Therapists in Bremerton, WA

Hello! I'm Melissa Sincere, I completed my Master's in Counseling in 2020. In my approach to counseling; I integrate strength-base, humanistic, and solution-focus practices. I offer unwavering culturally sensitive support and understanding.

I strongly believe that therapy is co-created between client and therapist. While I am trained in the process of counseling, the client is the expert in their own experiences. I believe that the combining of these expertise is what creates meaningful therapy and lasting change. I am passionate about creating an environment where my clients feel safe to be their most authentic self and know that their experiences are truly heard. Therapy can already be such an intimidating and overwhelming undertaking – so I strive to show cultural humility and provide a non-judgmental space where we can focus on the true goals at hand.

I have extensive knowledge working with patients with psychosis, substance use, and at high risk of suicide. Focusing on harm reduction, healthy coping skills, and recovery to live the best possible life. With my vast knowledge of the mental health system, I use various modalities toward treatment and don't believe a one size fit all in regard to interventions. I focus on a holistic approach to treatment as you are the expert in your own life. I am here to assist, listen and guide you towards your goals and dreams.

Do you struggle with depression that affects your day-to-day life? Do you feel lost in trying to meet societal expectations and obligations? Do you question whether there's a path to reclaiming your identity and fulfillment? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about overcoming mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and the unique challenges they face.

While I am comfortable working on a wide variety of mental health issues with diverse clientelle, the majority of my clients have belonged to the LGBT and Disabled communities. I use a solution-focused, shame-free approach to therapy, helping my clients develop the skills and insights necessary to navigate their unique challenges.

Congratulations for getting this far in your quest to enrich your life! Calling me (or any therapist) can be another challenging step. I offer a FREE 30-minute session to help you find the best person to assist you. My Therapeutic Approach revolves around you and your goals. My training supports our collaboration for your success attaining the life you want and deserve drawing on Family Systems Theory, Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), EMDR, Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Voice Dialogue, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Processing (NLP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), all within a holistic approach.

I work from a person-centered approach that draws from other theoretical techniques designed to address your individual needs and goals. The process of counseling is to understand you as a unique person; explore and gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behavior; and enhance quality of life by implementing parts of the counseling process into your daily living. Our therapeutic relationship will be collaborative and we will work together towards setting and meeting your counseling goals.

If you are a woman in transition, or are feeling disheartened, depressed or stuck, I will give you assistance in identifying and uncovering your strengths, and recovering your joy of life! Or, if you are a member of a couple or family having difficulties, I will offer support and teach communication skills, which can deepen and enhance those relationships closest to you. It is often difficult to identify our stuck places and painful patterns. I have found that talking things through with someone with sound professional training and experience can offer new perspectives and life possibilities, allowing change to happen!

I meet with individuals, couples, families, and run groups. I generally work with folks who complain of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress management, anger management, trauma/PTSD, interpersonal conflict, parenting challenges, spiritual challenges, frustration tolerance, and some health challenges to include nicotine addiction. I also provide in-home nursing-aid care, DD respite care, and tutoring. A client is encouraged to boldly explore their own thoughts and emotions in a safe, warm and collaborative therapeutic environment and find new solutions, skills, insight and awareness around life's challenges, both within the person and the persons' life experience

The gift of meeting ourselves… in life, we sometimes have to endure extreme stress in difficult circumstances, and we are meant to continue to grow by making meaning and increasing the love in our lives. As an Army Veteran, I feel called to serve the veteran community, as well as others with difficult life experiences. My focus areas include trauma and PTSD, emotional imbalances, self-esteem, grief, and transitions. I draw from my spiritual path as well as personal experiences to connect deeply, and to honor each individual’s journey to healing.

Whole Therapies Collective is a group of licensed mental health clinicians focused on offering holistic, social justice informed, equitable care. We function on a payment model that always ensures you have access to a sliding scale. We do not contract with insurance, as they require a diagnosis to cover services. We are not here to pathologize, label, or categorize. Our collective aim is to empower and facilitate internal trust, balance, and compassion in those we work alongside in their healing journey. Our collective also offers integrative therapies like sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine and massage.

Everyone no matter who they are are able to move past the darkness and trauma of their past, I am here to help rebuild and reshape thoughts and behaviors that have kept you in the dark. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to achieve their best version of themselves. Reaching out for help is the hardest step in therapy a person can take. By having an open mind and free space to help clients feel safe to express past traumas is essential to build a foundation to become the version each person has the right to show the world.

Therapy is about learning how to tell our stories. It is deepening our courage to look ourselves in the face and tell the truth of what we find. It is taking in the bountiful love in the world though it sometimes seems impossible to find. It is learning to savor the taste of a good meal and laughter with others. It is knowing the name of our sadness whether or not we can find our tears. It is being. Just as we are with hope for more to come.

Our lives are often impacted by forces beyond our control. We wonder if life will ever return to "normal." I work with young and old who encounter challenges common to modern living: Retirement, work stress, family dynamics, personal tragedy, financial troubles, loss of community, and loss of direction. I also address unique challenges associated with aging: Chronic and acute illness, life partner debilitation, and hardships unforeseen. Refocus and reclaim your strengths and life as we work together on insights, new strategies and skills that enable you to overcome obstacles, re-connect with life and your passions.

There are three fundamental qualities essential in our journey to navigate the complexities of human experience: compassion, humor, and realism. My approach is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be heard, valued, and supported. I am committed to maintaining a safe, judgment-free environment. I believe in the healing power of laughter, and integrate humor into my work to help individuals cope with adversity and discover their inner strength. I also believe that a grounded sense of realism is important in developing and working toward our goals. We must first recognize who we are so we can become who we want to be.

I am dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals. I believe that therapy can be a transformative experience that provides clients with the tools and insights they need to live more fulfilling lives.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stuck? Ready to make a change, but not sure where to begin? Help is available! I am a mental health and substance use counselor based in Kitsap County and providing telehealth services throughout Washington. I work primarily with adults and teenagers ages 13+. I can help you address a variety of issues, including substance abuse and addiction (including nicotine/tobacco use), depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, self-harm, grief, low self-esteem, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. I do offer letters for gender-affirming care. I currently have a 1-2 month waitlist for new clients.

I see individuals with anxiety, depression, phobias, dissociative disorders, and with histories of trauma, (including service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq). I use EMDR combined with other client-centered therapies. What is most important, however, is that your therapy is tailored to your individual needs and does not follow a strict set of guidelines. Using a humanistic and transpersonal approach, we explore how longstanding beliefs and values affect how you feel about yourself and about the choices you make. We will identify and eliminate your "stumbling blocks" so that you feel in control of your destiny.

Perhaps you're seeking relief after struggling with the same problem for years. You kept hoping that it would go away on its own, but it just keeps dogging you. Or, a current situation is bringing back old, unpleasant feelings or frustrating behaviors that you thought you had "dealt with", and it's negatively affecting both you and other people in your life. Maybe you're experiencing something now that you've never faced before, and your normal ways of coping just aren't working as well (or at all).