A Bit About Me
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Welcome!
I have been licensed as a professional counselor since 2015. My clients describe me as an insightful, gentle and warm person who provides a listening ear, a fresh perspective, and a vision of a more hopeful future. People who find meeting with me helpful often have great lives yet feel like life has gotten out of balance. Sometimes they have experienced the complications of grief. They often want to increase their capacity to love and care for someone else and maybe even themselves without feeling so overwhelmed by their responsibilities. They are exhausted and know they want something to be different.
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As I studied to become a counselor, I was inspired by a leader who said the role of a counselor is to be an "instiller of hope". The hope that transforms us is not simply a pep talk we tell ourselves, but is instead a deep knowing that anchors us through the ebbs, flows, and storms of life. This foundational hopefulness is the goal I have for every client that meets with me during a time of need.
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While I value my degree and engage in ongoing development, life experience is the most profound source of education. The wisdom and perspective others have valued in my work flows from lived experience. There is nothing like waking up in the middle of the night to a racing heart to help one understand how difficult living with anxiety, even for a short season, can be. I am passionate about personality assessments because I know how using them can feel validating and give us language to know what is valuable and true about ourselves. I learned how to process grief and the value of getting help and support by navigating the journey of loss.
If you have joined clubs no one wants to be in through the pain of suicide loss or through supporting someone with significant health challenges, I too have membership. While these are difficult experiences, they have developed a sensitivity that I hope will help you feel understood.
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Life experience also has shown me there is hope, and it is something we need to actively seek. While maintaining wellness is not easy, it is also not as complicated as we all fear it to be. I would welcome an opportunity to instill some hope back into your life and equip you with practical tools to keep hope alive.
Maybe this description resonates with you and what you might need in this season of your life. If so, I'd love to meet you! Reach out and request the complimentary consultation so we can see if we would be a good fit to work together.
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All the best on your journey!
Pam
Pamela Zaffke, M.A., LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Education
B.A. in Christian Ministries - Bethel University, St. Paul, MN
M.A. in Counseling Psychology - Bethel University, St. Paul, MN
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Certifications/Continuing Education/Professional Experience
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Master Class
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Leadership Vision Certified Strengths Coach
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Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP): Applied Neuroscience for Treating Anxiety, Panic, and Worry
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Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts (SYMBUS) Facilitator for Premarital Counseling
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Personalities in the Workplace Seminar using 16Personalities Free Online Assessment
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University of Northwestern, St. Paul (UNWSP) Counseling Services Staff Counselor (Mental Health Counseling for Students): 2014-Present.
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Relationships 101 Counseling Group Facilitator at UNWSP
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Personality Profiles Session Facilitator for the Taking the Next Step: Preparation for Marriage Seminar at UNWSP
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Co-Facilitator for Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety and GRIT Groups for UNWSP
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Minnesota Licensure
I am licensed as a professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy in the State of Minnesota
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