More often than not, the path to wholeness requires that one navigate a difficult terrain of adversity, life stressors, social conditioning, past trauma’s, and deeply ingrained beliefs that keep one stuck in dysfunctional patterns and self destructive behaviors. Sometimes life situations can get worse before they get better. I am here to honor your unique personality and cater to your needs and goals. In addition, I can help with problem solving, time management, project management, and setting realistic goals.
My therapeutic approach is strengths based, which encourages self determination to make your own decisions. I can help with problem solving that incorporates getting in touch with different parts of yourself. In order to assist in your individual healing and empowerment process, I utilize an integral approach, which values the wisdom of the heart, mind, body, and spiritual dimensions of a person.
Please See Rates and Payment Information below:
I have a masters degree in Sociology and Social Work. Please read my full biography, which is a detailed analysis of my life experiences, education, and professional experiences working in the social services. Please also read some of my clients endorsements and professional references.
When I was in graduate school at Northern Arizona University, I specialized in Women’s Studies, Psychoanalytic Sociology, and Sociology of Art. I have extensive training in transpersonal psychology, particularly Jungian Psychotherapy. Over the years, I have cultivated various tools, such as; psycho-education, reflective and empathetic listening, compassionate communication, sound therapy, dream analysis, mindfulness practices, guided meditations, somatic experiencing (gentle trauma relief), art therapy, Earthing practices, the Enneagram, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
I am aware of the various socio-cultural causes of oppression and the ways in which they have been internalized throughout the socialization process. As a result, I implement psycho-education as a liberating tool to deconstruct the internalization of oppression, poverty consciousness, and false beliefs in the human psyche that are limiting growth. This is otherwise known as decolonizing the mind so that you can be free to expand your consciousness, self awareness, self confidence, self esteem, and achieve life goals.
I received a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in 2015. I had some of the best clinical training as a Home Health Medical Social Worker. I was employed at two Home Health Agencies in Medford. This job provided a lot of clinical experience and problems solving skills. I helped numerous people apply for a number of social services in Southern Oregon. I also implemented short-term patient centered therapy with a variety of people with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, trauma, geriatric concerns, end of life issues, hospice, grief and loss, psychiatric and mental illness, substance abuse, and financial problems. I have also done a lot of crisis work for people living on the margins or are homeless. I handled all of the psychiatric crisis patients at both home health agencies. I helped a numerous vulnerable senior living in rural areas get access to community resources, and/or, make major life transitions. As a result, I have a strong network of qualified mental health professionals that have mentored me, in addition to case consultation meetings with Psychiatrists.
As far as my experience working as a mental health counselor in an educational setting, I was fortunate to do a one-year internship with both La Clinica and Family Solutions in Medford, Oregon. In both internships, I worked as a school based mental health counselor at South Medford High School and Phoenix Elementary School. In these positions, I gained a tremendous amount of experience doing individual counseling and mentoring, as well as navigating the school system and policies. Not only did this entail applying various theoretical models of counseling practice, but also involved networking with other professionals in the school and community, implementing culturally sensitive practices, and working with school policy. It also entailed doing group therapy work (a girls circle) that involved the creation of curriculum with leadership and development as just one component of the group learning process.
Last but not least, I was the Director of Social Services for a retired community and skilled nursing facility called the Peak Senior Living Community in Flagstaff, Arizona. Some of the job duties for this job were: design and implementation of social service and activity programs for elders, managerial experience, psycho-social assessments and arrangement of social services for seniors, bereavement counseling, discharge planning, care plan meetings, Medicare paperwork and progress notes and interpersonal communications.
Philosophy and Approach:
I believe that individuals are shaped by external socio-cultural influences, but they also have a considerable amount of agency to make choices and create their own reality. I view health in a holistic way, which takes into consideration the alchemy of intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical health. In order to assist client’s in their individual healing and empowerment process, I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches and healing modalities which include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Empowerment Theory, Family Systems, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Jungian Psychology, Somatic Therapy, Eco-psychology, Art and Play Therapy.
Formal Education and Training:
I received a Bachelor’s of Science from SOU, with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I obtained a Masters in Applied Sociology in 2001 from Northern Arizona University. My specialization was in Psychoanalytic Sociology, Social Theory, Social Psychology, Women’s Studies and the Sociology of Art. I received another Masters Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2015. I have 4 years of professional experience in medical social work. I also have 9 years of experience in individual, group, and relationship counseling.
Attendance and Fee's:
If you need to reschedule an appointment, please call 928-699-7397 or email victoria.christensen@therapysecure.com.
The standard fee for service is $80.00 per hour. However, a sliding scale based on your income is offered if there is difficulty paying the full amount. You will need to fill out a form to discern if you are eligible. No additional fees or charges will be added to the original set fee
I use Square for my on-line billing service, which is a fully encrypted portal that eliminates all CC information after processed; thus, I never see any of your financial information.
An invoice will be emailed to you with a link. Click on the link and it will take you to a portal, which will allow you to input your payment method.
As a professional, I require payment the day services are offered, that is, unless we have made an agreement to set up a payment plan.
I accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, and Venmo.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend an appointment, we request that you provide at least 24 hours advanced notice
to my office. Since we are unable to use this time for another client, please note that you will be billed for
the entire cost of your scheduled appointment if it is not timely cancelled, unless such cancellation is due
to illness or an emergency.
For cancellations made with less than 24 hour notice (unless due to illness or an emergency) or a
scheduled appointment that is completely missed, you will be mailed a bill directly for the full session
fee.
I am trained in various evidence based therapeutic modalities that cater to the specific persons needs.
Therapuetic modalities include:
Bowen Family Systems
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness Based practices
Trauma Informed Care: Solution Focused Therapy
Transpersonal Psychology: Jungian Theory, Ken Wilber, Eric Fromm
Somatic Therapy: breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, polyvagel, Authentic Movement, exercise,
Eco-Psychology: nature based wisdom, nature bathing, indigenous earth based , ritual, Earthing practices
Expressive Art Therapy: dance, art, creative writing