Therapists in Pierce County, WA

Hi, I'm Marina. With me, no topic, feeling, or situation is off-limits in the counseling space – I will treat you with respect to help you overcome what's hurting you. I work with individuals, couples/poly relationships, and families between the ages of preteen and elder. As a sex therapist, I have extensive experience working with kink and BDSM, polyamory, LGBTQ issues, gender therapy, sexual pleasure and dysfunction, pain with sex, negative body image, high or low libido, sex work, sex abuse, sexual trauma, and/or sexual shame, among other topics.

My therapeutic approach is evidenced based. We will identify your goals and work on empowering you to overcome obstacles that may be in your way. The therapeutic experience will develop more effective personal skills to improve every aspect of you're life. I have worked in the helping profession since 2010, serving adults and teens in several different roles. I have experience working with daily stressors, beginning college life, emotion regulation skills, stress, and negative self-talk.

I am a solution-focused therapist with 10 years' experience working with Individuals, Couples, Children/Teens & Families. My initial objective is to stabilize whatever situation has led you to seek support. Once in a position of secure functioning, we will identify, understand, and resolve the underlying issues & barriers inhibiting your goals & objectives. I treat clients at all levels; from intensive, in-depth analysis to building parenting, family or relationship skills. My expertise includes all manner of clients, including Service Members and their Families (TBI, PTSD), Individuals, and all Couples. I have experience supporting children with disabilities (ADHD, Autism).

Sara Elkington MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health therapist currently building a practice in Tacoma, Washington. She has specialized in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, dissociative symptoms, post-trauma reactions, intimate partner abuse recovery, ADHD-related concerns, and those living with a life-changing medical condition or chronic illness. She firmly believes in the power of therapy to promote self-growth and resilience. Sara is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space for her clients to explore their experiences and foster healing.

If you’re frequently anxious or overwhelmed, if there are difficult events from your life continuing to invade your life in memories or nightmares, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, if you’re feeling depressed, irritable, stuck, or alone, I can help. You may have tried everything you can think of to start feeling better and nothing seems to fully address your struggles. I’m so glad you’re here. There is hope. If you don’t believe that yet, that’s ok, I am holding it for you until you can.

As a WA State Certified DV Provider, I am now offering Court Ordered Evaluations. I believe there are times in a person's life when they need a trusted and confidential ally who can help a person explore the causes of his/her thoughts, feelings, or behaviors and develop new ways of thinking, acting and feeling. I am committed to helping individuals, couples and families achieve these goals in an environment that emphasizes confidentiality, respect, trust and compassion.

Is life leaving you feeling anxious and stressed? Are you struggling to make it through the daily grind and feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or irritable? Does it feel like no matter what you do those close to you just don't understand? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have made the right choice to be here.

My approach includes cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, dialectical behavioral, exposure-response, and psychodynamic therapies with all ages, populations, and issues. Clients can expect to leave sessions with me feeling heard and validated, curious about what is happening within themselves, and with tools and steps to move forward.

A responsible social practitioner, I provide psychological care, and services using American Sign Language (ASL). I work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including various populations that encompass sign language users. My interests center on developing tailored, specific psychotherapy applications that benefit the patients with hearing losses. Much of my work places an emphasis on the importance of "courageous will" to empower individuals to make choices that are useful and practical.

I have been in private practice since 1994, providing services for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I have learned to treat a variety of conditions including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Personality Disorders, marital problems, and other issues. I also provide a variety of assessment services including disability evaluations, psychological evaluations, custody evaluations, intelligence and academic achievement assessment, and personality assessments. I provide in person and telehealth options for treatment.

Have you been stressed from the current state of the world, covid, exacerbated racial trauma? Are you experiencing microagressions at work? Have you been in a funk that you just can't get out of? Have you experienced a recent loss? Or are you just looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation? If so you have found the right place. Perhaps old coping mechanisms aren't as effective and/or you seek a different unbiased perspective. Whatever the reason I would love to help guide you thru the path of self-discovery, awareness, and well-being. I can assist you in overcoming the challenges you are currently facing.

I support families, adults and elders in navigating difficult times more gracefully. As we rush through our busy lives, we can feel lost and disconnected from our best selves. We can even become so immersed in our negative culture that we feel a deep sense of hopelessness. We can forget that we are smart, strong, tenacious and resilient. I can help you bring a greater sense of purpose and hope into your life.