This case has been in the headlines since a sentence was handed down on June 2; you probably have heard about it, or seen the trending topic on your Facebook feed. If you want to know the details, please feel free to Google reputable sources; this post is not regarding the politics surrounding the case.

Upon conviction of three felonies, the victim was allowed to share a “victim impact statement.” According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, victim impact statements are “written or oral information… during the decision-making process on sentencing.” The purpose is to provide insight that may not have been allowed in Court, or detail damages caused by the crime (whether physical, emotional, or financial, including the cost of medical treatment or counseling). Her statement read very similar to a trauma narrative, a treatment component utilized during trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, or TF-CBT.

Why would anyone want to relive their traumatic experience? Symptoms, such as invasive thoughts or memories, “flashbacks” and nightmares may be difficult to tolerate, and individuals who are exposed to traumatic events may require the assistance of a mental health professional to learn new and effective ways to cope. Enter the trauma narrative: Retelling the story has been shown to increase a sense of control over events the person felt he or she had no control (the traumatic experience). The narrative also assists to desensitize, which can also be helpful in recognizing that the event is no longer occurring and has ended.

TF-CBT should only be facilitated by mental health practitioners specifically trained to work with trauma. If you are interested in learning more about TF-CBT, please contact us. To read the victim’s statement, please click here (Warning: Graphic Content. May be triggering to victims of crime). 

Online scheduling is functional for both Veronica and Cami; our HIPAA-secure portal makes it easy to complete your intake paperwork and request an appointment with the provider of your choosing. Want to check availability before filling out the intake questionnaire? Click here- we update schedules at least daily. Please remember the intake questionnaire must be completed for all appointments to be considered, and it does not guarantee acceptance as a client. Check our Payments page for insurance acceptance, as well as the most up-to-date information about which providers are in-network with which plans- this will help you maximize your insurance benefit. 

It feels like we just did an update... but we received notice that Premera has approved Veronica as of March 30th! If you have Premera Blue Cross or another Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan, feel free to give us a call at (509) 228-8901, email us or schedule online. Veronica is currently available Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am-1pm.

We continue to receive notification that Veronica has been accepted to other networks. Most recently, Veronica has been accepted to Asuris, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, and BridgeSpan, effective April 15. 

We are excited to relay the addition of Veronica Messing to the First Choice Health Network (FCHN) and their network of providers. Not a FCHN subscriber? We are awaiting the acceptance of other insurance companies, so please contact us with your questions. 

We are so very pleased to welcome Veronica Messing, MS, LMHC to the ACT Services family! Veronica brings many years of experience with her, ranging from intake assessments, mental health counseling, case management, and crisis management. We are awaiting acceptance to insurance networks, however Veronica may see clients as "out-of-network" or same-day-payment. You may email her directly at Veronica@ACTspokane.com if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment. 

It's a busy time of year around the office at ACT Services. The Washington Counseling Association's Annual Conference is now behind us but 2016 is waiting right around the corner with many more adventures.

We strive to support other local organizations and are proud to be a 2015-16 Prairie View Elementary PTO Business Partner! You can also choose to help your local schools by donating supplies or volunteering- contact your local PTO for information on how to be of service.

Would you like to share your story or feedback about ACT Services? We are now accepting client testimonials! Please contact Cami or stop by the office for more information - a form is also available at the front desk detailing how your testimonial will be used and how we will maintain your privacy.

Did you know October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month? 10% of the proceeds from all new assessments will be donated to the YWCA of Spokane's Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program. To schedule an appointment, click here. Be sure to complete the intake assessment questionnaire!