Bridget Granholm Psychotherapy, LCSW

I always knew that I wanted a career that would allow me to help others. Before becoming a therapist, I tried my hand at several other careers, including teaching, becoming a lawyer, and working as a writer. Although I enjoyed the time I spent teaching (but not so much the time I spent studying for the LSATs), I still felt like something was missing. A friend suggested I look into a graduate social work program and after reading all that it entailed, I knew that I found what I had been looking for.

During our first session, I like to know what brings the client to therapy, a little about their history, and what their day-to-day looks like. I also like to address any concerns or questions they may have about me, my approach to therapy, or my methodology. After that, we will work together to identify goals that would make the client's life more tolerable and enjoyable. Progress looks different for everyone and is not always linear but even small changes can make big differences and I like to help my clients see this. I enjoy working with clients to overcome the anxiety that revolves around big life changes as well as smaller ones. I like helping women find their inner strength and I love helping new parents see that they have the power to help their little ones with any emotional or behavioral issues they may be having.

I have always enjoyed a good laugh! I think this shows up in my approach to therapy in a few ways. I am always the first person to laugh at myself and my mistakes. I think laughing and having fun is a good way to make therapy more enjoyable, not only for the client but also for me. Because therapy can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, being able to laugh can help ease the tension and break up any negative, ruminating thoughts.

I am so excited by how everyone is approaching mental health recently. Not only are we finding new, innovative ways to bring therapy and mental health care to more people but we are also expanding society's view of mental health and the importance of talking about it, addressing it, and embracing it.