Ricki (Richelle) Bouska

Hi! I'm Ricki. I am 45, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, friend, and counselor. I have been in the helping profession since 1996, with a BA in psychology and sociology, and a counselor since 2004, with a master's in mental health counseling from UNI. I have just completed coursework (but have more to do) in my PhD Counselor Education and Supervision program. I am a woman of great faith, a deep love for my family, and an abundance of hope! I truly believe I was called into the counseling ministry. I have a heart for helping and embrace opportunities to come alongside others as they endeavor to move forward in life. I believe in human potential and each person's inherent worth. I take an empowering, person centered, insight oriented, strengths based approach. I incorporate various methods, including, cognitive behavioral therapy, reality/choice therapy, solution focused focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness/contemplative therapy, existential therapy, somatic/body therapy methods, narrative therapy, and creative/experiential therapy. My work is informed by many things, including attachment theory, the companioning model, and trauma/adversity sensitivity. I specialize in grief and loss work. I also enjoy supporting people and their loved ones as they face chronic, life altering, or terminal illness. The retirement phase of life is a burgeoning research interest of mine. In fact, my dissertation is entitled: "The Experience of Psychological Adjustment to Retirement in Biological Parents Estranged from their Adult Children." I also comfortably address most mental health diagnoses, life transition and adjustment, couple issues, attachment and relationship bonds, trauma and adversity, low self esteem and dis-empowerment, spirituality and existential issues, and more! I challenge my clients to live their best lives. I believe authentic and life changing growth comes from within. I see each person as the expert on him or herself. I work hard for my clients and ask that they do the same!