Counseling

Susan Townsley, LICSW

Susan Townsley is the Director of the Viroqua Healing Arts Mental Health Center (VHAMHC). Susan received her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in New York. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and has been practicing since 1991. She has experience working with anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, reactive attachment disorder, couples, anger management, families, individuals and children. Susan has additional training in EMDR, Theraplay, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Stress Management, and Guided Imagery.

When you enter Susan’s office you will find your self in a peaceful place. Susan will be there to partner with you to help you find your own healing path.

"Scattered along the way of life are tough times and from time to time you find yourself in a place through which you wish you had someone to help you navigate....time and again Susan has been that someone for my family" – anonymous client

Counseling Services

The Viroqua Healing Arts Center offers counseling services for children, individuals, couples and families. The Center offers an intimate home based setting. The services offered use a systems based approach, working with the individual or couple or child in relationship to their environment. Your counselor will address the needs of body, mind and spirit. Listed below are some of the treatment methods used by the Counselors at the Viroqua Healing Arts Center.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Stress Reduction

Stress can be the cause of ailments of both the body and the mind. We will work with you to find ways to reduce stress and anxiety and increase your ability to live in the present moment.

Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR)

EMDR is a psychotherapy method that incorporates many different methods together to create a highly effective treatment for trauma and anxiety. EMDR uses a body-centered process to reprocess trauma and anxiety in order to create a higher level of functioning. The following websites have more extensive information about this approach: www.emdr.com and www.emdria.org

Guided Imagery

Guided Imagery is a kind of deliberate, directed daydreaming that uses soothing narrative to evoke multisensory memory. This gently guides the overactive mind into a relaxed, state of healing. It works easily and powerfully for most people and doesn’t require much from them – just some basic imagination. Many people who have trouble meditating or relaxing do really well with guided imagery. For more information go to: www.healthjourneys.com

CHILD/FAMILY COUNSELING

At the Center, parents are involved in the counseling process. The therapist partners with the parent in order facilitate healing for the entire family.

Theraplay

Theraplay is a non-traditional form of play therapy. It does not use toys or props. Theraplay involves the parent or guardian at all times. The therapist works with the parent/guardian using interactive games to help improve attachment and behavior. The following website contains extensive information about this approach: www.theraplay.org

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is conducted with a look at the past and a focus on the present. Therapists at the Center look at the dynamic process that happens between partners and work to heal dysfunction and accentuate positive interaction. The goal is to teach the partnership to be able to communicate with and support each other so that the therapist is no longer necessary.

TESTIMONIAL

Choosing the right therapist for yourself is essential. With Susan we felt comfortable and emotionally safe. She has a gentle guiding way of challenging you to learn about your self and has the skill and knowledge to facilitate meaningful change. - Anonymous Client