Therapists in 98020

I provide psychotherapy and counseling services to adults, adolescents, and couples. In the framework of authentic therapeutic dialogue and connection, I honor the strengths and uniqueness of each client in the context of their life experience, and work to support them in creating the change they seek. My approach is client centered and flexible to best meet the needs of each client and their particular situation while being largely informed by an integration of Gestalt and mindfulness, as well as humanistic and attachment perspectives.

*Currently accepting new patients* Hi, there! I'm Ian. If you are feeling down, anxious, or stuck or are struggling in your relationships, I would like to help. I believe that meaningful personal connection—feeling understood, accepted, & loved—is at the heart of well-being, so my desire is to provide a genuine, warm, & safe presence in which my clients feel comfortable sharing their stories & exploring how their past has shaped them & their experience of the present. Though I use a psychodynamic approach, I tailor my approach to meet my clients' needs, integrating techniques from various approaches like CBT, gestalt, & mindfulness.

I work well with patients suffering from symptoms that they feel no one has the capability to treat. Many of my patients come to me after they have been to other therapists and have not found relief. My patients come to me for a psychotherapeutic experience different from the usual. The patients who are a good fit for my services are sensitive, intuitive, creative, and have had difficulty reconciling their personality with their personal experiences and the world around them. I am especially skilled at working with acute mental health issues. I have worked at Harborview Medical Center and Fairfax Behavioral Health.

I have worked with tens of thousands of clients with issues ranging from trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, communication, parenting, work frustrations, suicidality, sudden life change, and more. My goal is for you to experience peace in your life, stop merely coping, and start thriving in the present. I believe in the importance of living in this moment that we’ve been given, and I want you to experience the abundant joy and freedom that comes from God. Don’t wait another day; invest in yourself today. I look forward to working with you to overcome past barriers so you can fully enjoy your life each moment.

I am particularly interested in working with people struggling with the on going effects of adverse childhood experiences like abuse, neglect and loss; especially those of early childhood. Often people suffering from the painful effects of traumatic experiences have never really felt whole, known peace or felt truly acceptable. Much too often they blame themselves. Bouts of depression and anxiety are all too frequent. In therapy you undo the underlying causes of fear, shame and grief that drive depression, anxiety and dissociation. You learn to live a life that is meaningful, present focused and free from the shadows of the past.

As a black therapist, one of my key areas of focus is the intersectionality of mental health and race. People of color often face unique stressors and systemic barriers that can make mental health challenges much more prevalent. The stigma associated with seeking therapy within many communities of color can make it even more difficult to reach out for help. Consequently, I am dedicated to destigmatizing mental health conversations within these communities and ensuring culturally competent care for my clients

There are many reasons you might seek psychotherapy: to renew your self-confidence, relieve stress and anxiety, heal from trauma, conquer obstacles, and improve your capacity to manage feelings and fears; to heal old wounds, make sense of current and past relationships, or resolve repeated disappointments. No matter the issue, I believe that insight-based psychotherapy can help you to better understand yourself, break old patterns, and give you more options to create the more fulfilling life you deserve.