Stronger You Counseling
About
Pam VanDerDoes LMHC (dba Stronger You Counseling) offers a web-based telemental health practice operated out of her home via secure video chat. As such, it is completely accessible by anyone who has internet access from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Participants/clients can access my services from the comfort of their own home, or from any other location within the state of Washington. I offer flexible days and hours, including evenings and weekends. I also offer a sliding fee scale starting at $25 per session for the uninsured, or others for whom counseling is not a covered expense.
I have more than 25 years of experience as a therapist. My practice style is client-centered and follows the responsive therapy model, which usually involves three phases. The first phase involves getting to know the client and developing a shared thorough understanding of the problems and circumstances prompting treatment. The second phase involves collaborating together to develop and implement a treatment plan that will incorporate any of a number of widely diverse approaches and techniques that specifically address the client's concerns. My theoretical approach draws heavily from Cognitive Behavioral and Systems theories. The third and final phase consists of increasingly less frequent interviews/sessions to monitor and stabilize changes and to strengthen the client's confidence in their ability to manage their life effectively and independently. Throughout the entire process, my goal is for you to become the healthiest version of yourself that is possible--physically, mentally, and spiritually. To accomplish this, I am willing to do individual therapy or family-based therapy.
Before I see you, you will be asked to provide your full name and email address. This will allow me to set you up as a potential client in my online platform. Once that is done, you will receive an email with all the necessary consent paperwork and intake forms. Some of the paperwork is legally required, and the rest of it will help me form a complete picture of who you are and everything that has contributed to making you the person you are now, at this point in time. This is essential background material for completing the assessment. Once you have submitted these forms, you may schedule your first appointment. In your first appointment we will finish the assessment and start developing a plan for treatment. While the initial assessment typically has some pieces that may be uncomfortable, it is essential that I have a full picture of you so that the goals and approaches of therapy can be individually tailored to maximize the possibility of positive change.
I love to see clients get better. While I love working with my clients, I really enjoy seeing them improve to the point where they no longer need me.
Highlights
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Since I am licensed to practice only in Washington, the first step is to establish that the client will be physically located in Washington during our sessions, regardless of where the client actually lives. Then I direct the client to send me a direct email or make a phone call requesting service, and to begin the conversation about payment and billing information. Once I set up a client profile using the client email address, I send initial consent paperwork to the client for review and approval. Once I have signed consents, we schedule an appointment to get started. The first appointment will be an assessment.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, with a specialty in Marriage and Family Counseling. I also have a Master of Divinity degree and am an ordained United Methodist clergy. I have more than 15 years of experience as a therapist, and 12 years of experience supervising counseling interns and new therapists.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
The client is responsible for the co-pays and deductible amounts dictated by their insurance. These rates vary by plan, and by whether I am in-network or out -of-network. For those without insurance or who choose to do private cash pay, I have a sliding fee scale that ranges between $50 and $125 per session.
How did you get started in this business?
I recognized a need for professional counseling services, especially marriage and family counseling, in the small town communities I served as pastor. The churches I served supported me in going back to school for training to qualify me to meet this need.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with individuals, couples, and families from a wide range of ages, gender identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. I have also treated a wide variety of problems including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, attachment disorders, and personality disorders.