Palouse Psychological Services
Mark Summerson, Ph.D
Licensed Psychologist
Services are provided
exclusively via Telehealth
Please send me a confidential email to:
summerson@palousepsychology.com, and I will provide information on how to meet through Telehealth. Telehealth is HIPAA secure.
SERVICES
Individual Therapy
I do individual therapy with adolescents (16+) and adults (no age limit), that is tailored to fit individual needs.
Trauma Therapy
I am certified in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment approach for trauma that can be used with people of all ages to treat PTSD by reprocessing traumatic events so they are effectively stored in the brain and no longer triggering. The event is put in perspective and becomes simply a memory. You can learn more about EMDR at emdr.com or or emdria.org. I am also trained in an emerging trauma treatment protocol called Brainspotting (BSP) and the Flash Technique. You can learn more about BSP at brainspotting.com and the Flash Technique at flashtechnique.com.
Specialties
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Trauma (PTSD and Complex PTSD)
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Relationship Development
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Life Transitions
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Bipolar Disorder
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Mindfulness
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EMDR
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The Flash Technique
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Brainspotting (BSP)
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
RESOURCES
Resources
http://iceeft.com
http://drsuejohnson.com/emotionally-focused-therapy-2/what-is-eft/
https://thehappinesstrap.com/free-resources/
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/interpersonal-neurobiology
https://brainspotting.com
http://www.emdr.com
http://www.emdr.com
https://www.emdria.org/default.aspx
BACKGROUND
Mark Summerson, PhD
PhD Counseling Psychology
BS Psychology
BS Computer Science
BA Business Administration
Minor Mathematics
I didn't start my professional life as a psychologist. Upon graduating from college, I first worked in industry for Pacific Gas & Electric in San Francisco, California as a Systems Analyst, and then for IBM as a Systems Engineer and later a Marketing Team Leader. I left industry, returned to school, and received my doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1996. I completed an APA approved Internship at Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa, and took a job in education as the Director of Counseling Services at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. I advanced to become the Director of Student Life and then left that position to do more clinical work as a mental health Clinician and Designated Examiner for Idaho State Adult Mental Health, based in Lewiston. I then became the Director of the Crisis Management Team where I directed a team of clinicians who provided 24/7/365 crisis management services across seven northern Idaho counties. Leaving community mental health, I returned to education at Washington State University (WSU) where I was employed as the Director of Sport Psychology Services. I taught a Life Skills course, provided personal counseling as well as performance enhancement services to student athletes across all sports, and consulting services to coaches and the athletic staff. During that time, I worked extensively with the WSU football team and enjoyed being part of selection to three consecutive bowl games - The Sun Bowl (2001), the Holiday Bowl (2002), and finally, The Rose Bowl (2003). Eventually, I left education and began working in private practice in Pullman, Washington. In 2016, I joined my esteemed colleague, Dr. Melanie Whetstine, whom I have known for many years, to create Palouse Psychological Services (PPS), here in Pullman, Washington. Over my career, I have received advanced training in couples counseling and relationship development and in the treatment of trauma. I am certified in EMDR, trained in the Flash Technique and Brainspotting (BSP), and have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Collectively, I have now worked as a Licensed Psychologist for over 25 years. I am member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) , and a life member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Personally, I enjoy writing and speaking about knowing ourselves, choosing a life partner, parenting the families we create with our partner, and selecting our profession - four major roles in our lives - The 4 P's: Person, Partner, Parent, and Professional. I have developed The Attachment GAP Model, integrating trauma recovery and relationship development based on attachment theory and the emerging research on interpersonal neurobiology - how our relationships actually change our brains. I have presented this model to a variety of audiences, providing both an experience and an explanation for the roadmap to happy relationships, both within self and between ourself and important others. In response to audience request, I am now turning the model and the presentation into a book based tentatively entitled, "Person, Partner, Parent, and Professional: Being Securely Attached in an Insecure World".
I have been married to my lovely wife Ann since 1977. I enjoy time with Ann, going to the gym, reading, and riding my blacked out 2018 Harley Davidson Heritage Classic every chance I get.