Therapists in Bellingham, WA

Are you feeling lost, stuck, lonely, overwhelmed, or burnt-out? Do you sometimes catch glimpses of who you would like to be, but have no idea how to get there? Are you tired of fighting with yourself and ready to begin working with yourself to live a life that feels more authentic to you? Whether you are struggling with a life transition, weighed down in grief, grappling with the decision about whether to become a parent, ready to let go of diet culture and body shame, or wanting more happiness and meaning in your life, I'm ready to help you make changes at a pace that feels right to you.

Seeking help says a lot about you - that you value your life, your health, and relationships. Perhaps you want to beat depression, manage anxiety, create change in your relationships, or find meaningful work. Or maybe you are suffering a loss, have relocated, or are struggling with chronic health issues. I have a deep passion for counseling, for supporting you in your courageous steps toward fulfillment and well being.

I believe that each of us has the capacity to become knowledgeable about what feels workable in day-to-day living and to uncover what personal values we would like to strive for in our life. I am drawn to working with folks who want to discover more about themselves (both strengths and areas of growth), their identity, their relationships, their role in the world, and how to lead a fulfilling, meaningful life. I value the opportunity to think together with clients about how therapy could be most helpful for them. I am well-suited to work with people who are looking for meaningful and measurable change in their life.

Thanks for taking a look at my profile page. It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help and support. Many of my clients have struggled with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, struggling to go out into the world, wanting things to be different in their families, and much more. I will work with you to develop new skills to handle any situation that is bothering you.

There are times in all our lives when we need emotional support. Reaching out for professional help takes strength and courage. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, a life transition or an emotional crisis, it can feel overwhelming to carry all of those emotions and worries alone. At times it can be difficult to even know what you want and need. I provide an open-minded, nonjudgemental, nurturing environment where you can feel safe to be yourself and express whatever emotions you are having.

The search for a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, compassion and understanding driven by your needs, goals and dreams is one of the most important decisions you will make. It takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength, built on the foundation of hope to begin the journey of finding ourselves. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Substance Use Disorder Professional I believe we all have a unique story to share with the world. Our knowledge of ourselves; spiritually,mentally and physically drives our choices and is the catalyst for change in that narrative.

Afraid, overwhelmed, or lonely? Suffering from trauma, grief, pain, depression, neglect or heartache? I'm a compassionate and empathetic therapist, designed and experienced to help you in sadness, obstacles, or uncertainty. I invite you to schedule a free fifteen minute consultation at my Accent Counseling office in Bellingham, Washington. You can safely and comfortably decide if we will be a good fit, and learn more about my integrated and person-centered approach. Link for scheduling is at bottom of the following web page where the orange button says “Schedule a Consult”: accent-counseling.com/team/oskar-norlander/

I provide therapy not only because I am passionate about personal growth and connection, but because I believe therapy works. I am inspired by the vulnerability and strength that goes into the healing process. I sincerely believe you have within you what it takes to heal and that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. Through therapy, I hope you feel renewed, motivated, confident, and safe enough in your thoughts and body to fully engage in life. I have had the honor to support those who are seeking out relief from their trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and/or anger.

I have a waitlist for individuals ages 18 to 100 for psychotherapy, currently via video/telehealth. I expect to be able to accept new clients after July 1, 2024. I excel in supporting clients with complex trauma, attachment wounds, grief, loss, adjustment, depression, anxiety, and identity issues. I work best with clients who are open to exploring their emotions, embracing both laughter and tears, engaging in meaningful conversations, and delving deep within to gain self-understanding and valuable insights.

I specialize in working with clients that try to manage life's pain with substances and other addictions. Many of my clients want to simply change their using habits and I work to support them weekly in understanding their intentions, feelings and motivations as they make healthy changes to their relationship with alcohol or other drugs. As we well know, many clients suffering from substance use disorders have a myriad of other issues that drive these compulsive coping mechanisms; I am experienced in many co-occuring issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma or grief. Supervisor: T. Christopher Portman PhD.

Every parent dreams of raising their children in ways that enable them to not only survive, but to thrive. As life unfolds, parents may encounter personal difficulties, or problems related to their children, that compromise their ability to provide consistent, responsive care. They may then be susceptible to feelings of overwhelm and discouragement. I offer families a compassionate, collaborative, strength-based therapeutic approach. I respectfully join with them in the belief that "We are in this together, and together, we will find our way through."

Good For You! You have taken the first step: You are asking for help at a time when life challenges have caused you to pause and reflect. Life can feel out of balance, leaving us with feelings of despair, anxiousness and loss. Our basic human needs are those of connecting to others. We feel pain and discomfort when we feel separated. It takes courage to look at ourselves, to find the meaning of the discomfort. This struggle can have profound lasting results for personal growth, better health, and closer relationships with our family, friends and the community at large.

My role as a counselor is to walk alongside you and assist you in uncovering and discovering what is true for you and the beliefs you hold about yourself that may or may not serve you well at this point in your life. Together we will look at the symptoms (often defined as problems) that are interfering with your life and your goals, and explore ways to manifest a more authentic and satisfying life that is consistent with your own unique psycho, social, physical and spiritual values. My style as a therapist is compassionate, direct, non-judgmental, and solution focused.

New openings: Mondays in-person 10am weekly; Tuesdays teletherapy only: 2p every other week or 3p weekly recurring. Waitlist available. I work with individuals & individuals of couples & particularly appreciate working with young adults & elder adults. Emphasis is on building self-efficacy, a positive psychology approach supported by CBT - not only navigating the impact of internal and external weaknesses but also building your strengths - what else is going to bail you when times get rough! And yes, it's OK to have weaknesses. No human is without. To say, "I have weakness," is not to say, "I am weak."

Do you often find yourself caught in the same repeated cycles or pattern in your life? Are you in a relationship that feels stuck? As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 10 years, I specialize in working with adult individuals and couples. I offer a process to access deep emotional connection and change patterns that keep you stuck. A key focus in my practice is helping you to a deeper understanding about your individual journey and exploring effectively ways to interact with the significant people in your life. Free yourself from constricting self-limiting ways and learn new skills in communicating with others.

Simply put, being human is hard. When we experience loneliness, depression, fear, or disconnection, our relationships to others and to our true selves can become closed off, leaving us feeling isolated and in pain. In those moments of hardship there is immense power and courage in reaching out. Therapy can be a safe haven to process past experiences that have caused harm, address relationships that are in crisis, and find a way to reconcile loss. We can also use counseling to explore your values and how your life is lining up with those values, or missing the mark.

Whenever you think of talking with someone, thoroughly explaining everything from how you feel today, or how you have felt for years, or to the choices you are facing, or how your body and sense of yourself alters things, and you wonder, how do I find that "right" person to talk to? You have found them. Adolescent or adult, individual or a couple, call me for a free consultation, and let's see where to go from here!

I enjoy my work as a psychotherapist even more today then I did when I started over 20 years ago. There is so much power and insight that comes from a truly authentic relationship between therapist and client. You, the client, can then take what is learned in the safety of the therapeutic relationship out into the world full of Other relationships and feel equipped to navigate them in a way that is aligned with who you are. Whether it's your self as a mother, daughter, brother, or son, there is meaning to unfold in everything you do.

We have an affordable and accessible therapist to support your needs. It can be challenging to find affordable therapy when you need assistance with the difficulties of daily life, relationship concerns, experiences with depression, anxiety, anger or grief. Our options of virtual sessions, in person in Des Moines WA or Bellingham, provides accessibility to receive quality services. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team have morning and evening appointments. This is what you have been looking for in your search for your therapist.