Trauma Focused Therapists in Arlee, MT

With over ten years of experience working in the mental health field in Montana, I can help you to navigate challenges by empowering you with the tools you need to live as your authentic self. I emphasize the importance of mindfulness, communication and connection while addressing internal feelings of shame, anxiety and other areas that may be causing your distress. Together, we will identify and explore obstacles and set goals to help you to work towards positive, lifelong changes!

Please note: I do not have openings for new clients. I work with adults who are struggling with day to day stresses, life transitions or survivors of trauma. I have worked within the fields of trauma and mental health for over 20 years. I believe the foundation of belonging, sense of well-being and change is grounded in relationships, how we interact and how we are supported by others. Whether you are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, family conflict or past experience with trauma, I view my role as someone who is neutral and a facilitator of the process in which self-worth is strengthened and persons supported.

In my practice I enjoy working with people of diverse backgrounds and of all ages. In working with children, adolescents and up through adult ages I find success working with people who are interested in making a change in their life, healing from past experiences and improving their ability to cope while moving forward.

My favorite approach to therapy utilizes Attachment Theory. My practice has been weighted toward older adolescents and adults experiencing problems in living through trauma, addictions, suicidal ideation, relational problems, adjustment disorders, and mood and anxiety disorders. I also work with parents of young children. I have trained in Circle of Security, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and I'm well versed in Missoula's systems of social welfare.

I always endeavor to provide a safe space in which clients can be vulnerable and explore their emotions because I understand that a client’s ability to be vulnerable in a safe place is the place for healing to begin. I use CBT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy and trauma focused techniques with clients, always seeking to find the approach that works best for each person. As a native Montanan I feel I understand challenges that are specific to living in our state and am looking forward to giving back to the community that has given me so much. I am excited to help open the nCenter in Kalispell so that our community can benefit from the

I use a collaborative, client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to help clients achieve goals related to living a healthy, satisfying life. I have a particular interest in working with trauma, including single incidents, recurring events, relational dynamics, and other types of distressing or disturbing events that can overwhelm our nervous system and impact our ability to experience well-being. I also work with a variety of other concerns including anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Each of us have deep-seeded value and deserve to be connected to our whole selves. Often, past experiences of trauma and suffering not only impact our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships, but disconnect us from ourselves. Discovering ourselves can be difficult, but it is an essential part of healing. Our capacity for growth and change is possible with understanding and compassion.

I am here to help you or your loved ones with the large scope of challenges life presents. I believe healing begins with trusting relationships, empathy, and a space free from judgement. I have worked in the social work field for over 15 years in a number of different roles, allowing me to use my diverse knowledge and experience to help my clients.

I believe that all people are capable of healing from past trauma and making changes to improve their lives. I feel fortunate to be able to help people through these processes. I work hard to earn my clients' trust by offering them authenticity, understanding, and unconditional positive regard. I have been in the mental health field for 16 years and I have been practicing therapy in Missoula for the past 14 years.

Being human can be messy, painful, and gut-wrenching. It can also be full of wonder, joy, and breathtaking beauty. I am passionate about embracing the duality of life in order to help others cope with the myriad of challenges placed before them. I believe therapy has the power to shape our perspective and shed light on ways to better cope with life's challenges, while bringing the beauty back into focus.

Immediate Openings Available! Addressing intimacy, LGBTQ+ issues, identity and gender expression, military, as well as women's issues. I am delighted to offer immediate openings for adults seeing Telehealth services. I am a queer therapist with a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals from all walks of life. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.

My approach is founded on building a strong client/therapist relationship and looking at all facets of one's life to discover opportunities for healing and growth. Particular focus is placed on identifying the false narratives that contribute to suffering and get in the way of our happiness and wellbeing. Mindfulness work, EFT, CBT and especially EMDR can be powerful tools in identifying these narratives and bringing about positive change.

This being human is difficult at times and part of the human condition is experiencing pain. When we don’t allow ourselves to move through our pain we can develop poor coping skills and or mental health challenges. My hope is to move with you through your challenges and develop a strong therapeutic relationship without judgment and with empathy, trust, compassion, and unconditional positive regard in order to assist in the development of the appropriate therapeutic tools and skills so you feel hope and accomplishment and as well as an overall reduction in whatever symptoms you may be experiencing.

Currently not taking new clients. Having a safe and supportive place to explore one's story can lead to wellness, healing and growth. I practice from a holistic, integrated approach regarding mental health and/or substance use issues, understanding that increasing mental health and healing also can help clients manage triggers and cravings to use alcohol and/or drugs that have led to problems or have complicated their lives. I also understand that each individual is unique, and it is crucial as a therapist to use flexibility, understanding and active listening to work together on treatment goals that will work best for each client.

Hi there! My name is Erik Nielsen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I was born and raised here in Missoula and am happy to call Montana home. I would be honored to work with you as you move through your complex and unique path towards health and wellness. Whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, identity or gender issues, trauma, work and life transitions, or if you are working towards connection with your better self, I am here to help.