Hi, I'm Lori Willis
I love to work with women on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, anger, coping with health problems, having to make changes in diet/exercise/sleep, and even changes in relationships. It's very sad when I talk with a client who tells me her extraordinary life story of resilience and strength, but she's unhappy. Often she's not just unhappy, she's unhappy with herself.
Many clients want a therapist who really gets how they're feeling and has had some life experiences. I probably don't have to tell you, but I am not 25! My life experience has taught me many lessons that I use to help my clients.
I firmly believe women run the world (don't tell the guys!) and when I can help my client feel better, I'm helping everyone else in her life feel better.
As much as I love my work, I do take time for play. I enjoy sewing and embroidery, reading, drawing, hiking, and playing the guitar (poorly, but I refuse to give up!). I spend a lot of time with my fabulous husband and not enough time with my wonderful adult son. I also enjoy amateur birdwatching with my two elderly kitty cats in the backyard.
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor since 2002
Registered Nurse
Certified Health Coach
Education
M.S. in Counseling & Psychology, 1995
B.S. in Nursing, 1986
How I Help
Anxiety, Depression, and Anger
Some of my clients tell me they have been experiencing these troubling emotions all their lives, while some are noticing them only recently. Some are not sure why they are feeling unhappy and even feel guilty for feeling depressed! Some especially feel guilty about how they are handling anger.
I use research-based techniques to help my clients just feel better-- less depressed and anxious, and more able to handle their anger. I help them understand why they're having these feelings and learn coping skills to help them feel more in control of their emotions.
Changes in Physical Health
Many of my clients have experienced weight gain or sleep problems as they have entered midlife, may be binge eating or using emotional eating to cope, and some have entered that very special time called menopause. They're not feeling as attractive and healthy as they used to and want some help in making changes in their diets, exercising more, and sleeping better.
I am a Certified Health Coach through the National Society of Health Coaches. I help clients make the changes in their diet, exercise, or sleep that may be recommended by their doctor, or changes they have decided they want to make in these habits.
Relationships can Change throughout life
Many of my clients are afraid of not being good enough wives and mothers. They are worried about their marriages and wonder how to get the spark back. They worry about their teen and adult children and want to learn how to have better relationships with their kids.
They may be caring for aging parents and feeling inadequate, angry, worried, or guilty. Some of my clients are being given more responsibility at work and they worry that they won't be up the challenge since they are also feeling demands in their home lives.
I help them feel more competent in their roles as mothers, wives, or daughters. I help them improve their relationships with the important people in their lives through helping them work through uncomfortable feelings, set limits and boundaries with others, and learn communication skills.