Relinda Vanderwal Fisher

I have a unique bi-cultural background having been born and raised in Holland and moved to the United States in middle school. My Dutch father and American mother served as missionaries in Holland and continued career ministry in the United States. I understand first- hand the varying complexities of the relational and lifestyle dynamics of career ministry families. Before working professionally in mental health care settings, I enjoyed a career in the field of aging within long term care and I am a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) and a Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator. Additionally, I have deep understanding and experience with caregiving and those who have chronic illness and the associated unique and complex lifestyle dynamics within relational life. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Biola University and my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy at Azusa Pacific University, both of which included study in the integration of Christian theology and psychology. I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 2004. I am described as deeply empathic, compassionate, and realistic. I am not a “nodding” therapist; I do not just nod in blank agreement without giving my clients feedback. I utilize a palette of strategies and tools in a collaborative manner with my clients to build upon their existing strengths within the reality of their relationships. I do not believe in false positivity or easy answers although challenges in life can offer us opportunities to grow into greater and more satisfying capacities in our relationships. I am known to be a realistic curator of hidden relational opportunities with clients who are dedicated toward insight and growth while they are in the midst of complex circumstances.