Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in 98148

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.

I have over 35 years of service in individual, couples and group counseling. I am a compassionate friend, open to healing your heart and opening your mind by deepening spirit and celebrating the Real You. I have worked in community mental health centers, schools and private practice facilitating domestic violence offender programs, recovery programs, anger management programs, protective non-risk parenting groups, providing spiritual, emotional, cognitive and behavioral counseling to individuals. I love working with individuals around issues of trauma, relationships, and emotional regulation.

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 am a psychologist specializing in working with people struggling with substance use and mental health issues, particularly those dealing with both. Other specialties include codependency, boundaries, people with family history of addiction, cultural identity, relationship with finances, low self-esteem and people in unhealthy relationships.

I support creatives in maximizing energy for their passions while managing challenges like anxiety, depression, or day jobs. I support individuals who are navigating complex life transitions, and help them explore new ways to cope with challenging situations and relationships. I see therapy as an active and reflective partnership, a safe place to learn tools for living. I provide Clinical Group and Individual Supervision to Social Workers pursuing Licensure in WA State.

Fastest way to our wait list is the request for service on our website. Anxiety is awful. Most people just do not understand how difficult it is to live with chronic worry, panic attacks, or obsessive thoughts and 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.

I am a licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of experience treating clients with anxiety, depression, substance dependence, trauma, chronic illness, mania, and relationship concerns. My approach is eclectic, encompassing Internal Family Systems, CBT, family of origin, motivational interviewing and hypnosis. Please see my website for more comprehensive information.

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.

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 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.

As someone who has worked helping others in various capacities for over 25 years, I bring a great deal of experience to my work as a mental health counselor. In this time I have obtained great insight into the struggles inherent to both individuals and families. In my work as a counselor I utilize these skills and insight to help people of all ages, identities, and walks of life. My approach to counseling is not confined to one specific framework but incorporates a variety of modalities tailored to each client's unique needs. I am humanistic in style and often utilize mindfulness based strategies for increased insight and awareness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I am licensed in California and Washington State, and see clients residing anywhere in California and Washington via Teletherapy only. Therapy is as much art as science. It is a collaborative effort in which therapist and client work together in finding solutions to life problems, increasing the ability to live a more satisfying life whilelearning how to negotiate the curves often encountered along the way.

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

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 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.