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Vitman Counseling
SPOMENKA VITMAN, MA LMHC
About Spomenka
I am a licensed psychotherapist, specialized in relationship therapy, trauma, and cross-cultural therapy. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, as well as undergraduate degrees in Applied Psychology and Education. My experience includes working in educational settings, community mental health agencies, and private practice. I’ve worked with clients of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition, I have years of experience coaching high-tech professionals to cultivate connections and to find balance and fulfillment in their family life and work.
I bring a multifaceted background to my therapeutic work. I am Eastern European and have lived and worked in different cultures of Eastern Europe; Montreal, Canada; Ankara, Turkey; Savannah, GA and the Puget Sound region. I am a native speaker of Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian, and I have a working knowledge of Macedonian, Bulgarian, Slovenian and Russian. I am also skilled in working with professional interpreters. Consequently, my diverse background allows me to be culturally sensitive and socially aware.
My approach recognizes that connections form the foundations of our lives – from the connection with one’s self, to our past relationships and those we cultivate with our peers, families, friends and partners. It is a holistic approach that respects the biological, psychological, and social factors present in everyone’s life. As humans, we are formed by our connections with everyone and everything that influences us.
My Approach in Therapy
In our work, I will strive to cultivate a connection that is safe, warm and respectful. Our partnership will be based on a collaborative and active alliance focused on achieving your goals. I assist my clients in finding their own way to happiness, contentment, and self-realization in every aspect of their lives. Furthermore, the counseling that I provide is personally tailored to the individual needs of each client.
I use evidence-based techniques such as DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), EFT (emotionally-focused therapy), and Biopsychosocial model of support and recovery. My theoretical orientation for viewing the self and connections comes from Existential Theory, Attachment Theory, and Family Systems.
What does this mean? In my work, this translates into a process that both unravels and weaves together as we work toward your goal, or in dealing with a crisis or ongoing problematic issues. I am passionate about helping women and men, parents and non-parents, create the connections they desire in their relationships and achieve greater personal fulfillment in life.
What sets my approach apart from another psychotherapist?
- Straight talk, no-nonsense style balanced with humor, warmth and compassion
- Commonsense approach that speaks to both, men and women
- Answers your “why-do-I/we-do-it” question with scientifically proven explanations.
- Expert in genders psyche and relational effectiveness
I have been a resident of the East side for many years. I enjoy spending time with my husband (a long-time Boeing engineer) and daughter. I’m interested in the arts, museums, traveling, dining, and visiting with friends. I consider myself both a relaxed and straight-forward type of person striving to help others experience a balanced, connected, and fulfilled life.
Philosophy
Connections form the foundations of our lives – from the connection with one’s self, to our past connections, and those we form with our peers, families, friends, and partners.
There are three core connections that define our existence: Connection to Self, Connection to Others, and Connection of Togetherness. Each connection has a core set of skills. Acquiring and applying these skills will help you Cultivate Connections.