********************************************************************************************************************************** Dr. Danette Buchanan is a licensed professional counselor in Tigard, Oregon. Her professional counseling journey began in 2009 when she graduated from Loyola University in Baltimore and started practicing in community service agencies and a Christian counseling agency. She went on to start a private practice in 2014 in Beaverton, Oregon where she serves individuals, couples, and adolescents. Danette is available to see children age 10 and older on a case-by-case basis. Danette was ordained as a Deacon in the Church of the Nazarene in 2017 and most recently earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in May 2022 from Liberty University. Previous to her career as a professional counselor, Danette was a public school music teacher in both Kansas and Maryland. Her primary research interests include neuroscience, EMDR, secure attachments and human growth and development. She has been happily married for 46 years and has two adult sons (Wes) and (Daniel) two beautiful daughters-in-law, and 6 grandchildren! Danette is an avid learner and investigator. Her Clifton top five strengths are: empathy, individualization, input, achiever, and learner.
Style of Counseling
Her style of counseling is to listen deeply, ask strategic questions and create an interactive dialog where client and counselor can explore solutions for solving personal problems. She helps clients "accept what they cannot change, find courage to change what they can, and seek the wisdom to know the difference." (Alcoholics Anonymous). Danette's therapeutic approach is eclectic using Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT), CBT, REBT is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy whereby individuals identify, challenge and dispute irrational beliefs.Danette also uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for individuals who have experienced traumatic events. These events may be "big T" events or "little t" events. Here is an informative video about EMDR:
Treatment Specializations
Depression: I use empathy, active listening, strong attending skills and silence to help the client process their feelings. I create an environment where clients can broaden their range of feelings, and help them uncover feelings that have been buried or gone unrecognized. I encourage clients to increase their physical activity when possible to engage their world again and find renewed vigor.
Anxiety: I am skilled in helping clients uncover the deeper issues that may be underlying their present anxiety. My approach is to allow the client to process their thoughts and feelings, validate their efforts to cope with difficult stressors and then teach the client how to live in the moment, rather than the future.
OCD: I help clients process how their obsessions and compulsions have become a part of their coping strategies and how they have been a hindrance. I help clients explore the deeper need beneath their obsessive patterns and find more healthy ways to cope with triggers.
Couples: Intimate relationships are an important part of life. I help clients explore their role in their relationships, teach them how to communicate effectively and clearly and problem-solve situations that have left them feeling stuck.
Bipolar Disorder: My focus is on self regulation, stability and relationship satisfaction.
PTSD: I utilize EMDR as an important tool to lower high levels of distress so that the trauma no longer has the power to paralyze them.
Academic and Behavioral Problems:I collaborate with academic professionals and psychologists who evaluate cognitive and learning problems.
Faith and Spirituality: I help clients stabilize their view of themselves, so that their identity is not rooted in their failures or their accomplishments, but in their trusted higher power. I support clients with their faith values, which enable them to transcend the complexities of life. I help them gain a sense of grounded-ness in their lives that will stand the test of time through the good and the bad times of life.
Career and life Transitions: I offer a listening ear to those who might want to process their thoughts about life's critical transitions. Some examples might be: job changes, new parents, unemployment, chronic illness, adoption issues, academic challenges, etc.