Janette Brown

Hello; my name is Janette 'Anderson' Brown, and I am a Washington & California licensed marriage/family & individual therapist, practicing since 1974. Mine is a humanist approach, utilizing a Motivational Interviewing style, which means my focus is closely listening to your description of your current concerns and your sense of the assistance need to go forward.

My approach

I am a fan of 'here-&-now,' Gestalt approaches to counseling. Current thinking about socio-politics informs my work; and I am influenced by Barry Stevens ('Don't Push the River') and the thinking (not the evolved techniques) of Carl Rogers. Accountability and some mutually agreed-upon measures of progress balance what is largely a subjective interaction between the clients(s) & me.

My focus

I started working primarily with women addressing self-esteem and social relationships. Currently I am forming a women's bi-weekly support group. But I quickly branched into couples work and family sessions between siblings, parent and adult child, or in rare cases whole families. Regardless, I have found that my humor and use of metaphor appeals easily to people appreciative of a balanced perspective in their own lives.

My communication style

I aim to strike a balance between earnest interest in detail, and a broader overview that allows balance, or even humor in what can seem dire situations. Clients find their intuitive wisdom naturally when initial tension dissolves, and trust in the communication emerges. This may take a bit of time; but usually there is an ease felt within 15-20 minutes.

My journey to mental healthcare

My own journey, in becoming a therapist, was rather through the back door! I enjoyed sciences and was preparing to teach medical students, with all my pre-med done. However, needing one filler hour of credit, I was pointed to an advanced counseling class in Group Process. I was struck by the opportunity for inter-personal exchange, ear-marked by ruthless honesty. It was the 70s, and the era of trans-personal transparency. I was hooked. My teacher inquired about my professional goals and pushed me to reconsider my aims, and I changed my masters degree to clinical counseling work. What drives & sustains me to do this job is the inspiration I get from people who come through my door _ their courage for risk and change.

My goals for you

Motivational interviewing techniques are un-selfconscious in their way of helping clients pinpoint what they want and where they want to go. I usually ask how a person would know if things had changed for the better; what concretely would be or feel different than now.

My first session with you

Opportunity to feel heard and understood is the main thing you should expect in talking with me, as well as a chance to find out what you most want to know about me as a professional, and about my personal views. This two-way candor builds trust and should be evident in every session.