Therapists in Anacortes, WA

I currently have openings. My expertise covers a range of challenges including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, trauma, anger, and behavior support. I specialize in working with youth, young adults, and men but I have worked with clients of all ages in various settings including schools, military, corrections, and nursing care.

I believe that every one has a story that needs to be told- a story that defines who they are, how they arrived at this point in their lives, and what is keeping them stuck in unhelpful patterns of behavior.

Andrea is experienced working with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, groups, and families who are navigating: adjustment issues, low self-esteem, family relationships, compassion fatigue, work stressors, relationship conflicts, trauma (sexual, physical, and emotional), suicidal thoughts, grief and loss, substance use stressors, medical diagnoses/health concerns impacting mental health & well-being, and feeling anxious/down/unsure of how you are feeling. As a clinical social worker, she has 13 years of experience in community mental health, primary care settings, teletherapy, and management clinical social worker.

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?"

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.

As a Mental Health Counselor, I believe that life presents us challenges that we sometimes need help to overcome. My specialty is working with young people between the ages of 10 and 21, but I do work with clients of all ages, with a focus on mood and behavioral stability. The foundations of my approach to counseling are Existential Psychology and Jungian Analytical Psychology. I have extensive experience working in Native American and multicultural communities.

My approach to Mental Health Counseling is to view the client as expert in their own life. I do not play the role of expert in my client's lives. I do, however act as a guide, advocate, educator, and support person. What I will do is attempt to see your issues from your perspective and your view of the world. I work within the framework of Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on the client being the expert, Existential Therapy, which focuses on behavior and looks at how the client thinks, feels, and behaves and the impact they have on others.

Therapy is a place for yourself or your loved one to take time to build self-care, self-reflection, insight and skills to manage the symptoms they are experiencing. Many adults and youth experience symptoms of depression, anxiety or are overcoming issues of past trauma that plays in to their ability to go about life. Sometimes relationships, school or work are harder to navigate, build or maintain. Sometimes self-esteem and self-worth can interfere with our abilities to experience healthy relationships whether that is with friends, peers or family members. Coming to therapy can help you build skills to navigate these hardships.

Imagine you have a collection of letters. Communication gathered throughout your life, but try as you may, you can't read them on your own. Perhaps if you knew their contents circumstances in your life could be different. In psychotherapy, you can figure out what these letters mean in a trusted, confidential relationship. By following what comes up, all that's been written in your life, no matter how difficult it may be, we will create space for change. Put differently, therapy is a space to, "Be what you are becoming without clinging to what you might have been; what you might yet be" - Luce Irigaray.

Being a human can be hard work! Day-to-day challenges can range from the simply annoying to the downright overwhelming. By providing a safe and supportive environment, I help clients find answers, expand their perspectives, and build healthy habits. Using a mixture of assessment and therapeutic intervention, I am committed to assisting you in achieving your best life… and who knows, maybe we’ll have a little fun along the way!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have extensive experience working with people of all ages, building therapeutic relationships across the board with many groups of people. I have worked with children, adolescents and their families for over 20 years of my career. I have experience in working with individuals dealing with addiction of themselves or their loved ones, domestic violence, grief and loss, aging and transitioning to new stages of life. I am able to provide support around depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, and managing positive life changes as those can also cause changes in your mental health.

I work with people dealing with emotional problems that manifest as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. The encounters with emotions seem powerful, overwhelming, and mysterious. They may feel so powerful, that you push away, stuff down, use substances, or even allow the emotions to direct your actions and thoughts. It can feel confusing of how you can build strength to overcome emotional wounds. How do you make sense of what doesn’t always make sense? Exploring your emotions with a therapist can be healing and encouraging.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (with a doctorate from Columbia University) with over 40 years of practice experience with children, families, couples, and adults. My approach to our work is "psychodynamic" and I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I am open to consultation, crisis intervention, short term therapy, and more intensive, insight oriented treatment. The "ideal client" is the one who is willing to work hard. So am I!

Accepting new clients for April & May for Private Pay in Arlington and Mt. Vernon. Some evening and weekend availabilities. Waiting list for insurance. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, & adolescence from all cultural, ethnic, spiritual, & socioeconomic backgrounds. With a Masters of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Graduate Certificate in Systemic Couple & Family Therapy, l use mindfulness and holistic approaches to help you connect with your needs and goals, build better relationships with yourself and those around you, and help you overcome and face life transitions and challenges.

Our services are designed to help you and the ones you love overcome personal, relationship and family difficulties. Whether you are experiencing challenges in your personal relationships, or struggling with depression, anxiety, stress or addictions, we are here for you. We help you develop skills and insights that can immediately make a positive difference in your life. We know that everybody needs help through tough times. Our Mill Creek Family Services counselors are here for you, helping you get your life back on track.