Genevieve Simmons, Intern

Greetings,

My name is Genevieve; I am an Intern at Lighthouse Counseling. I feel the first and most important thing to know about me is that I am a real person, meaning I have and had struggles in my life, and consider those assets to my counseling. I have a varied background of work in Residential care for adolescent boys, adult inpatient psychiatric care, work in the nursing field for ten years, (with the aging population, middle aged, and youth all in various areas such as death/dying, brain injuries, stroke, heart attack both on ICU unit and rehab), as well as working in the special education school system an outside work program facility with those who have down syndrome, autism, brain injuries, cerebral palsy and various other needs.

In our lives, we all travel through different stages, from birth to death; each of these stages brings changes, some easier to navigate than others; these changes and phases impact each of us differently. As we are impacted differently, so too should the counseling process be tailored to you as an individual; the sessions are about you and what is working for you. 

Our societal makeup, from individuals, groups, sexual orientation, various cultures, religions, and so on, is as vast as the stars, making my work as a counselor exciting! I have worked with, supported, built friendships, and learned a great deal from members of the LGBTQ/Trans+ community, for more than 20 years, Native Americans, Women of Color, Women, various oriental cultures, and a multitude of religious organizations, to mention a few. I have been not only learned of but been present and witnessed discrimination, intolerance, abuse, ignorance, segregation, derogation, and dehumanization of these human beings, that does not mean I know or can understand your experience; but I can offer support, support groups, validation, empathy, resources, kindness, a place of safety for you to express and address the things you feel are important through CBT, DBT, and IFS. You matter. 

In no particular order, the following list is a few of the struggles that I have had experience in helping clients with. It is by no means all-inclusive. 

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDERS (ADD/ADHD)

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

DEATH AND DYING

TRAUMA

NARCISSISM (COVERT AND OVERT)

MARITAL ISSUES

The struggles of ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER/ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER, also known as ADD/ADHD, is a well-known diagnosis today affecting children as young as five, teens, young adults, middle-aged, and the elderly population. 

My position as a counselor is a supporting role in your choice to use medication or not, no matter your direction. We will address what you would like to accomplish and how I can support you in achieving these goals through various modalities like Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, as well as other various tools I have found to be helpful in managing concentration, energy, and focus. 

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND PANIC ATTACKS are diagnoses commonly linked with one another, creating a greater struggle for clients of any age. These diagnoses are not a one-size-fits-all, lifetime label for everyone. 

Two ever-prevalent issues plaguing our adolescent and teen population is that of self-harm and suicidality; that is not to discount the less talked about adult population that is affected by suicide. With the prevalence of the internet, social media, governmental changes, violent video games, and financial struggles, many in our population may already be struggling with navigating the difficult stage of the teen years, and turn to self-harm or suicidal thoughts for release of the pain they feel. So too can it be true for adults; the immense pressure from social media, financial strains, work-life balance, self-care, and lack of time can become overwhelming.

My approach with these issues is to support and normalize them, many feel shame in expressing thoughts of suicidality, or fear of being “locked up, labeled as crazy,” all of which are not in my approach. In my view, the entire purpose of attending counseling for these issues is to address them in a safe, non-judgmental, supportive environment, where you can express your true thoughts and feelings, while receiving support and tools to address the issues of concern to you.

In our sessions, we will address and assess the onset, length, and severity of the symptoms you or your family member is/has experienced. Through a supportive, affirming relationship, we will begin the work of addressing the obstacles that may get in the way of daily life functioning, negative self-view, thinking errors, triggers, and any other possible contributing factors. 

DEATH AND DYING at any age/phase of life can be a traumatic event for both the individual dying and their loved ones. Receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness is no less painful or traumatizing to an individual at the age of 70 than a younger person at a year old. We all experience things differently.

My role is to offer empathy, compassion, support, and education around death and dying without judgment for the reason you grieve, the manner, or the time frame.

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AND TRAUMA are at the forefront of mental health services, affecting millions of people beyond those who are veterans. Abuse of any kind (physical, Sexual, Emotional, psychological) leaves lasting effects, no matter the age at which it occurred. Trauma changes the neuro pathways in our brains, affecting our physical health, leading to autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, exhaustion, and is tied to various other illnesses, both in physical, emotional, chemical, and psychological; therapy can aid in redirecting/creating new neuropathways through the use of TF-CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems. There is a whole host of interventions available to assist in managing the various effects a person may be experiencing from their trauma. There is no shame in seeking support.

My approach to working with any client who has experienced abuse begins and ends with affirming to my client that it was not their fault, they do/did not deserve it, no matter what. It is not my role to make a determination of truthfulness, guilt, or otherwise. It is my role to establish a place of safety, where you, as the client, feel seen, heard, and valued, a place where healing, confidence, and safety can be regained both inside and outside sessions. TF-CBT, CBT, DBT, and IFS are all theoretical interventions I draw from, depending on what feels best to the client. 

NARCISSISM (COVERT AND OVERT) is indeed very real. If you question whether you are married to, in a relationship, have a family member or friend who you think may be one, trust your instinct. Either form of Narcissist abuse can destroy a person both mentally and physically; the manipulation, mental and physical abuse, self-questioning, and crazy, crazy-making are designed and used to break down both the person's mental and physical health and abilities. 

Various orientations are useful when working with a client who has or is experiencing narcissism, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and IFS. 

The special population of those diagnosed with Down syndrome, Autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and various other ability levels is a population I have also found great joy in working with. I have over five years of experience, working/ supporting clients in high school special education classes, providing assistance to a coworker at a residential facility for teen boys, as well as a day/ work program for teens and adults with various levels of ability. 

My approach in working with clients with these abilities is no different than any other client; it begins with building rapport, creating a space where the client feels seen, heard, and safe to express themselves in any form. If this means I need to learn their specific form of sign language, verbal communication, or adaptive tools, I am happy to do so in support of my client. I have found the utilization of Art therapy, music therapy, and play therapy, in conjunction with CBT, to work very well. 

Whether you are seeking help to address Parenting issues, connecting with your teen, marital issues, communication, intimacy, finances, or adult children's struggles, changes in life stages, or retirement, my role remains the same in offering support, understanding and education in offering the tools for navigating the various changes in your relationship you desire. 

As one who is new to the Mental Health Therapy field, my experience /knowledge comes from personal life experiences, working in the medical field, working in an INpatient psych ward, working and volunteering in residential places/ work programs, schools, caring for those in my community, my own research, observing other counselors, my mentor and people. 

I have worked with people and children since the age of 14, volunteering or assisting in providing care to those in the community, facilities, as I aged and gained education. By the age of 18, I began working in the healthcare/helping field in various settings. In each of those settings, I have worked with clients with all of the below-listed diagnoses and even more that I did not list; I also have LOTS of personal experience. 

ABOUT GENEVIEVE

I am a down-to-earth, “real” person, who is willing to meet my clients where they are. I have had great challenges in life and am now able to see these challenges and experiences as an asset to my counseling toolbox. They have allowed me to gain a deeper empathy and passion for others.

My family is my everything, they bring me great joy, pride, and unconditional support. I love all kinds of animals, but am particularly fond of dogs, as I have personally experienced the unconditional love and healing they offer. My favorite being an all-black, 110-pound German Shepherd, affectionately named “The Grim Reaper”. I enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking, going on trips, working in the yard, reading, music, crafts, dancing- as long as it’s with my family.

I look forward to the privilege of working with you.

Accepted Insurances: Aetna, EMI, PEHP, Select Health, Cigna, &, BCBS.

*Medicaid & Medicare plans are Not accepted*

**Accepting New Clients**

Schedule with Genevieve 

Licensing Status: Student

Supervised by Laura da Silva, CMHC, RPT-S