“Mental strength is not necessarily the ability to stay out of the darkness, it is the willingness to stay present when faced with the darkness, knowing that the light will shine again.”
About
Gene Dennehy, MA, LPCC, LADAC
qualifications
Master of Arts in Counseling – Southwestern College
NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board Licenses
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) CCMH0198731
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counselor (LADAC) CAD0209021
EMDRIA Approved EMDR Trained Clinician
Throughout my life I have been drawn to creative expression, spirituality and finding meaningful connection with others. Growing up, I thought deeply about life, as I wanted to discover a way of living that would be most congruent with who I am and how I wanted to be in the world. I have explored many pathways in life and many ways of being in the world, through travel, work, self-expression and meeting and talking with many people from many walks of life. Every step led me to becoming a therapist and to helping others. I care deeply about supporting people in the most vulnerable places of their lives. For a number of years before becoming a mental health counselor, I worked as a respiratory therapist, specializing in critical care in the ICU. I saw first hand how valuable a kind and gentle presence is, not only in the healing and managing of medical issues, but in encouraging and maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. I continue to see this each and every day I work with people. Each of us has our own story and our own struggles and challenges. I do know what it is like to feel the weight of darkness and to reach out in search of kindness and understanding. I hope to share with you that it is possible to thrive and that your life is truly valuable.
When people are living whole, balanced and self-affirming lives, there is a natural motivation to thrive. It is expected that human beings will experience stress, while emotions are important and necessary in navigating both the joyful and the difficult experiences of life. But, sometimes stress and emotions can be overwhelming and painful. As a mental health counselor, I have worked with a wide variety of people with varying concerns. Trauma and overwhelming experiences can have a deep and lasting impact on the mind and neurobiology of the body, affecting both mental and physical health. Having witnessed the impact of childhood issues and trauma on the mind, body and behavior, I have developed an integrative and relational approach to therapy, which is deeply rooted in the present moment experience. Although there certainly are biological aspects impacting certain mental health disorders, I see many mental health symptoms as manageable and treatable. I believe it is important to offer a compassionate environment that is open, supportive of exploration, with presence and deep listening.