First Choice Health | FCH Therapists in 98403

Hello! I thoroughly enjoy working with people and feel honored when a person trusts in me their life story/current difficulties. I believe there are many different reasons to seek therapy, and that each of us have walked such unique and sometimes challenging paths to get to where we are today. I enjoy getting to know the intricacies of these paths and what has led an individual to where they are today, and from there beginning the work, collaboratively, towards where one would ideally like to be.

I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 34 years. Although specializing in children and adolescents, I have experience with juvenile and adult offenders, substance abusers, and those experiencing depression, anxiety, anger management and adjustment issues. I have extensive background in providing therapy to those in our law enforcement and military communities. I am equally comfortable and experienced in providing individual, couples, and family services. In addition to private practices in Tacoma and Vashon, I am employed as a therapist at Vashon Youth and Family Services. I

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.

Perhaps you’re coming from the school of hard knocks. Because of your own trauma history, you may be re-creating painful experiences that are familiar and habitual. You want something more and/or different, but you don't know how to change. If you’re reading this, you might be interested in an offering of slowing down and practicing mindfulness as a way to befriend the various parts of your Self and understand your mind / body connection. You may wish to release burdens that no longer serve you. When a feeling of safety, connection, and choice is experienced within you, thriving is not only possible; it can become a way of life.

My specialty is helping clients understand why certain patterns have emerged in their lives. By fully appreciating our unwanted patterns we can gain clarity about how to change them. I believe lasting change comes from an awareness of our beliefs and values coupled with habit change. Some unique issues I work with in addition to the listed concerns are; difficulty relaxing, grief and loss, feeling others' feelings, and perfectionism.

"Compassionate towards yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world." These words of wisdom hold truth for me. I believe all of life is about relationships--to ideas and circumstances, as well as people--and I think that one of the most important relationships is the one we have with our self. Change is possible when we see things as they are. I work in collaboration with people as they work toward their goals. I see individuals, couples and families (especially teens and parents) who recognize the need for change in their lives.

We are currently ONLY taking Microcurrent Neurofeedback clients. Please note that MOST insurances do not cover this treatment. Please visit my website at www.transcendingconnectionstranscending.com to learn more. Transcending Connections is a wellness and counseling private practice. It promotes health, hope, and deeper connections with self and others. The goal of Transcending Connections is to help people discover their true potential, understand and resolve challenges in their live, and receive compassion and unconditional support.

My therapeutic philosophy rests on the premise that entering into a therapy relationship is a sacred act, and should be treated accordingly. It takes courage to challenge the limiting beliefs accumulated along life's journey, and I hold deep respect for those who are willing to do so. I provide a safe and respectful environment where you can explore the patterns keeping you from living a more authentic life.

Now accepting new clients. Full time hours Mon - Fri. And by appointment, morning, evening, weekend hours. Helping you determine where you are feeling stuck with some part of your health and wellness. Ready to partner with you to help you get unstuck. I’ll hold your concerns with deep compassion. I’ll listen actively. I’ll work with you to address what’s most important to you. I will meet you where you are with dignity and respect, to connect with you. Then, we work together to tailor recovery and wellness work that best fits your needs, leaning into the work. Through hope and transformation, you can heal, grow, and thrive.

I approach counseling with the mindset that the therapeutic relationship is essential. In forming this therapeutic relationship, I work together with the client to process the problems that are presented. I believe the process is a collaboration between the counselor and the client and that all people have purpose and deserve understanding, love, and respect. My hope is that through the counseling, the client will become more aware of their patterns, life story, and importance, resulting in an increase in confidence and positive life changes. Overall, I hope that counseling will lead to a more fulfilled life, healing, and wholeness.

"You do not have to be good You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles repenting you only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves..." -Mary Oliver. Oliver suggests that liberation is always-already present. How do we contact this natural brilliance? How do we walk that liminal space between will and surrender, acceptance and change? Being incarnated in a human body means facing ordeals but how much we suffer becomes a choice. We refine our ability to choose through deep engagement with various inner practices and orientations.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Everyday stressors and relationship losses can leave you feeling disconnected from others, anxious or depressed. Whatever you are going through, I am here to help empower you with support, acceptance, and empathy. Let me help you align with your strengths, confront old patterns that impede your progress, learn new ways to interact in relationships, and deepen your self-understanding.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and enjoy collaborating with adults, adolescents, and children to facilitate positive life changes in an atmosphere of encouragement and respect. My diverse background includes working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples, groups, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADD, anger, grief, mid-life, and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients reach their goals by identifying strengths, examining belief systems, and focusing on solutions.

Throughout life there are many things we are in control of, however there are also things we may not have control over. Experiencing this feeling of no control can manifest itself in anxiety, depression, loss of self, or even impact relationships with those around you. Whether it's due to your upbringing, the environment, or traumatic experiences, the constant fight to regain power and control of your life again can be exhausting, overwhelming and isolating. Therapy is that helping hand that can guide you on your healing journey and path to self-discovery. It can also be your safe place to rest and just be.

People prioritize therapy when it is necessary or important to them. I want to make therapy flexible enough for your busy life, with evening appointments, telehealth, and in-person options. Therapy works best if you have a trusting relationship with your therapist, and I aim to provide that setting, getting to know who you are and what you need, as you are the expert on your life. I hope to help you with the skills that will be useful throughout your life.

I like to tell my clients, this is your therapy, you are the one driving the car. I am just the one in the back seat looking at the map, saying we could go right for the ocean view, or left for the mountains, which way would you like to go? Together we will co-create goals that will fit your circumstances and where you want to go. You are the expert of your situation. I am passionate about working with life transitions and those moments of, “this is not where I want to be, or planned to be in life, so now what?"

Winona enjoys working with adolescents and adults of all ages. She works with clients dealing with mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, self-esteem issues, PTSD, grief and loss, and those facing other life challenges. In addition, she has worked with clients experiencing domestic violence. Her objective is to help individuals heal, and then find and build on their strengths in order to achieve their goals and become their very best selves. Winona enjoys working with clients and assisting them in developing coping skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

Working from a relational-narrative perspective, I am committed to supporting you in your life journey. If you are feeling unhappy within your relationship, personal experiences or simply feel “stuck”, I’m here to help support you in the pursuit of your preferred way of living. I am passionate about working with individuals experiencing life transitions and couples in any relational stage, offering support to all gender identities and sexual orientations.

W. Kefron McCaw earned his Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California in Santa Barbara in 2007. He has received clinical training at Advanced Neurobehavioral Health of Southern California, San Diego State University Counseling and Psychological Services, the Catholic Charities Center for Counseling, and the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) Positive Solutions Program.