Lamb, Mental Health Counselor in Salem, 97301

Deborah Lamb, M.A.

Profession(s):
Mental Health Counseling
License Status:
Other (see below)
Licensing Info:
Pre-licensed Professional
Primary License:
Pre-licensed Professional - R2179

My Approach to Helping

I approach counseling from a stance of compassion, humor, authenticity, and the ability to connect on a deeply personal level. My focus is not on diagnosing or labeling you. Rather, my passion is to attend to the "whole person" utilizing a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.

How do I differ from other therapists? I offer a deep experience designed to bring to light both conscious and unconscious issues which are influencing your life. I do not promote a quick superficial fix as has become the current trend. It is imperative to find healing at the root of the issue, rather than just placing a bandage on the symptom. The bandage may cause temporary relief, but the real issue remains and will continue to manifest in your life. It has taken many years for you to develop into the person you are today, and it takes time to become the person you want to be. However, most of my clients will tell you that change begins early in therapy, and the process is transformative.

As a couples counselor, I bring specialized training in marriage preparation and emotion-focused couples therapy. You will be invited to engage in specific interventions designed to help you increase communication and develop a secure attachment. As your relationship heals and deepens, you will begin to experience greater intimacy and desire, as well as a higher degree of marital satisfaction.

Because every person's (and couple's) experiences are unique, I draw from a variety of therapeutic tools which are customized to meet your specific needs. The counseling I offer is collaborative, meaning you are highly involved in the process. I believe you are the expert of your own life, and it is my honor to walk with you on your unique life's journey. Together, we will rediscover the true beauty that is within you.

More Info About My Practice

Because it is imperative for you to feel safe and comfortable during your therapy, I offer a free 15-20 minute initial phone session. If you feel we are a good fit and you would like to meet in person, I offer your first session at a reduced rate.

Fees: $80-$120 per hour. I have a limited number of reduced-fee slots, so if finances are a concern, feel free to discuss this with me.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

My personal journey has led me down a path of self-exploration, healing, and acceptance. Because of my past struggles, I have become very passionate about helping others as they work through places in their lives where they feel stuck or wounded. My favorite part of being a therapist is watching change occur in the client. It is exciting to see the “Ah-ha! moments” in people’s lives as they begin to see and experience their world in a new way. Another aspect I love about being a therapist is the opportunity to become a part of my clients’ journeys. It takes courage and trust for someone to allow a therapist to get a glimpse of their pain. It is for this reason that I consider it an honor and a privilege to walk down the road to healing with each of my clients. This is an exciting time and I look forward to seeing lasting change take place.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

We all have struggles throughout our life. For me to be an effective therapist, I have found that being honest about my personal journey has given my clients the sense that I am a real person too. I am very genuine and do not present myself as someone who knows all the answers. You are the expert of your own life, and my job is to learn as much as I can so that I can step into your shoes during the time we work together. This has led to greater trust and a stronger alliance as we work toward healing and resolution. Another positive aspect to this is that I can truly empathize with my clients, having experienced a great deal of my own pain in the past, and having worked through it. I can honestly help my clients see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is always there, but sometimes it is well hidden by our own fears and obstacles. I do not pass judgment on others because I understand the deeper reasons for our outward behaviors. My hope is always that I can be a testimony to the healing that can take place in our lives through the counseling process.