Dedra Etzel

Dedra Etzel, a Licensed Professional Counselor, brings over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in supporting preteens, children aged 6 to 10, and teens through their unique challenges. Dedra understands that adolescence is a fascinating and complex time filled with rapid growth and change. Her person-centered approach integrates various effective modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused techniques, and more, allowing her to tailor her counseling to meet the specific needs of each young client. Dedra collaborates closely with parents, empowering youth to discover their inner strengths and build healthy decision-making skills on their personal journeys. Through Child-Centered Play Therapy, she provides children with the tools needed to process and navigate their emotions and experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. Dedra values creating a compassionate and supportive atmosphere, where clients feel respected as they share their stories throughout the counseling process. At Parkside Counseling Center, the team looks forward to supporting families in their mental health journey, recognizing the importance of treating each individual and the family as a whole.