Blue Star Family Counseling Services, Inc.

Our Services
Our counseling services are provided by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors under the clinical direction of Amber Stiles-Bodnar; MSEd, LPCC-S, LCDC III. Our team of clinical counselors specialize in the treatment of disruptive life events, trauma, adjustment issues, trauma, substance abuse, chemical and behavioral addictions, anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss and issues specific to women and children utilizing various treatment modalities. Our counselors utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), stress inoculation, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as well as other highly effective and recognized treatments which allow individuals and families to live healthier and well adjusted lives. These modalities have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues directly brought about by the effects of active duty on service members and their families. Blue Star aides family members adjusting to the change in family dynamics and service members who suffer with various adjustment issues which arise from re-introduction to family life following an active-duty deployment or into civilian life following time served. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful method of psychotherapy utilized in the treatment and relief of many types of psychological distress. When an event is stored in short term memory, no matter how long ago the actual event happened, it causes the symptoms associated with ongoing, immediate trauma. Chronic anxiety, re-living of the event through flashbacks, nightmares, poor concentration, an intensified "startle" response, guilt, inability to think toward the future without fear of another traumatic event, are all symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Although PTSD is often associated with life events such as war, rape, natural disaster, and witnessing a violent death or crime, such symptoms can also result from recurring memories of childhood abuse, a traumatic car accident, loss of a loved one through death or divorce, or the experience of life threatening illness. Clients report an instant shift toward well being, a sense of release, a feeling of peace and acceptance, and a deep appreciation for their own strength after EMDR therapy. Research has identified EMDR an effective therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In addition, it is also successful using EMDR in the treatment of the following:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Separation Issues, Complicated Grief, Disturbing Memories,
Stress Reduction, Sexual, Emotional and/or Physical Abuse, Phobias, Panic Attacks, Performance Anxiety, Pain Disorders, Eating Disorders, Addictions.