Introducing Dr. Adrianne
Adrianne Bliss-Williams, Psy.D. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC), and has a Doctorate of Psychology from Southern California Seminary. She interned at New Resolve (a drug and alcohol rehab program for veterans in North San Diego County) and with the Veterans Moving Forward Program at the Vista Detention Center.
After moving to Northern California, Dr. Adrianne completed her MFT internship as part of the Alternative Sentencing Treatment Team while working for Plumas County Behavioral Health.
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Dr. Adrianne completed her doctorate degree program from Southern California Seminary and finished her dissertation, "The Relationship Between the Veterans Moving Forward Program and Recidivism Among Veterans" in May of 2018.
Dr. Adrianne worked for Plumas Rural Services (PRS) as a psychological assistant and was supervised by Dr. Laura Morisson and Dr. Tony Hobson. She conducted various psychological assessments for Private Pay Individuals, Plumas School District, and Plumas County Child Welfare Services, and delivered counseling services at schools, homes, and in the community.
The services that Dr. Adrianne is currently offering are within the scope of practice for LMFT and LAADC licensure and she is not currently conducting any psychological assessments.
Passion:
My greatest passion is to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for you to be able to explore issues that currently impair functioning in social, self-care, work, or other areas of your life.
A bio-psycho-social is the collection of information that explores the ways that biology, psychology, and social aspects of your life impact your issue.
During the biopsychosocial, you can expect an intake interview, genogram (family history of mental health issues, violence, trauma etc.), and timeline of your life's significant events completed. The biopsychosocial can feel intrusive. However, the benefits of drawing out the information outweigh potential negative feelings that may arise.
In example: It is crucial for medical issues to be ruled out before diagnosing a mental health illness.
Medical issues that need to be ruled out are:
thyroid dysfunction (which can create depression and anxiety and needs to be addressed by your Primary Care Physician [PCP])
vitamin deficiencies (such as Vitamin D which can be a medical cause of depression and needs to be addressed by your PCP)
The extra time spent gathering the background information is for your safety. Most clients are curious and intrigued to see correlations in family, medical, the timeline of the problem, and other issues related to the current problem that may come up during this process.
Once past the intake process, I will work on the development of a foundation and groundwork for trauma processing. Your foundation will be skill-building, coping skills, self-soothing, and a strong therapeutic alliance. Sometimes, the background work can feel as though therapy is not moving forward quickly. However, it is important to make sure that an individual has the tools necessary to withstand significant emotions and physical reactions that come with healing trauma. Uncontrollable dysregulation and relapse can occur when this groundwork is not achieved like building a home without a strong foundation.
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I enjoy helping individuals work through existential issues. These issues when not explored (through talk, art, or other spiritual experiences) can exacerbate depression and anxiety issues. I love to help people find their worth and meaning for existing. This material may need to be accessed through other routes than traditional talk therapy.
I love to meet people where they are and help them to navigate their relationships with the world. I have an understanding of when an individual, couple, or family is required to come to counseling. I know that it can be difficult to engage in psychotherapy and to make a commitment to do deep, or any, therapeutic work when you are forced to come to therapy. I will work with you where you are and will help you to achieve your goals for the duration of your therapy.
When requested, I love to help with spiritual issues in a Christian Counseling format. The goal of this type of work can be to reconcile a relationship with God through attachment and healing using biblical foundations. I have a Master's in Christian Ministry and am trained in Christian counseling.
Dr. Adrianne Bliss-Williams
I look forward to meeting you!