Angela Velasco, MA, LMHC, MHP, CDPT joined the Catholic Charities Counseling department in 2011. She has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Seattle University, Seattle, WA. Angela is a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist and consultant and a member of the EMDR International Association. She has a Chemical Dependency Professional Certificate from Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA and is on the advisory board for the Social Services-Gerontology Program. She provides supervision at Catholic Charities Counseling for Masters Level college students from local universities in the Spokane, WA community. Angela is also a combat veteran who served in the US Army for six years. I believe that we are all born into a world already in motion, already filled with its own problems, and already spinning madly in the chaos. Though we didn’t cause it, we still have the power to do our own healing work, improve the world where we have influence, and to create a better future. I trust that the client is the expert on his or her own life. My job is to guide, support, and challenge as needed in a space that is safe. I work with a variety of mental health concerns but have a special place in my heart for working with trauma and addiction. I use the theoretical models of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). MI techniques help us hone in on what really matters, what goals you really want to achieve, and identify what holds you back. EMDR helps to clear up negative feelings, thoughts, and beliefs from the past. DBT teaches skills that help you live a life that is worth living today and in the future. I consider it a privilege to participate in the healing process and I look forward to working with you.