Tracy Schaaf, LIMHP, LADC, is a dedicated mental health and addiction counselor whose passion for helping others led her to the healthcare field. Her journey began with a revelation during her undergraduate studies, when a course in counseling unveiled her true calling. This insight, combined with a decade of experience in human services, set the foundation for her to pursue a master’s degree in Community Counseling.
With over 17 years of experience, Tracy’s approach to care is deeply individualized, drawing from a transformative moment early in her career with a client struggling with addiction. This experience, among others, has taught her the importance of meeting clients where they are, balancing their needs with their desires.
Tracy possesses extensive experience in her field, skillfully addressing a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, trauma, severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), co-occurring disorders, and personality disorders. She has a particular focus on anxiety disorders and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment. Embracing a diverse toolkit of therapeutic modalities, Tracy’s approach is anchored in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) informed treatment, which emphasizes skill-building in areas like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Moreover, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing techniques into her patient-centered practice, ensuring a holistic and tailored treatment experience for adults navigating their mental health journeys.
Outside her professional life, Tracy enjoys motorcycle trips to the mountains, spending time with her beloved dog, and cherishing moments with her family. She also has a passion for traveling to places she’s never been, seeking new experiences that enrich her perspective on life and healthcare. These personal interests underscore the importance of mental and emotional wellness as part of overall health.
A notable success story in Tracy’s career involved using motivational interviewing techniques to help a client reevaluate her relationship with alcohol, leading to sobriety. Such successes motivate Tracy and affirm the impact of her work.
Inspired by the complexities of the human condition, Tracy’s therapeutic approach is compassionate and judgment-free, allowing for a space where all aspects of a person’s experience are valid. She emphasizes attunement to each patient’s needs, celebrating progress in symptom reduction, improved quality of life, and positive changes in thinking.
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals at Alivation Healthcare ensures comprehensive care for her patients. Tracy stays updated with the latest developments through education and research involvement, particularly in areas like treatment-resistant depression.
Tracy Schaaf’s practice is a testament to the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health, embodying holistic care in the realm of mental health and addiction counseling.