Sonntag Counseling
Scotty Sonntag is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). Scotty worked clinically at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI) in Salt Lake City for 14 years in various roles. He focused on the youth inpatient units serving kids and families while specializing in behavioral therapy, parent coaching, and autism. During his time at UNI, Scotty was the Program Specialist for the Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment (CAT) Program.
In addition, Scotty has worked as a social worker at the Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism. When there he administered social skill training and emotional support to students, while also providing support to parents and siblings of students attending the school.
He also worked at the University of Utah Counseling Center where he provided individual, couple, and group therapy for college students of all ages. When practicing there he implemented an Autism Group on campus and provided outreach for international students. He also was a co-facilitator for a Men’s Issues Group.
Currently, Scotty works for Seattle Children’s Hospital, specifically with the Seattle Children’s Care Network (SCCN) where he leads efforts for Integrated Behavioral Health in primary care clinics across the state of Washington. Previously, Scotty served as as the Business Operations Manager for the Emergency Department and Urgent Care. He dedicates Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, and Saturdays mornings to Sonntag Counseling, LLC. Virtual sessions are offered on these days in addition to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. It should be noted that Sonntag Counseling, LLC is not affiliated with Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Licensure/State:
Washington State Department of Health, LICSW: LW 60764346
Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing, LCSW: 5390273-3501
Education:
Scotty received his undergraduate in Sociology from the University of Utah. He later earned his Masters in Social Work, Masters in Public Administration, and Master in Healthcare Administration. He is certified to practice in both the state of Utah and Washington.
Therapeutic Approach:
Scotty utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as his preferred modality of therapy. In addition, he has knowledge in and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Person Centered Therapy. He incorporates mindfulness strategies and value driven goals with his behavioral approach in therapy. He is seasoned with experience providing individual, couple, group, and family therapy. For youth, Scotty prefers to include family in the therapeutic process when appropriate. Scotty feels engagement from parents is crucial for children to fully benefit from the therapeutic process.
Areas of Expertise and Experience:
Scotty has worked with diverse populations across the developmental spectrum ranging from children up through adults. He has experience treating a wide variety of issues, behaviors, and diagnoses stemming from his background in inpatient psychiatric treatment for 14 years. Areas of expertise and experience include:
Expertise:
Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Relationship Stress
Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Parent-Child Conflict
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Self harm, Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation/Attempts, Avoidance
Aggression, Violence, Defiance, Oppositionality, Risk Taking Behavior
Parent Coaching, Life Coaching, Social Skill Training
Relationship Stress, Self Worth, and Life Transitions
LGBTQ related issues, Identity Formation
Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups