Satchel Stillwell, M.A., LPC-S
Founder & Lead Therapist
Satchel Stillwell is a licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. He has served clients in the state of Texas for over a decade. With a focus on teenagers, adults, and families struggling with substance abuse disorders in the Dallas Fort Worth area, Satchel has dedicated 11 years to the field of recovery.
Satchel's unwavering passion lies in the restoration of families deeply affected by the devastating consequences of addiction. His extensive experience includes a role as Clinical Director at a renowned treatment center in Texas, where he specialized in developing and implementing their multi-family therapy program. During this time, Satchel directly supervised a team of clinicians and managed a caseload of individuals undergoing the 90-day treatment program.
Now, Satchel brings together his wealth of knowledge from working in an inpatient rehabilitation facility and in private practice to offer comprehensive counseling services for families commencing their recovery journeys. As a native Texan, Satchel resides with his lovely wife and four remarkable children, making his commitment to family restoration deeply personal.
My Approach
Individual Counseling
Individual therapy is all about honesty and trust. When clients are fully honest with me, they seem to progress and recover quickly. Clients hesitate to be fully honest if the therapist fails to establish an environment of safety and trust. My approach to individual therapy requires that I take my time to fully know and acknowledge the person sitting in front of me. I seek to understand their personality, and unique worldview. My goal is to collaborate with the client in an effort to challenge unhealthy thought patterns and beliefs about self.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling is not for the faint of heart. It requires steadfast effort, determination, and patience on behalf of the therapist. Clients struggling with a substance use disorder are usually resistant to change. My approach to substance abuse counseling is one of compassion and empathy. Together, we will remove the barriers of shame, guilt, and condemnation. The client will learn about their “recovery work” and what is required to maintain sobriety.
Marriage Counseling
Marriage Counseling is all about remaining neutral and objective. As an effective marriage counselor I have to make a conscious effort not to take one person’s side over the other. My approach to marriage counseling is to fight for the marriage relationship which is the thing that exists between the two individuals. The goal of Marriage Counseling is to identify and eliminate unhealthy patterns within the relationship. Together, we will learn how to communicate more effectively and set boundaries with one another.
Adolescent Therapy
Adolescent Therapy is all about earning the right to be heard. Adolescents are looking for an ally or a partner to empathize with them. They aren’t seeking another authority figure in their life but rather an objective sounding board that they can relate to and connect with. My approach to adolescent therapy is to earn trust by building rapport steadily over time. Parents are often involved in the therapeutic process because establishing unity in the home fosters a sense of peace. Adolescent Therapy is highly individualized in order to treat the specific needs of the adolescent and his or her family unit. There isn’t a cookie cutter or one size fits all approach to Adolescent Therapy. The goals of therapy for the adolescent will vary greatly depending upon what is presented during the initial intake assessment.
Family Counseling
Family Counseling is busy, messy, and highly effective. Each family member plays a role within the family system and the family system functions independently as a unique organism. Some family members will try to hide by not saying anything at all, while other family members will monopolize the session by talking the whole time. An effective family therapist is able to navigate these challenges in real time. The goals of Family Counseling vary greatly and depend upon the specific needs of each family. My approach to Family Counseling is to create a safe and healthy environment in which each family member has an equal opportunity to share.
Grief Counseling
Grief Counseling is hard work that takes time. One thing I have learned about grief counseling is that every individual grieves a bit differently. Some grieve quickly while others take months or even years to grieve a loss. The process is time consumptive but must be respected fully on both parts. An effective grief counselor doesn’t try to rush the grieving process. The goal of Grief Counseling is to partner with the client as they work through the five stages of grief including: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
You are not alone.
The journey through to relational and personal health can be a complex one, affecting not only the individual but also their loved ones. Therapy is a priceless resource, offering a spectrum of benefits, including unwavering support, enhanced communication, profound education, accountability, personalized assistance, and proactive relapse prevention. This service bridges the gap between despair and hope, fostering healing and resilience within individuals and families facing the challenges of addiction.