Ruth L. Kooiman
Therapist

Degree: MS

Certification: Licensed Psychologist

Areas of Specialization: Depression, Anxiety/Panic Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Individual Concerns such as: Self-esteem, Grief and Loss Issues, Assertiveness, Individuation, Problem Ownership, Self-responsibility, and Spritual dilemmas, Relationship Issues including: Communication Skills, Caretaking, Boundary Setting, Sexual Issues, Family and Life Transition Difficulties like: Marital Conflict, Infidelity, Parenting, Stress Management, Women's Issues, Counseling (and Psychoeducation) for Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups

View of Therapy: I believe that people come to therapy because what they have already tried isn't working and they know they need to try something different. Each client is viewed as a whole person who is made up of social, spiritual, emotional, thinking, and physical parts. People have the potential within themselves to change; however, because of difficulties and issues they have experienced in their lives they are sometimes unable to change in a positive way unassisted. Working together, we discover and use client strengths to address and resolve issues from the past that continue to cause problems or pain in the present. We examine their current ways of thinking, behaving, and feeling. Where needed, we develop, implement, and build upon newer, more appropriate solutions, skills, and strategies for them to use. Emphasis is on building healthy relationships with self and others, and upon making good choices in resolving current and future difficulties using both cognitive-behavioral and rational-emotive approaches.

Locations Served: Luverne, MN and Woodstock, MN