Our Philosophy.
Namaste Consulting’s is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapy experience. Founded by Candice Christiansen, M.Ed., CMHC, CSAT, who’s dynamic, powerful, compassionate, and profound ability to hone in on clients’ underlying issues, Namaste Consulting is a place where people come to heal. At intake, she reassures all of her clients that, “There is hope. You CAN recover.”
There are essential elements necessary for individuals that have addictions and their loved to resolve trauma, heal from addiction, and cultivate lasting intimacy. Candice and her associates offer cutting edge psychotherapy, groups, and intensive workshops that assist clients in achieving longterm wellness in all areas of their lives. She and her team are specifically trained and experienced to provide evidenced-based treatment in a confidential and respectful atmosphere. Their therapeutic approach includes using a Task-Based Model along with Mindfulness-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (M-CBT), Experiential Therapy, Intensive Workshops, and Integrative Therapies.
Most individuals coming to therapy have never learned how to honor themselves or their loved ones. Many have traumatic pasts where, in an attempt to escape pain, they either compulsively act out via one addiction or another (or several), or experience an intense aversion to closeness or sexual intimacy. Addiction/aversion mixed with unresolved trauma is the perfect formula for relapse, failed relationships, and in some instances even death.
“Namaste” in Hindu means: “Honoring the divine in you”. Now is your time to honor you in healing. There is HOPE; recovery IS possible.
Our Clients.
We specialize in the treating the following issues:
Sex Addiction
Sexual Aversion
Partners of Sex Addicts
Relationship Betrayal
Complex Post Traumatic Stress
Love Addiction, Love Avoidance
Eating Disorders
Substance Abuse
Financial Disorders
Workaholism
The Change You Wish To See…
We utilize a diverse range of cutting edge modalities and research based treatment approaches, including:
Cutting Edge Assessments
The Sexual Dependency Inventory-4 (SDI-4) is a standardized assessment designed specifically to diagnose sexual addiction, relationship/love addiction, attachment issues, addiction interaction as well as give an overall profile of client behavior; the Post Traumatic Stress Inventory-Revised (PTSI-R) identifies complex trauma, traumatic bonding, and unhealthy coping patterns in relationships; the Money and Work Adaptive Scales Index (MAWASI) identifies financial and work disorders as well as issues related to deprivation. Each of these assessment tools are an essential part of the treatment planning process.
Client Education
During the assessment phase of treatment, we educate our clients on the impact that trauma has had on their brain, including their decision making skills, choice of addiction(s), and the brain’s ability to heal itself; neuroplasticity.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
We incorporate M-CBT into the treatment process to assist in brain restructuring, and enhance positive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while eliminating maladaptive ones. Research suggests that M-CBT, such as regular meditation actually increases gray matter in the brain, improves attention, lifts mood, decreases stress related cortisol, and helps reduce physical and psychological symptoms. We teach our clients guided imagery and meditation techniques to decrease trauma responses, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (Hansen, R., Mendius R.Buddhas Brain. Oakland, New Harbinger Publications, 2009, p.85).
Bibliotherapy
We encourage clients to read books that explain complex trauma, addiction, and relationship issues. Candice also incorporates her workbook Mastering the Trauma Wound: A Mindful approach for Healing Trauma and Creating Healthier Relationships (2013) into the treatment of trauma.
Weekly Homework
Assigning weekly homework allows clients to expedite their growth process outside our weekly therapy sessions.
Women’s Healthy Sexuality, Healthy Relationships Group
This is an on-going group, $40 per session, every Wed. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is a task-based group for women with multiple addictions. We use Patrick Carnes Facing the Shadows workbook (and other books) to discuss the impacts of women’s addictions on their relationships and sexuality, arousal patterns and origins of fantasy, addiction interaction and consequences, shame and guilt, healthy boundaries, and so much more. There is room; call today!
Men’s Healthy Sexuality, Healthy Relationship Group
This is an on-going group, $40 per session, every Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We use Supplemental workbooks: Facing the Shadows and Recovery Zone by Patrick Carnes. This is a task based group that explores the impact of men’s addiction(s) (i.e., sex, work, money, spending, commitment issues, food) on their relationships and with their sexuality. Men learn the origins of their addictions as well as useful techniques for improving their relationships and sexuality. This is a powerfully transformative group!There is room; call today!
