Family Therapy in Mercer Island, WA

The alliance we build as client and therapist is a necessary and very important part of the therapeutic process. I carefully assess each individuals or couples strengths, history of relationships, sense of self, developmental status, learning styles, symptoms and readiness to change. I believe that what you find helpful to talk about in each session is most important. You and I will develop a treatment plan based upon these factors, your experience, my professional experience, research findings and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. I have a general practice and also have areas of specialty.

If we feel anxious or awkward in groups, initiating conversation and/or making small talk, then everyday interactions with family members, peers, teachers, coaches, colleagues and bosses can be overwhelming. We might just avoid social situations altogether! I work with middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students and adults who are struggling with the social skills necessary to finish school, get a job, make friends and find a life partner.

My style in session is warm, collaborative, relational, and strengths-based. Values that inform my work are compassion and anti-oppression. Many of the clients I work with are seeking ways to strengthen their relationships, healing trauma, tending to anxiety, depression and neurodivergence, exploring identity (racial, gender, sexual, cultural etc.), softening perfectionism, and/or cultivating a stronger sense of self-worth. If you would like to learn more, I would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation call where we can explore if we would be a good fit for what you are seeking.

Does your child seem depressed, anxious, hostile or irritable? Is he or she underachieving or misbehaving at school? Are you having power struggles at home? Is divorce stressing your family? You are doing the best you can, however, you need more guidance and support to improve your family's life? I'm here for you. I'll teach you and your child effective coping skills to reduce stress and increase well being and happiness in your family. I will coach you how to be both firm and kind so that you are an effective parent who feels empowered and hopeful.

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.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Level 2 Trained. You’ve tried a lot of things to help yourself - mindfulness, meditation, yoga, exercise and more. You are relieved for a time, until it all comes back, sometimes worse than before. On the outside, you pride yourself on being an intelligent person, a strong individual, a committed worker, a loyal friend. Perhaps you identify as a member of the LBGTQ+ community. Yet these days you find yourself spinning inside. You can’t shake these feelings of being out of control. Sometimes your behavior really is.

Our counselors work with young children to adolescents on issues such as school performance, anxiety, relationships, and behavior. We also provide parent coaching to support parents efforts to help their children and family thrive. We believe the family is a system, so we try to also work with parents in various supportive capacities. This includes coaching to create a better family as well as helping divorcing parents co-parent more effectively.

Every person, couple and family struggles from time to time. Sometimes, it is hard to get through these rough patches alone. Having a compassionate, supportive and inquisitive individual attending to your concerns provides a safe environment to create positive change. As a marriage and family therapist, I am able to partner with you in this therapeutic framework while exploring your interactions with significant others and society at large. If you are seeking help for your partnership, your family or an issue in your life, let's get started today.

With a background in education, life certificate in school psychology and neuropsychology and training at the University of Washington Medical Center and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, I work with all ages 6-96. My unique interests include Non Verbal Learning Differences and family interventions that assist for a lifetime. Creativity, science, and disciplined application are the tools in a cognitive behavioral, object relations approach that moves the client forward with responsibility, boundaries, and wise choices.

My work with clients focuses on relationships. I have over 40 years of experience with couples, individuals and families. I specialize in couple therapy but work well with individuals and families.I am active as a therapist, and will be direct and clear about the patterns I see. I will come right to the point, but with care and compassion. I will meet with you in my office or by video. I work with with a range of clients, including straight, gay and lesbians. They may be married, co-habitating or single. Issues include attachment, commitment, betrayal or "heating-up" a partnership gone cold.

I embrace a solution focused cognitive behavioral approach to treatment within a humanistic framework. I help clients understand how underlying thoughts and belief systems impact behavior and trigger emotion. The outcome of healthy and integrated thinking opens up the opportunity for clients to grow and discover new modes of thinking and feeling. The result of which allows for a more meaningful and healthier way of living and relating to one's self and to the world.

Currently accepting new clients. Welcome! I have been working in the mental health field for many years, mostly devoted to helping treat anxiety, depression, and family issues. Mental health issues can be frightening and exhausting to deal with, so we will create goals for you to successfully achieve based on your own strengths. I believe we all have the ability within us to help heal our scars, pain, or trauma. We will work together to tap into this potential.

*CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former domestic violence advocate, I specialize in providing evidence-based psychotherapy and advocacy-based counseling for survivors of relationship abuse and other traumatic experiences. As a general practitioner, I also help with issues ranging from self-image, depression, and grief, to social and general anxiety, OCD, family conflict and divorce, religious shunning / transitions, adolescent and adult giftedness, nontraditional relationships, and matters of sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTQ/non-binary affirming).

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 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.

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.

Are working on the same issues and going in circles? Are you in transition and feeling lost? Are you blaming yourself for not been able to reach your goals? Do you want to have clarity and confidence to move forward? Do you want someone who is an experienced coach to guide you through your life journey with ease and grace? If any of these statements resonate with you, contact Nancy!

I am available to help you heal, navigate relationships and transitions, and discover why you may face the same challenges again and again. If you feel trapped, uneasy or stalled in making decisions, I can help. The stresses of life squeeze our ability to think clearly and feel at the same time. As a result, our emotions rule us, resulting in depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship difficulties. I use evidence based practices, such as ACT and DBT to help clients regulate their emotions and reach their goals.

Accepting New Clients! My ideal clients seek personal growth, struggle with self-doubt, stress, and coping skills. Therapy, based on trust and individualized treatment, empowers them to discover inner strengths. I use a systemic, solution-focused, emotion-focused, and strength-based approach, believing in their ability to achieve lasting changes. Guided by their expertise, we navigate their journey, fostering meaningful and lasting transformation.