With 24 years of marriage under her belt, Betsy Hicks knows how much hard work it can be to make a relationship successful. She’s lived in nine different states with her husband and two sons and has dealt with many transitions that comes from being a military family. For Betsy, it’s this background and insight that led her to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. “It really stemmed from wanting to help the military community and expanded from there.” Betsy says during deployments she often acted as the Family Readiness Group Leader and was the point of contact for spouses to reach out to when they had concerns or when they needed someone to simply listen when emotions and stressors ran high.
With her husband retiring from the Army, her children grown and out of the house, over two years ago Betsy decided to form her own practice, Lacey Couple and Family Therapy Services LLC. She first received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Washington, then went on to earn her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University.
Betsy tells me she primarily sees couples, but also families and individuals who want to improve themselves and their relationships. “It’s always hard when you see people struggle with relationships when they don’t have to. A lot of times people are fighting about things on the surface and it’s not even about that.” She says this is not always easy, because counseling is can be hard work, but believes it can be worth it. She is a systems trained therapist who looks at the many influences people have in their lives to see how they may be contributing to their current concerns. She incorporates Narrative Therapy into her practice. This therapy includes deconstructing narratives that no longer may be serving individual then facilitates clients discovering, constructing, and incorporating their preferred narratives into their lives. Her couples therapy incorporates the works of John Gottman but is primarily emotionally focused, based on the principles of Dr. Sue Johnson. “My philosophy is making the best relationships possible,” she explains.
Many people come to therapy not knowing what to expect. With Betsy, the first appointment is 80-90 minutes long. This length of time gives her an opportunity to complete paperwork and listen to her client’s story. “The first session is really about hearing the clients’ concerns.” And she says it’s typical to be nervous or anxious, and hopeful and have mixed emotions.
The following counseling sessions typically will be between 50 – 60 minutes and Betsy conveyed to me that from her perspective. “It’s the therapist’s job to meet people where they are at.” She adds she is not a decision maker for clients, but rather helps them come to their own conclusions. “My goal is for couples to be able to express themselves and their needs honestly. “It’s really rewarding to see people connect in ways that they haven’t before.”
Another way Betsy is striving to make an impact on relationships is through a series of workshops she facilitates. The all day sessions are limited to ten couples focused on building and strengthening their relationships. Betsy tells me the workshops are based on the work of Dr. John Gottman and his “Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work.” He is a world-renowned therapist who conducted his own 30-year study at the University of Washington. Betsy says she put in the extra work to become a Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator so she could host these workshops, which she believes can enhance relationships. “It’s all about building a stronger foundation and connection for your relationship.” Betsy hosts the workshops 3-4 times per year.
Betsy’s office is located in the Marston Center in Lacey. She offers reduced rates for full-time college students and Active Duty and Retired military members. To learn more about Betsy Hicks’ therapy services or upcoming workshops, visit her website, www.laceytherapy.com, call her at 360-588-2181 or send an email to laceytherapy@gmail.com.
Sponsored
