Professional Disclosure Statement
Pat Edmundson, MA, LMHC, NCC
State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Number LH00007738)
National Certified Counselor (42804)
360-281-5200
Counselors practicing counseling for a fee must be registered or certified with the Department of Health for the protection of the public health and safety. Registration of an individual with the department does not include recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily implies the effectiveness of any treatment.
The purpose of the Counselor Credentialing Act (Chapter 18.19 RCW) is (1) to provide protection for public health and safety, and (2) to empower the citizens of the State of Washington by providing a complaint process against those counselors who would commit acts of unprofessional conduct. Each of my clients receives a copy of a brochure put out by the State of Washington.
Education and Training
I have a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Counseling Psychology from Western Evangelical Seminary, now a part of George Fox University. My degree had the Comprehensive Counseling Psychology courses with additional theological classes, qualifying me to counsel from a Christian perspective if clients request.
I am trained in using Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Prepare/Enrich.
Professional memberships include: American Association of Christian Counselors (Charter Member) and the Association of Play Therapists, National and Oregon Chapter. I continue to develop my professional skills through study, workshops, and seminars as part of my accountability to professional standards and licensure requirements. Areas of specialized training include: Play Therapy, Sandtray, Depression, Anxiety, Attachment and Child Development, Trauma and Abuse Recovery, PTSD, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Counseling Services Provided
In my practice, I work with adults, adolescents, and children. I see individuals, both men and women. I use Play Therapy with children ages 3 to 11. When I work with child clients, I meet with parents and siblings as needed. I also offer Filial Therapy Training for parents who learn the basic Play Therapy skills for Special Time sessions with their own child. I am available for speaking engagements in schools, churches, and retreat settings.
Approach to Counseling
My role as a counselor is much like that of a coach or facilitator. My goal is to assist clients in better understanding their situation, help them gain insight for their behavior and emotional responses, and to give guidance and support in the process of change and growth. I like our working together to be collaborative, and I encourage clients to let me know if they are ever uncomfortable about anything I say or recommend. Client growth is sometimes assisted with meaningful homework assignments, reading, and listening to audio or video tapes.
I view each client as a unique individual. In making assessments, I consider the whole person: physical, psychological (mental/emotional), social, and spiritual. I am comfortable counseling clients who do not want a spiritual focus. If clients request, I use suitable Bible verses and prayer. My desire is to help people and I want to do all I can to help my clients reach their goals.
Human Development over the life-span forms the theoretical basis for my counseling. I choose methods or techniques from various counseling approaches, based on client need and fit. These include: Cognitive Behavioral; Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma Management Skills; Psychodynamic; Supportive; Solution Focused; Positive Psychology, Communication Skills, Imago Relationship Therapy, family systems and family of origin work; EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); some Somatic Experiencing; Play Therapy, and Sandtray.
The number of sessions varies greatly depending on the type and severity of the problem and the expressed needs and desires of the client. Symptom relief or single incident trauma could resolve in just a few sessions. Sometimes life circumstances add complexity. Working through deep psychological wounds or complex relationship issues takes longer. Changing long-held, negative belief or behavioral patterns are understandably worth the investment and time for adequate therapy. I will inform you of options regarding your counseling, and will respect your needs and desires regarding frequency of sessions and length of counseling.
Experience
I began my private counseling practice in 1995. In 1996, I developed a Play Therapy component for the Family Treatment Program at William Temple House in Northwest Portland. There, I worked with children and did “Becoming a Love & Logic Parent” classes and Filial Therapy Parent Training groups until fall 2002. I have over 30 years ministry experience in helping people in a Church setting, 27 years of that as a Pastor’s wife. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked in banking as a teller. My husband and I have been married for 48 years. We have a grown daughter and son, and three grandchildren ages 15, 15, 6 and newborn! At my age, I consider all I’ve learned through the varied experiences of my life to be the enrichment part of my counselor training!
Confidentiality
You have the right to be free from being the object of discrimination of the basis of race, religion, gender, or any other unlawful category while receiving services. Everything you say during counseling will be kept confidential, including the fact that you are being seen as a client, with the following exceptions:
· You direct me to tell someone else and sign a release of information consent form.
· If I have reason to believe that a child, developmentally disabled adult, or an elderly person is being abused or neglected, I am required, under state law, to report this to the proper authorities.
· If I feel that you are a danger to yourself or another person.
· If I feel that you are unable to take care of you basic living needs.
· Under court order, I may have to provide specific information to the court.
Any release of information will be discussed with you. As needed, for the purpose of serving my clients in the best way possible, I discuss cases on an anonymous basis in professional supervision or consultation with specialists.
Emergencies/Phone Contact
My office number is (360) 281-5220. You can leave a confidential telephone message for me at any time. Please leave your name and number and a couple times when I might reach you. I will return your call as soon as possible on the following business day.
· If you are in crisis or it is an emergency, please call:
Emergency Services: 911
Clark County Crisis Line: (360) 696-9560 (24 hours a day)
Pat Edmundson, MA. LMHC NCC
CLIENT CONSENT TO TREATMENT
Counseling Fee Schedule and Policies
1. All counseling sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes, starting at the time of the appointment, unless otherwise agreed upon. My fees are $85.00 for 50 minutes, $120.00 for 1 ½ hrs. and $155.00 for 2 hrs.
2. All fees or co-pays will be payable at the beginning of each session, unless a different arrangement is agreed upon in advance. Some insurance can be billed on the Out-of-Network basis.
3. A 24-hour notice must be given for cancellation of any appointment. Otherwise the client will be responsible for the fee.
4. If a client’s payment by check is returned due to insufficient funds, the client will be charged for the fees. After that, sessions must be paid for in cash.
5. Clients may be asked to undergo testing. Testing fees are as follows: Prepare/Enrich $35.00; Taylor/Johnson $40.00 individual, $55.00 couple; Myers-Briggs $40.00; Roberts Apperception Test for Children, no additional charge.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. The successes of you counseling experience depend upon the openness and honesty of our relationship.
Fee Agreement _____________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand Pat Edmondson’s Professional Disclosure Statement and I have clarified any questions. I agree to abide by the terms outlined in it and freely give my informed consent to receive counseling services from Pat Edmundson. I received a copy of her Disclosure and the Washington State brochure. I authorize the release of information necessary to process my insurance claims.
Signature _____________________________________________________ date ____________________
Signature _____________________________________________________ date _____________________
Witness ______________________________________________________ date _____________________