Therapists for Teens in 98148

You and your loved ones deserve to feel understood and safe as you explore challenging patterns throughout your healing journey. I am passionate about working alongside queer folx who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. I look forward to helping clients who are hoping to deepen their understanding of their identity and learn how those intersecting factors impact how they show up in interpersonal relationships.

I approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model. I view every individual/family/couple as unique, utilizing methods and techniques best-suited for each situation. My experience includes many areas, all pertaining to individuals, couples and families. I am passionate in working with women, teens, couples and the LGBTQ community. I was trained in Family Systems Therapy; I approach therapy work holistically, focusing on the individual and extending beyond, to the interactions between family members and significant others. I work with clients to help them recognize how extended family, culture, and society may impact them as individuals.

As a systemic therapist and child of immigrants, I am interested in learning about how lived experiences inform perceptions, as well as mental and emotional states. Systemic stressors (such as family conflict, systemic poverty and racism, marginalization, etc.) are often at the root of mental health issues. Many of my clients deal with symptoms of anxiety and depression due to issues ranging from trauma and abuse to imposter syndrome, perfectionism, shame, and lack of self-worth. If you are ready for change, I am here to help.

My belief is that we are all human trying to learn and grow in an ever changing environment. Change for some can be difficult to cope with and result in maladaptive coping skills and other mental health concerns when emotions overwhelm us. I believe that the therapy relationship should always be collaborative and I approach every individual differently to meet their needs with where they are in life. In the therapy process we will assess your different environments and relationships to help understand your current barriers you are seeking help with.

I am a collaborative, directive, and supportive therapist, who can help you find new ways of thinking about life problems in a supportive and safe environment. My goal is to build trust and collaborate with you if you are dealing with problems related to anxiety, depression, relational issues, and other life challenges and transitions.

Ever think: "How did I end up here?" or "I never imagined {life event} would happen to me!" You are not alone! We can all relate to these sentiments. Most people do not end up in therapy because circumstances are unicorns and rainbows. Are you struggling with loss, or making meaning out of events that have left you feeling uncertain, shaken, in agony? Do you feel like you are starring in a scene from the film Ground Hog Day, where life is a series of frustrating, repeating events? You can make a successful transition to break this cycle, whatever that personal change is. You will get a sense of control back. A little Zen. Some hope.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist my approach is systemic and strength-based. I believe in human connection as the most important factor to our own happiness and the health of families and communities. In my work with clients we strive to identify the unique strengths and abilities that will help them cope with life's challenges and build stronger relationships.

My practice is focused on the resolution of trauma using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which effectively and efficiently treats trauma. Trauma can be a single event such as a car accident or sexual assault, or could be more complicated, involving childhood trauma. Memories of these events can cause big feelings to erupt, avoidance of similar situations, nightmares, and even flashbacks that make it feel like the event is still happening to you. Below is a simple, animated description of how EMDR works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrfH43srg8

People come to counseling when they have problems that cause them unhappiness and pain, and do not know how to manage on their own. I have over 25 years of experience helping people cope with the challenges of their ever changing lives. I believe my role as a therapist is to teach my clients what I know, and to guide them through thinking and behavior changes that will bring them to a place of peace and contentment. I strive to help my clients improve their level of self-awareness, to increase their understanding of and empathy for themselves and others, and to increase their ability to communicate affectively.

I believe in tailoring the therapy to meet each client's individual. I primarily use psychodynamic therapy which helps the client gain self-insight but also use a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive and behavioral methods. Being able to stand back from one's self and gain perspective about one's personality, choices and actions are important in helping an individual work through issues. I help the client explore what issues from the past or present may be contributing to depression or anxiety.

Anxiety and depression are both something that affects us all. From marital dysfunctioning, childhood relational wounds, addictions, trauma, worry about life, finances, etc. there are endless reasons to what can cause anxiety and depression. If any of these things are true for you, send me an email. I’d love to talk more and see how I can help.

I aim to provide a supportive, judgement free environment. As my client, your wants and needs will become a priority. As a team we will work together to reach your goals. I work hard to understand my clients worldview while also maintaining the ability to share outside perspective. I believe that with the right support everyone has the ability to live a fulfilling life. If you are searching for support, healing, understanding, perspective, or challenge I would love to help you with your journey.

My professional experience includes therapy with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families who have sought help with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, behavioral issues, difficulty with emotion regulation and emotional expression, social deficits, issues related to educational or occupational functioning, relationship issues and difficulty communicating. I work from a LGBTQ+ affirming, racially equitable and feminist framework to provide clients with the support they need and deserve.

My ideal clients are couples in early recovery from substance use disorders or other addictions. Early recovery can be a critical time for both partners to quickly gain the skills needed to be successful and stay strong as a couple. I also have extensive experience working with youth and young adults with substance use and mental health challenges.

Anxiety is awful. Most people just do not understand how difficult it is to live with chronic worry, panic attacks, or obsessive thoughts that compel unwanted behavior. Gladly, most people will never have to know how horrible it is to have nagging obsessive thoughts, or fear panicking in public places. The variety of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT) like Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are quite effective in increasing distress tolerance, reducing anxiety, and eliminating the dysfunctional behaviors that accompany it. Because our practice is growing we do have some openings.

Accepting New Patients In Person and Telehealth children, teens, and couples. She received their master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Northwestern University in June of 2023. Annie's past clinical experience includes working with a variety of clients at a community mental health agency dedicated to reaching underserved populations. Prior to becoming a licensed mental health counselor associate.Annie worked as a board-certified music therapist at a state psychiatric hospital for six years. Annie utilized a variety of expressive arts and therapeutic activities in both individual and group therapy settings.

Everyone goes through difficult times and needs a little additional support sometimes. I am interested in assisting you in finding ways to meet your personal goals. This is a collaborative, confidential process that can involve learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, increasing motivation for change, working through past trauma or feelings of grief, starting recovery for an addiction, or any of numerous other therapeutic goals. I have been working as a mental health therapist since 2000, and I find it very rewarding to be able to help others enrich their lives.

We have an affordable and accessible therapist to support your needs. It can be challenging to find affordable therapy when you need assistance with the difficulties of daily life, relationship concerns, experiences with depression, anxiety, anger or grief. Our options of virtual sessions, in person in Des Moines WA or Bellingham, provides accessibility to receive quality services. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team have morning and evening appointments. This is what you have been looking for in your search for your therapist.

We’re all doing the best we can. Our life experiences teach us how to see the world, and we develop tools to get us through certain situations. Those tools work great… until they don’t. We tend to struggle when our experiences change but our tools stay the same. My goal is to help you figure out what’s working and what’s not. Sometimes we have to review and update how we see the world. Sometimes we need to upgrade our tools and practice new skills. Whether you’re striving toward a dream or surviving a storm, therapy gives us a chance to tap into strengths and repair pukas for this stage of your journey.