Brenda Hawes, LPC, LMT, CEAP

I believe all people are capable of and designed to live a life that is joyful, peaceful, mindful and connected with the love that we all are. As life takes it course, people lose sight of who they are at their essence/core. In utero and at birth babies experience sensations. As they learn, grow and interact with others in their environment they make decisions about these bodily sensations that then get interpreted as thoughts and feelings. These thoughts and feelings then shape behavior as people make decisions about what they need to do to belong, feel loved, connect, adapt, feel safe, feel worthy, protect themselves and make sense of the world. Over time, patterns and habits get established that can interfere with a person living life to its fullest and in alignment with their values and highest priority intentions. Cognitive decisions get made that form belief systems and ways of acting and behaving in the world that are not always in alignment with their core/essence. Intense feelings and emotions can get stored in the physical body, which the cognitive mind may not always be able to fully access without support and guidance. I aim to be of service in a way that assists people with examining, becoming conscious of and shinning the light on the thoughts, mental formations, feelings and habit patterns impacting their lives in a variety of ways that at times can be maladaptive. I also believe it is important to identify the strengths and what is working. The solution to a problem is NOT in the problem. The solution to a problem is when things are working and/or working better, what helps that be so? In providing services I draw upon my background in counseling, coaching, bodywork, massage, sound, movement, mindfulness and spiritual practices to be a resource in whatever way is called for in the moment/circumstance to best assist. I deeply respect the healing power of the counseling process through dialogue, contemplation, and inquiry along with play, relaxation, mindfulness, touch, laughter, and connection with others as some of life’s best “medicines.” In addition, I respect the unique strengths of each individual and know that my role is to assist others in accessing the “wise mind and heart” that resides in all. Just like the sun and clouds. The sun is always there but when clouded over we don’t see it. The same is true with us as individuals. The wisdom and knowingness is always there, we just need to tap into it. I value whole person health consisting of physical, mental, emotional, relational, behavioral and spiritual well-being. For the past 35 years I have worked as a counselor, consultant, executive coach, program manager, program developer, trainer, facilitator and coordinated EAP and behavioral health programs in a variety of settings. ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AS OF 7/25/22