You know your strengths— perhaps enth usiastic, curious about the world, friendly—but you may not recognize them as much these days.

You may hope to become a better student, parent, friend or employee. You may wish that you could make it through daily routines at home or at work without emotional distress or acting impulsively. Or, as a parent, you may want to see your child feeling happier, less anxious and able to make it through school without feeling overwhelmed. Are you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or scattered? Fearing others may see you as a “mess”, not knowing the struggles going on underneath the surface?

You’re not alone. Therapy can be extremely helpful in managing these challenges and more.

When working with children and teens, I can help improve impulsive or unhealthy behavior, facilitate mood stability, negotiate social difficulties, teach coping and communication skills, and provide parental support and education. With adults, I can help improve emotional regulation and stability, reducing distress from anxiety and/or symptoms of depression so you feel more stable and more ready to face any challenges that come your way. For those managing symptoms of ADHD or Autism at any age, I can help with executive functioning skill building such as time management, organization and planning, as well as education and awareness, and navigating relational challenges.

While any of these may be hard to manage on their own, I seek to provide a safe and supportive environment for you or your child to engage in skill-building activities, improve coping skills, brainstorm solutions, or just “think out loud.” We can also work on challenging or re-thinking beliefs that are no longer serving you or your child, and work toward responding emotionally in healthy ways.

My hope is for you or your child to feel more confident managing life’s challenges, utilize your/their strengths and reach your/their fullest potential.

Background: I received an M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University in 2022 and also hold a B.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University. I am currently a Resident in Counseling working toward full licensure and receive weekly support and education from my supervisor, but hold approximately eighteen months of experience providing a variety of therapeutic services. I have experience working in community counseling performing intensive in-home and parent coaching, as well as time working in private practice. I typically use a humanistic approach in my services, allowing you as the client to guide your therapy experience, as what may work for one client may not work for you. You know best what is important in your life, and you are always free to provide feedback and ideas to make your experience the best for you.

A common myth about MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapists) is that we only work with couples and families. MFTs are highly trained clinicians who use a systems approach when working with individuals struggling with any issue, whether in a relationship or not. Our training gives us the opportunity to see problems from a lens that incorporates one’s interactions, relationships, environment and context. MFT’s are a great fit for individuals, as we understand the fundamental influences that exist in all of our lives and the challenges one may be facing. Most of the clients that we do see at Bridges Therapy and Wellness Center are seen for Individual Therapy, while we do also see some couples and families, as well, when appropriate.

Lindsey Rust is a Resident in Counseling who is working under the direct supervision of Dr. Lisa Kellogg, LMFT, LPC. A Resident in Counseling refers to a therapist who holds a Masters degree in a program that teaches counseling skills, and who provides therapy under supervision as they earn clinical hours and experience toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.