Medicine Creek Counseling

07/24/2025

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝: 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌?

Social work found me in an unconventional way. Throughout high school and college, I loved working as a CNA and home health aide. However, I began to realize that nursing did not feel like the right fit. I was fortunate to have two of my best friends suggest I consider majoring in social work. I came to understand that what I was truly drawn to was not the medical side of caregiving, but the human connection, advocacy, and emotional support. Once I made the switch, I felt an immediate sense of alignment. I had found the career path that truly fit me.

What continues to inspire me about social work is its deeply rooted values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These principles reflect the way I strive to live, both professionally and personally.

I also appreciate that social work views mental health through a broader lens. It acknowledges that well-being is shaped not only by internal processes, but also by external systems and socioeconomic challenges. That holistic perspective is what drew me to the field, and I truly cannot imagine building a career in anything else.

07/18/2025

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝: 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌?

I started college as a pre-med student, until my psychology professor, Dr. Bock, said I needed to consider a career in psychology or social work. Of course, I didn’t listen and continued as pre-med for another year. I didn’t “love” school at the time and had no interest in pursuing a master’s degree.

Growing up in rural Nebraska, I hadn’t even heard of social work. But once I learned what it was, I realized it was exactly what so many people in my life had needed but didn’t have access to. I knew then that social work was where I was meant to be.

Since then, I’ve been honored to work with individuals and families in a few different parts of the U.S., gaining insight into the unique challenges faced by different communities. Through family support services, case management, substance use treatment, and serving in the Army Reserves as a Behavioral Health Specialist, I eventually found my way to the role of a therapist.

I’m now committed to being a lifelong learner and am grateful for all the opportunities social work continues to bring. 🤎

07/12/2025

Free Brainspotting resource for flood victims

There is a growing team of licensed mental health providers with Brainspotting Help ready to provide counseling support relief for Texas flooding. If you or someone you know would like free counseling related to flooding trauma, please use this link/flier to request support.
http://brainspottinghelp.com/texas

To join the team of volunteers to help you can use this link: https://form.jotform.com/251923455577365

07/07/2025

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 ✨
Social work isn’t one-size-fits-all—neither are the people we serve.

Our therapists at MCC have unique personal and professional backgrounds that help bring understanding, empathy, and representation to the work that changes lives.

✨ Diverse voices help build trust.
✨ They challenge systemic barriers.
✨ They reflect the communities we serve.

Over the next few weeks, starting with Wendy, we will be shedding light on each of our therapists and their unique backgrounds that led them to the social work field.

“Social work found its way to me when I became involved with an amazing group of hospital social workers at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, NE. That is when I understood the difference between psychology and social work. It was this group of people and their SW values that helped me make the decision to get my MSW over an advanced psychology degree. During my MSW internships I worked at the school and at another private practice in the area, all the while, I was not even thinking of becoming a therapist or being in private practice. Funny how we are pulled in directions where we are needed. I have since strongly encouraged others to pursue social work for the same reasons, and for the many options for employment. Social work allows you to work in a variety of areas.”
-Wendy Shifflet, LCSW

06/11/2025

Thank you for the recognition! We love our beautiful office and its place in the community.

131 Followers, 56 Following, 123 Posts

06/06/2025

Lets get on board with NEW treatment options

https://www.1011now.com/2025/06/06/bryan-health-launches-esketamine-therapy-treat-depression/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKv3eJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmlCt5Tf3vFLQ_6UWvG-2XYpPJuhKGwbpn5ZUTlbCLEQkIY_gauBy2aWRMjL_aem_y1wbcWD9Tc0cKtTDv5wUZg

While its effectiveness is still being researched, clinical therapists across the country and here at Bryan Medical say it’s mostly beneficial for treatment-resistant depression patients.

05/29/2025

A topic we all need to be mindful of.

The United States Senate unanimously approved U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.) bipartisan resolution designating May 29th as ‘Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.’

05/10/2025

We stand with the Cozad community 💙

04/30/2025

We are thrilled to announce Hallie Messersmith as Hallie Messersmith, LCSW! Hallie has completed all post graduate clinical hours and examinations required to be recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the State of Nebraska.

Hallie, your hard work and dedication to your clients, our team, Social Work, and your own personal growth have not gone unnoticed. Congrats! 🎉👏

04/29/2025

It’s the last few days of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our support goes out to all who have been affected by sexual assault.

• Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
• 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
• Nearly 1 in 2 adult women and 1 in 4 adult men in the U.S. have experienced unwanted sexual contact in their lifetimes.

National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673

04/22/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🌎
Acknowledging a few of the many mental health benefits that nature can offer:
🌱 decreased stress & anxiety
🌱 improved mood
🌱 increased attention span
🌱 better sleep
🌱 improved connection with self & others

03/28/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬 ✨

All of our therapists at MCC are first SOCIAL WORKERS! We all have a diverse background of human services and caregiving experiences, bringing a compassionate Social Work approach to therapy. There are so many things that make social workers unique as therapists and we strive to bring light to these with our work ✨