Getting to know us . . . Andrea Geesman LPC
When I was a little girl, I (Ellen) loved musicals, and “The King and I,” caught my fancy. I loved the song, sung between the Anna and the king of Siam … “Getting to Know You.” In the song, learning about the other was the goal: “getting to know you … all about you.”
In the same vein, getting to know us is important. Knowing who we are, how we approach therapy and how we can help you is paramount to your wellness.
This is the first of six blogs about our Sanctuary therapists.
ANDREA GEESAMAN LPC, CLINICAL DIRECTOR
This week, we are talking to Andrea Geesaman, licensed professional counselor, and Sanctuary’s Clinical Director.
If you are a couple looking for more connection, someone struggling with grief, or an individual trying to get control of the screens in your life, she is the one to help you. She is also a trauma, anxiety and depression specialist and primarily sees clients from teenagers to adults, couples and individuals.
Question: Why did you become a therapist?
Andrea: I experienced a sudden major loss in my life. My life would never be the same, and I knew that I would never be the same. I personally gained a deeper understanding of how grief changes us and witnessed a community of support that showed up to help my family. Many of the things that I once valued and took for granted became much less significant and life took on a new meaning. During my own walk with grief, I felt God nudging me and calling me on a career path to help others who are also struggling. I paid attention to that calling and am forever grateful that I did. I love being a therapist, and I am passionate about helping my clients find meaning and purpose in their lives and heal from their own past traumatic losses and experiences.
Question: What kind of therapy do you love to do?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, and have spent much of my career and training in grief and loss counseling, couples counseling, and working with adults and high school/college students that suffer from trauma, anxiety and depression.
Question: Who do you primarily help?
My most satisfying moment in therapy is when my clients have a visible shift and come to a place of self-love and compassion that fills up the room. It is a realization where they begin to see themselves and life from a different perspective.
Equally, my most dissatisfying moment is when I sit across from a client that has difficulty seeing and believing their own beauty and self-worth. This is often due to past traumatic experiences or loss that has not been healed.
Question: What interests do you have both in the therapy world and outside it?
I feel the biggest misconception about therapy is that we (the therapist) can “fix” what is the struggle in our clients’ lives. I think one of the greatest things about what I do is that I help clients understand that I am not here to empower them, but rather I am here to create a safe space where they will feel valued, heard and supported as they learn to empower themselves.
Question: Tell us a little about you, personally –
My therapeutic outlets include photography and art, reading, spending time with my family and my golden retriever, Wren. I also love the outdoors and spending quiet time with God while seeking beauty in all things.
Intrigued? Contact Andrea at andrea@sanctuarychristiancounseling.com, or visit her page on this site for more information. She can also be reached at 717-200-3158.
Andrea provides both face-to-face and online therapy.
Sanctuary Christian Counseling
9974 Molly Pitcher Highway, Suite 4
Shippensburg, PA 17257
717-200-3158
info@sanctuarychristiancounseling.com
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