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Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor

Brenda Xu

Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Connect with Brenda Xu
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
I work with individuals who would like to explore how their upbringing has influenced the way they relate to others. Perhaps you’ve noticed the same patterns emerging in your romantic relationships or friendships, and you’d like to understand why. Do you struggle to establish and maintain boundaries? Is there something holding you back from asking for what you need and being vulnerable? Your parents may not have provided you with much emotional support due to generational and/or cultural differences. You’d like to understand whether the survival mechanisms that you’ve learned as a child are still serving you.
My personal and educational experiences as an Asian-American woman of first-generation immigrant parents have shaped my values as a trauma-informed and social justice-oriented clinician. I work through an anti-oppression, non-pathologizing lens and tend to view many “symptoms” of mental illness as normal responses to living in an unjust society.
I have a gentle approach that encourages empowerment and self-compassion, and we can move at a pace that is comfortable for you. Let’s see if our connection feels natural and take it from there.
Brenda Xu now for a free 15 minute consultation

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Seattle, WA 98103

Tacoma, WA 98403

I specialize in relationship issues, grief, life transitions, and ADHD.
I specialize in Relationship Issues, Grief and Life Transitions 
$175 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Connect with Brenda Xu
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Seattle, WA 98103

Tacoma, WA 98403

I specialize in relationship issues, grief, life transitions, and ADHD.
I specialize in Relationship Issues, Grief and Life Transitions 
$175 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $175
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible
  • Pay by American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Out of Network
"
My clients pay for sessions out of pocket or use their out-of-network benefits for individual therapy. I'm an out-of-network provider for Premera, Aetna, and Cigna. I'm not in-network with any insurance companies.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
"
My clients pay for sessions out of pocket or use their out-of-network benefits for individual therapy. I'm an out-of-network provider for Premera, Aetna, and Cigna. I'm not in-network with any insurance companies.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Washington / MC61337713 Brenda Xu
  • Membership with Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
  • Degree/Diploma from University of California, San Diego Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
  • Attended Adams State University / Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
"
Learn more about me and my practice and schedule an appointment here: www.lightinthedarkcounseling.com
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
"
Learn more about me and my practice and schedule an appointment here: www.lightinthedarkcounseling.com
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Relationship Issues
  • Grief
  • Life Transitions

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Bisexual
  • Chronic Illness
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Family Conflict
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Men's Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Peer Relationships
  • Perfectionism & Burnout
  • Racial Identity
  • Self Esteem
  • Setting & Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
  • Stress
  • Thinking Disorders
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma related to their relationships and identity. I explore how past experiences contribute to thinking and behavioral patterns, such as the establishment of core beliefs, emotional triggers, and attachment styles.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
"
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma related to their relationships and identity. I explore how past experiences contribute to thinking and behavioral patterns, such as the establishment of core beliefs, emotional triggers, and attachment styles.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC

4 Endorsements

Rosalie Masoero-Palmer
Rosalie Masoero-Palmer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Brenda is a skilled and kind clinician. She cares deeply about her clients and their personal growth.
Minjoo Bayers
Minjoo Bayers
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Brenda is a kind, empathetic, and wise colleague who I am privileged to know. I value her insight and her accepting spirit helps me to understand myself and my clients better. Brenda is a colleague I am happy to endorse and recommend.
Bina Ellefsen
Bina Ellefsen
Counselor, LMHCA, MACP, JD
Brenda's skilled and thoughtful presence is a gift to her clients.
Jennifer Chain
Jennifer Chain
Psychologist, PhD
Brenda is a grounded, kind, and insightful therapist. She creates an environment that is safe and supportive for her clients to explore their concerns and confront their challenges. She is passionate about her work and cares deeply for her clients.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
Immuno-disorders , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
Immuno-disorders , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Adlerian
  • Anti-oppression
  • Attachment-based
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Feminist
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
"
My personal and educational experiences have shaped my values as a trauma-informed, anti-oppression, and social justice-oriented clinician. I integrate several theoretical orientations into my work as a counselor, including narrative, psychodynamic, client-centered, neurobiological, attachment, and mindfulness-based somatic approaches.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
"
My personal and educational experiences have shaped my values as a trauma-informed, anti-oppression, and social justice-oriented clinician. I integrate several theoretical orientations into my work as a counselor, including narrative, psychodynamic, client-centered, neurobiological, attachment, and mindfulness-based somatic approaches.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC

Location

Primary Location

Seattle, WA 98103

Email me

My website

Additional Location

Tacoma, WA 98403

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

"
I specialize in relationship issues, grief, life transitions, and ADHD.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
"
I specialize in relationship issues, grief, life transitions, and ADHD.
Photo of Brenda Xu, MA, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Brenda Xu
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC