Linda Wackerman, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

802-448-2151
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Watersedge-new Linda-Philosophy

Linda collaborates with her clients to work on what is important to them, integrating her knowledge and clinical experience to guide the process. She believes that everyone has problems from time to time, and that problems can prevent us from having the relationships and lives we want. Linda has deep respect for each of her client’s personal stories and the challenges they face, from the past and present. She partners with her clients to change old patterns, believing in them even when things have been difficult for awhile. She draws out each person’s strengths, helping them to see the possibilities and make the changes to create more meaningful relationships and satisfying lives.

Practice Style

Most people say Linda has a warm and genuine manner which makes it easy to talk openly with her. She sees therapy as a dialogue, meaning she is active in the process. Her clients have described her as a ‘guide and mentor’ and appreciate her down-to-earth feedback and direct style. Her calm presence and perceptive responses help build trust and give her clients the clarity to see their problems differently and to see other alternatives for themselves.   People choose to work with her because of the connection she makes with them, their partners and families. She has the ability to translate therapy into practical changes and improved relationships. Linda believes it is important to pick a therapist who is a good fit, both in terms of skills and personal style.

Experience/Specialties

Linda has been a therapist for over thirty years and has worked in a variety of clinical settings including child/adolescent/family programs, outpatient behavioral health clinics, medical settings, a college campus student health center, and in private practice. Linda sees herself primarily as a narrative therapist which means she is interested in how people can change the stories of their lives. She draws from a number of other clinical approaches including mindfulness, emotion-focused couples therapy, the latest developments in neuroscience, DBT/CBT, solution-focused and family systems models.

Individual therapy

  • Adolescents, young adults, adults
  • Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss
  • Interpersonal issues, family-of-origin, life transitions

Couples therapy

  • Premarital, long-term partners, marriage counseling
  • Resolve conflicts, change negative cycles of interaction, rebuild trust after an affair
  • Increase communication and intimacy
  • Collaborative planning for separation and divorce
  • Non Traditional Couples

Family therapy

  • Parenting differences and family transitions
  • Challenges with adolescents and young adults
  • Blended-family issues
  • Decision-making regarding aging parents

Eating Disorder treatment

  • Anorexia and bulimia
  • Narrative therapy, CBT, DBT and ACT, body image work
  • Multidisciplinary team approach, including nutritionist, MD

Group therapy

  • Ongoing Tuesday evening women’s therapy group-‘Reclaiming our Dignity’

Education

  • MSW 1982, Boston University School of Social Work, Massachusetts
  • B.A. 1977, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

Professional Licenses and Affiliations

State of Vermont: #089.0072560
State of Washington: LW 0006726

Member: National Association of Social Workers, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, National Eating Disorder Association

Personal

Linda returned to Vermont a few years ago after living in Seattle Washington for twenty five years. When not at work, she relaxes by skiing, hiking with her two dogs, gardening, kayaking and long-distance swimming. She and her husband enjoy music, films, traveling and visiting their two grown children. Linda also dabbles in arts and craft projects, secretly aspiring to be an artist.