Patty Holdahl, MSW, LICSW

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

she/her

About my clients

People that come to see me have a variety of concerns. Maybe you have just recently experienced something intense and are overwhelmed. Maybe you have a long history of intermittent, disturbing or less than pleasant experiences, to say the least. Nevertheless, you are doing the best you can to cope. You want to feel better and your life to be better. I want that for you, too.

 Sometimes we know exactly what is happening and why things are as they are. Other times, it may seem more mysterious, or outside of our awareness. Understanding yourself will help to put you in the driver's seat of your own life so you can move in the direction you'd like to be going. It is both courageous and intensely rewarding to peer deeply, inquisitively at one's own self. My clients are seeking long-lasting benefits and a new way to be; both with themselves and with others. I can help you with self-compassion, understanding, growth and acceptance. I provide individual therapy to persons 18 and up that tend to enjoy some occasional swearing and a no B.S. approach.

Background + Approach

First, as a clinical social worker, I view your world within a system. This system includes you in the center of your world interacting with family, friends, work, culture, societal structure and throughout time. Second, as a psychoanalytically trained practitioner, we will work toward depth in feeling, thinking and ultimately for an understanding so that you can gain traction in a place you may be stuck. Research has shown that this form of depth therapy can bring lasting results, not just a quick fix that leaves you once it dissipates from your mind. Third, I may utilize skills-based modalities if they prove useful to you. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all. We will work together to find what helps and what doesn't.

About me

I value community, equity, inclusivity and providing services to people that are oppressed as well as to people that have had more opportunity. I have completed 2 years of psychoanalytic psychotherapy training and bring more than 10 years experience working with individuals with a vast range of mental health issues, disabilities and profound mental illness. What I can tell you for sure is that everybody has challenges and struggles. Maybe you think it's "just anxiety" or "it'll get better in time." But I am here to tell you, all concerns are equally valid. Pain doesn't discriminate and toughing it out won't work forever.

I am passionate about psychotherapy, a little bit nerdy and whole lot cool, too! I offer you integrity, privacy, and confidence in a relationship where we work together toward getting a grip on what's bugging you and put it to rest.

If you are looking for change, let’s get this thing rolling! Message me at patty.holdahl@vaydamentalhealth.com