Therapists in Mercer Island, WA

Building a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship is my highest priority. My approach is very relational and client centered. Creating a safe place for you to talk about challenging issues and express painful feelings is the essence of good therapy. I provide gentle confrontation to promote growth balanced with empathy, acceptance, and caring. I truly love my work and would be honored to help you to feel better.

I am a licensed psychologist working with individuals and couples [college-aged to senior adults]. As a result of my experiences and specialized training, I have learned to respect each person's innate ability to thrive and live fully. I describe my role as an experienced guide and companion for clients who want to change the patterns of their lives by re-connecting with their unique strengths. Psychotherapy is a process and I will encourage you to actively participate. Working together, I am confident you will make changes that will benefit you, your loved ones, and those around you.

Are you struggling with your mood or ADHD? Do you think your partner is not listening to you, not understanding you, or not considering you? Are you struggling with hope or your identity? Well I am here to help. If you find you having issues with controlling you emotions, negative thoughts about yourself or what is going on around you, or can not seem to do the things you want, then reach out now so you can start improving today. Do you find you have issues with accountability, discipline, or self-awareness, which impacts your everyday life? If these are issues that impact you, if you are not sure what to do, please reach out.

Life is complicated and we are all products of our upbringing, life experiences, and personal coping mechanisms. We are aware of some of these mechanisms and others, we are not. Whether it is a temporary set-back or a chronic condition, helping to uncover what lays beyond our consciousness and how that affects our thoughts, feelings, and behavior is a process that will lead to greater well-being, increased self-awareness, and fulfilling personal potential. I will work to understand your worldview, current constraints, existing resources and strengths, and apply an integrative theoretical approach.

I am a compassionate, culturally sensitive, solution-oriented mental health professional. I am dedicated to providing exceptional care and implementing effective treatment plans for individuals, couples and families. With an inherent ability to manage different types of personalities I am able to diffuse stressful situations to proactively resolve issues and meet challenging goals and objectives. As a client-oriented therapist I possess the innate ability to establish a genuine rapport and build the necessary trust for a solid client/therapist relationship. It is my belief that engaging communication and client advocacy can provide the motivation for growth and change.

I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy and support to those who struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family conflicts, job related stress, behavioral issues in children, parenting concerns and the impact of trauma, illness and life transitions. I am particularly interested in supporting families in their relationships with one another and I believe in encouraging choices that are nurturing to all family members.

I am a Clinical Psychotherapist,Board Certified Professional Counselor, Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington I'm committed to grounding my work in a spirit of curiosity and collaboration. .I use an integrative/relational approach in therapy. I actively help my clients to better understand and gain clarity of their concerns in order to make necessary changes to facilitate personal growth. Psychotherapy can improve the quality and intimacy of your relationships, provide solutions to specific life problems, and significantly reduce feelings of distress.

My approach to therapy is person-centered, holistic, and strengths-based. I believe clients are the experts of their own stories, and my role as a therapist is to create a safe space for individuals to explore intersecting aspects of their identities. Therapy is not about asking “what’s wrong” and instead about building upon existing client strengths in order to create a meaningful and rich life. My toolbox consists of a variety of counseling modalities. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dreamwork and Dream Arts Therapy.

I employ a holistic and mindful approach, in which we'll collaboratively create the best plan of action for you based on your individual goals and strengths. I hope to provide you with a warm, accepting space in which we can get curious about your life and experiences, and to explore the tools necessary to better cope, grow, and thrive.

I have many years experience counseling children, youth, and adults. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I am also experienced in working with people from multi-cultural backgrounds. I offer a broad spectrum of approaches to help you understand yourself and make positive changes that will make your life a more fulfilling experience. I use a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive therapy as well as mediation and conflict resolution techniques.

I have worked with a wide variety of clients, all of whom have been in different stages of change readiness. I work with all ages as young as 6 years of age to over 60 years of age. My clients struggle with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, ADHD, relationship issues, grief and loss due to illness, injury, death and life transitions, as well as adjustments to positive transitions, such as job promotion, new business, or marriage. Whatever the issue we will work together to find the client's best solution.

Dr. Carson is a forensic psychologist who conducts evaluations and provides expert testimony in civil and criminal cases. She is Board Certified in both Forensic Psychology and Couple and Family Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Dr. Carson is the immediate past president of the Board of Trustees of the Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA), is the past President of the American Academy of Couple and Family Psychology, and is the Treasurer of the American Board of Couple and Family Psychology.