About me
Hi, my name is Menzo Faassen. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee and New Mexico. I received my B.S. in Psychology in 1999 from Middle Tennessee State University and I received my M.S. in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University in 2009.
I work full time in Richmond, Virginia (moved here in January of 2022). I am working for a community mental health center as a therapist. I have worked in community mental health and addiction treatment centers since 2007. I have worked with adults and teenagers with trauma, addiction, depression, grief/loss and LGBT issues. I am also a proud member of the LGBT community.
My approach to therapy starts out with the basic Rogerian (person centered approach). But, I also incorporate Psycho dramatic techniques (but I can only do this in a video session) into my approach. Psychodrama is a combination of counseling and theater and is often referred to as Shakespearean Psychology. I start where you are. I believe that you are the expert on you and that this is your therapy not mine. So I will tailor my approach and style to what your goal (not my goal) is. I can be as directive as you need. I can function well dealing with thoughts and emotions, looking for solutions, and even a look into reality.
A few things to be aware of:
1. While you can send messages to me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you may not get an immediate response. Depending on what time you sign up, I could be sleeping, eating, or working with another client. I do respond within 24 hours of getting a new client and often will respond sooner, but you will probably not get an instant response from me. Bear in mind that I do have a full time job that I work during the day. I am not able to respond between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM (Eastern Standard Time in the US). Please be patient with this.
2. Prior to beginning therapy I request that you send me your home address and phone number. If you prefer you can send a copy of a photo ID. I request this information for a few reasons. The first is so that if there is an emergency (you present with a plan to hurt yourself or somebody else, or I suspect there is child abuse involved) I can alert the authorities in your location. It is also my ethical duty to assure that I am licensed to provide services in the state you reside.
3. Sending messages back and forth is fine, but you will get more value out of BetterHelp if you schedule a live chat, phone or video session with me. You can do that by selecting the schedule session on the right hand side of the screen.
4. It helps to have a goal in therapy, so one question that I will ask is "what do you want to get out of therapy" or "what brought you to therapy". I only ask so we have a direction to go.
5. The more information I have about you the better. So, in way of introduction, some things you may want to share include (your childhood information, any traumatic events, previous relationships, current relationships, work history, family background/relationships, your previous therapy experience, etc.). In other words, use the first message to give me the autobiography of you.
I have worked with teens and adolescents in recovery from alcohol and drugs. I also have worked with teens that have been involved with the juvenile justice system. I find creativity is a key that often helps teens open up about their emotions.
I have been in counseling myself and know how scary it can be to enter into the process and I try to make this as comfortable as possible. I look forward to walking with you as you begin this journey of healing and transformation.
Specialties
- Addictions
- LGBTQ+
- Trauma, Abuse
- Grief
- Depression
Stress, Anxiety , Family conflicts , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Abandonment , Adoption and Foster Care , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Years of Experience: 10
Services offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
TN LPC 3360
NM LPCC CCMH0201241
VA LPC 0701010945
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Menzo Faassen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.
Menzo has been absolutely vital in helping me discover aspects of myself that I've been trying to figure out for years. Extremely patient, friendly, and has a depth of knowledge that is very helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend seeing Menzo as your therapist!
Menzo Fassen has been very valuable to me in my recovery process. It has been great having a professional to speak to that can relate to most of the traumas I have dealt with in the past. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone I knew that was dealing with the same issues as I have in the past.
Menzo is amazing, 100/10! Helped me with so much in so little time :)
Our son, who resisted counseling in the beginning, values his time with Menzo tremendously. We've seen such an improvement in his mood and coping skills. I am so thankful we found this option for our son.
Menzo is a kind, thoughtful man. He is a surprising (refreshing) mix of good listener and direct with questions. I've appreciated his insight into my mind, and no punches pulled when he sees an area of unhealthiness or weakness I don't. I sincerely recommend him to bring your life and mind wisdom, balance, and health.
Menzo is my favorite therapist I’ve had to date. He’s always energetic, engaging, and really gets to the bottom of the issues I’m facing. Those around me have noticed huge improvement in me, and a large part of that all is thanks to this wonderful man. Can’t recommend him enough, especially if you’re LGBTQ+
It was a short period but he was great! Very helpful, gave me some good little morsels of information that I will definitely use in my day to day. I'm grateful to him.
Menzo Faassen shattered my perception about how a therapist can help. He was courteous, thoughtful, and offered amazing insight. He gave objectivity to a very difficult struggle! I can’t thank him enough.
Menzo has been working with me for only a few weeks and already he’s been able to point out some key things for me to work on. Things that haven’t been pointed out with counselors that I have worked with for many years.
I feel comfortable talking with him. He’s timely and thoughtful with his responses and if he hasn’t heard from me in a few days he always reaches out just to let me know hes there if I need him. It’s been amazing to be able to communicate at my own pace. Seeing an in-person counselor it can be hard to 1- remember everything that’s happened week to week, and 2- try to fit in all my trauma that I’m working through in one hour. With this method, and with Menzo as my counselor, it doesn’t feel as daunting.