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Gina Hicks

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
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Gina Hicks, MS, LMHCA

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
(253) 777-1997

I have 20 years of experience providing a variety of mental health counseling services to diverse populations and cultures. I offer support for teens and adult individuals facing challenges including anger issues, chemical dependency, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, stress, and more. As we work together, I will help you explore and process various feelings and emotions openly and honestly. As my client, you’ll benefit from having a prayer partner and a willing vessel coming alongside you to offer guidance as we rely together on God’s leading and direction.

Puyallup - Mon & SatOnline (WA only) - Mon & Sat

About

I firmly believe God’s love covers a multitude of struggles and that it is in our struggle that God reveals Himself all the more. With integrity and compassion, I will seek to emulate God’s love as we take steps toward discovering His path and purpose for your life. After listening to your story and establishing your goals for treatment, I will provide learning and retention opportunities through homework, reflection, journaling, and encouraging stillness so you can hear God’s voice as you progress down the path toward healing and hope.

My Goal as a Christian Counselor

My goal is to help you gain spiritual confidence and increase your faith as we work to overcome the challenges you face. As a Christian counselor, I believe that biblical counseling is foundational for direction, growth, and purpose. As we establish a realistic treatment plan to meet your needs, my goal is to provide practical, faith-based ways for you to retain and utilize the tools you receive to experience freedom and personal growth in the Lord.

What I Offer in Christian Counseling

I offer a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can speak openly and honestly. As my client, you can expect me to encourage you, challenge you, educate as needed, and hold you accountable for progress in our work together. You can expect me to be honest, use humor (when appropriate), and offer prayer, devotions, and other resources that will help you achieve the goals you have for yourself through counseling.

My Approach to Christian Counseling

I approach counseling as a side-by-side relationship without a hierarchy. As therapist and client, we are in partnership together working toward a particular outcome. As a Christian counselor, I depend on the Lord’s guidance and will often incorporate prayer, Scripture, spiritual encouragement, music and lyrics, and faith-based homework as therapeutic tools.

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Social Work, all from Portland State University. I am currently in the process of completing a Master’s degree in Public Health through the Walden University online program.
I have two decades of experience working with diverse populations in multiple areas of counseling, including severe persistent mental illness, clinical disorders, crisis management, brief therapy, trauma, substance abuse, and self-harm.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I decided to pursue a career in Christian counseling because God and my faith in Him have carried me through many adversities and disappointments. I wanted to be enabled to help individuals reclaim their lives and their trust and faith in Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I enjoy volunteering at an organization that supports people experiencing homelessness, spending time with family and friends, reading, and listening to podcasts and uplifting music.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

  • Aging and Geriatric Issues
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Chemical Dependency
  • Coaching
  • Counseling for Teens
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Individual Counseling
  • Online Counseling
  • Personal Development
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Relationship Issues
  • Trauma
  • Women’s Issues

Anger Management

God says, “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26, ESV). It’s not sinful to be angry. Anger is a teacher. We live in an ever-changing world that can produce many strong emotions at any given moment. I have had success assisting individuals with determining underlying causes of anger and frustration, and understanding how to recognize anger and related thoughts before they produce actions not in alignment with their authentic selves.

Chemical Dependency

At times, people turn to alcohol and other drugs to minimize or escape their reality. As a chemical dependency counselor for over eight years, I have worked with individuals at various points of addiction-related struggles. As we connect this issue to spirituality, we will explore God’s plan for your life, including forgiveness of self.

Relationship Counseling

Relationships are multifaceted and complicated. We are built for relationships, but these relationships should allow us to move closer to our purpose and closer to God rather than cause unnecessary conflict. The Bible contains guidance on how we are to manage relationships and manage ourselves as part of a whole in a relationship. In this area, we’ll explore relational patterns, codependency and boundaries, and roles and responsibilities.

Individual Counseling

As a therapist with 20 years of experience, I offer counseling support that both hears and listens. Through one-on-one counseling, I provide a confidential place where you can explore unresolved issues of concern and troubling thoughts and feelings. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we’ll explore conscious and unconscious thoughts, behaviors, and behavioral drivers. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus, we’ll discuss the linkage between fight and flight, unresolved traumas and their impact on thoughts, behavioral choices, day-to-day life.

Teen Counseling

The teenage years are a time of transition. This phase of life is full of questions, and the world, the church, your parents, your friends, and social media are all seeking to give you answers. We’ll explore who you are at the core, your purpose, your strengths and social supports, your occupational future, and concerns involving stress management, private and public image, self-harm, relationship struggles, scholastic achievement pressure, bullying, intimate partner relationships, abuse(s), and forming an intentional relationship with God.

Payment and Forms

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

  • Puyallup – Mondays and Saturdays
  • Online (WA Only) – Mondays and Saturdays

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out-of-Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents and adult individuals.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.

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