Andrew Phinney

Welcome to my website! My name is Andrew Phinney. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I opened Be Still Counseling Services after noticing a lack of faith-based counseling focused on Catholic-Christian and Non-Catholic Christian principles in many areas of Maine. Clients seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking a calming environment to unpack their life, some are looking for someone to listen and witness to their experience and some may be seeking a reduction of uncomfortable symptoms, many of which were coping strategies that worked at one time but are no longer helpful. Still, others are seeking healing from past wounds and experiences, including single event traumatic episodes and repetitive relationally hurtful experiences. A non-judgmental atmosphere is created where you can explore your life without fear or worry. I have found approaches focused on interior integration and healing of wounds or traumas as being the most helpful. The primary approaches I utilize in therapy include Eye Movement Desensitization Processing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Both approaches are evidenced-based and helpful for a variety of situations. I also have experience working with those who may find themselves responding to painful situations with dissociation. I also find the works of Dr. Conrad Baars and Dr. Anna Terruwe to be extremely helpful in healing. Most importantly however, a strong therapeutic alliance is fostered in which you and I work together to create goals, and I help you reach them. Therapy should always be client-driven, not therapist-driven. You DO NOT HAVE to be Catholic or Christian to receive services. Clients' different faith traditions or lack thereof are always respected. The treatment methods and modalities are evidenced-based and effective regardless of one's faith tradition. I understand it can be intimidating or scary to make the choice to engage in counseling. Perhaps you had a bad experience before? Perhaps you are unsure if it will work? I cannot promise to fix everything. But I can promise I will try my hardest to foster the healing process at your own pace. Do not hesitate to reach out. Training Credentials: EMDR trained by EMDRIA-approved trainer Gottman Level 1 Trained Internal Family Systems Informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy training through the Beck Institute Ego-State Therapy Training by Wendy Lemke Professional Memberships: Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)