Biography | Travis Schermer, LPC
Anxiety, depression, anger and dissatisfaction often reflect a mismatch between who we are and how we are. My goal in counseling is to help you differentiate “who” from “how” and in that space support you in making intentional and creative choices. Whatever life events have emerged — trauma, loss, or just feeling worn down — we can work through difficult feelings and help the “who” emerge.
I have worked with people across the lifespan and focus on adults and adolescents. Some difficulties are not inside a person but social systems that surround us, such as systemic racism, homophobia, and ingrained traditions of oppression. Knowing the different parts of yourself that have developed to protect you from harm, and giving voice to these parts, empowers us to challenge adverse systems and remain centered in our skills, strengths and innate dignity.
In my free time I enjoy being with my family, friends, and little dog, Toffee. I am passionate about live music, theatre, and the arts. I have also been an avid drummer most of my life and relish those non-verbal conversations with other musicians. I work as a professor at a local university and teach about mental health counseling.
A little more regarding some terms mentioned above:
Voice Dialogue: Different ideas comprise the mind and can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the situation. Exploring these thoughts and beliefs through Voice Dialogue can help us discern the function and utility of each. Giving voice also strengthens our identity as we start to live more intentionally.
Solution Focused: Problems typically capture our attention because they are a threat to our wellbeing. But the problem does not contain the solution. Shifting to solution focused means identifying what is wanted instead of the problem, finding exceptions, and creating new ways of living in the solution, rather than the problem.
Self-actualization (or actualization of the organismic self): Inside each person is a unique expression and embodiment of life. Sometimes it can be masked, quieted, or even hidden from the world. Distress can emerge between the mismatch of what is being experienced inside and what is being presented on the outside. Counseling can assist people in bringing these two pieces into accord with one another in order to be more fully oneself.