I’m an older female counselor. I have a motherly way about me, according to my clients. I have had a very diversified career in science, the military, and in higher education. I’m a veteran, the widowed spouse of a veteran, the mother of a disabled veteran, and the daughter of a WWII veteran who suffered with PTSD. I am a mother, both by birth and adoption, to five children. I have fostered 26 children over 33 yrs. I am a Christian and I am a licensed pastor and provide pastoral services. I have experienced violence and loss and have a deep empathy for those who have experienced these things. I have done a lot of grief work myself and with my clients. I have remarried and have dealt with blended family issues. My life experience has increased both my empathy and my understanding, and has allowed for my spiritual growth. I will challenge your spirituality at some point in our process. If you are not wanting to look at your spiritual beliefs, another therapist would be a better match for you. Humans are often helpless, but never hopeless. I have found that a combination of varied therapeutic methods works for me and my clients. I use a good deal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with Grief Resolution Therapy, but I do not limit myself to certain methods and I expand to meet my client’s needs. The majority of my clients feel they have received help, or have acheived some growth in therapy. My therapeutic goal is not to force a change on my client, but to enable my client to feel at peace with the choices they make each moment they live on this earth. In addition I hope to help my clients embrace the joy of living. Van Martz, LPC