successful plan. I also believe that focusing on a whole person strength-based relationship contributes to a solid base of trust and acceptance. With this solid therapeutic relationship established, the client can feel safe to be authentic and vulnerable.

I am licensed in Montana and Idaho with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I have been in the mental health field for twenty years with a wide range of roles from activities specialist, case management, vocational services coordinator, management and as a professional licensed counselor. I enjoy working with all ages and mental health disorders. Cognitive behavior therapy is my main approach in the office. it is proven to help individuals better under stand how their beliefs and values form over time so that it becomes possible to guide them back to a healthy place if those beliefs and values about themselves contribute to distorted thinking. I have completed multiple CBT seminars through the Beck Institute and have developed the skill of interweaving dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, strengths based therapy and motivational interviewing into the process. I have a great deal of empathy for individuals with adverse child and adult experiences. I respect each individual for the strengths they have demonstrated in getting through difficult times. I want people to feel safe in my office to share their stories even when it becomes an emotional experience. Through identifying an individuals strengths and attributes, building the level of confidence in an individual to make change becomes possible. I am a strong believer in the individual leading the way to achieve changes in their behavior; I simply provide them with the tools and skills to be successful.

If you’re looking for a therapist with a great mix of empathy and compassion, a collaborative nature, and a straightforward approach, with over a decade of experience working with both everyday as well as complex needs, I may be a good fit for you. I am licensed in several states and have several years of experience making telehealth and virtual therapy both helpful and effective, whether we’re working to manage everyday life stressors, or more intensive concerns, such as trauma. Think of me as a co-pilot in this journey – we will work together to identify our destination and goals, as well as tailor ways to make the improvements and changes you desire. I utilize a variety of theoretical approaches, interventions and modalities to make therapy impactful, supportive, and effective. I also have extensive experience working with trauma, attachment, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapies, solution-focused approaches, and more, which I will draw from to personalize a plan to get where you want to be.

I am licensed in Idaho with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, this includes individuals and couples. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have seen clients from ages 5-88 and am comfortable, and enjoy them all!

So much in life tears us down and tells us 'we're doing it wrong.' We get in the way of ourselves, undermining our own best efforts. Let's face it; we can be our best enemies sometimes. We're each in the middle of our own lives and heaven knows we could all use someone looking in from time to time to help us see what we're missing. We're not meant to go it alone. You and I both know it just doesn't work that way. It takes each of us get through this life together. Those clients who walk through my door aren't broken, and so don't need fixing. All that's usually happened is they've miss-placed their keys. So we go looking for them, finding those doors they've closed, don't remember locking, or maybe are too afraid to open. I would love to help you see the good you already do. Let's see if I can assist in resolving any concerns you might now have. By meeting, talking and getting things figured out, I know we can do anything. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

I am Melody McKibbin, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I specialize in personality disorders and Christian faith-based counseling. I am certified in DBT and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). I am pursuing my Doctoral degree at Liberty University in Community Care and Counseling, with a concentration in Traumaology.  I have 4 years of experience in private practice and community mental health settings and am passionate about serving individuals ages 25 and up. I’m from Texas, have been married for 14 years, and have a teenage daughter and two Russian Blue cats. Outside of work, I love painting, hanging with my Russian Blue cats, writing fiction, and spending time with friends. I became a therapist because I enjoy helping people grow into their best selves. I identify as a conservative Christian, and I can incorporate faith-based counseling and Biblical insights into our sessions. Psalm 91:11-12 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you in their hands so you will not strike your foot against a stone."

My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!