Narrative Therapists in West End, Tacoma, WA

Asking for help may be the hardest and most courageous thing any of us can do. Utilizing Narrative Therapy, I help clients identify their values and skills to help them effectively confront current and future problems. I want to help people challenge and change the scripts that hold them back from self-compassion, curiosity, and creativity. My ultimate goal is to help people cultivate joy in their lives so that they can feel connected to the moments and people that matter to them most.

I am a LICSW with a focus on psychotherapy with adults, children and families. I have been a practitioner for 48 years, in private practice for 12 1/2 years and had been a psychotherapist for 26 years in the Behavioral Health Department at Group Health. While there, in addition to a general caseload that included Medicare patients, I ran a Children's Therapy Group, served on a county-wide child abuse oversight committee, co-chaired an inter-disciplinary case consultation team, and managed an intern program.

Therapy is an incredible tool for healing, exploration, and liberation. I am specially trained in lending a neutral ear as you navigate new truths and find growth in old wounds. As a relationship therapy specialist, I know that enriching connections to Self, Partners, Family, and Community are key to achieving the high quality of life that you deserve. My role is to help you gain confidence, truth, and a chance to re-author your life’s narrative. I work with individuals, people in relationships (couples, spouses, polycules, etc.), and families of all kinds. I draw from a strengths-based narrative approach that is client-centered.

I help stressed out, motivated women work through trauma so you can have healthy relationships and feel more comfortable in your own skin. You need to get a handle on your triggers, or your relationships will suffer. You don't want to react this way, but it's out of your control. There is trauma lurking at the surface and you’re ready to address it so you can feel more confident, calm, and energized. Are you finding yourself reactive, anxious, tired, and overwhelmed? You’re not alone and I can help.

Do you find yourself feeling stuck in the same cycles and patterns? Are you wishing for movement in your life but find yourself unable to let go of old stories, feelings, and thoughts? Maybe you are unsure of where to start but know that the way things are, is not how you want them to be. Often times our lives can become dictated by past wounds and, coping with the feelings that arise from these moments, can be difficult. Healing from the past and staying present in the now is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.

I applaud your willingness in taking this first step to engage in therapy. The first step is often the most difficult one and it shows notable courage that you’ve made that decision. If you’ve made your way here, chances are that you may be struggling in some aspect in your life. It may be life stressors, issues in a romantic relationship, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma or maybe you need to be able to speak with someone who will listen and empathize with you. Whatever the case may be, I want you to know that you’re not alone and that you can receive the support, care and guidance you’re looking for.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, navigating major life changes, or just feeling lost? Are you struggling to figure out what to do after college, or reentering the workforce after a long absence? Together, my clients and I work to place their difficulties in cultural context, while still keeping in mind that we are powerful. Starting with the assumption that everyone is capable of functioning well, I work from an internal family systems, existential, and multicultural standpoint to support clients in developing a deep understanding of maladaptive patterns.

Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Find unwavering support at Life Directions Counseling. Guided by Dr. Bethy, our interns, Emily and Kassie, offer personalized individual and couples therapy. Whether it's personal struggles or relationship issues, we provide a safe haven for self-exploration and growth. In couples therapy, we specialize in fostering communication, trust, and intimacy, guiding you to rebuild and strengthen your connection. Life's setbacks are opportunities for renewal, and we firmly believe in that journey. Join us as we embark on the pursuit of a positive and balanced life together.

I have a passion for helping clients learn new skills for coping, communication, and problem solving. I encourage clients to find their strengths and to help empower them to achieve their therapy goals. I work collaboratively to create client- centered treatment. I have a background working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with at-risk youth, foster children, and children and teenagers with severe mental illness. I have over a decade of experience working with Active-Duty Service Members with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma, and substance use disorders.

Do you feel a persistent sense of unease? Exhausted from the pressures of life? Frustrated with how your past is impacting you? Overwhelmed by the thought of starting therapy? Often our struggles alone feel unbearable, and the idea of addressing them only adds more stress. But you can get to where you'd like to be. It just takes learning to endure the discomfort of the growth and healing process. I am dedicated to helping you walk through the discomfort —to gain self insight, to make changes in your life, to feel more at ease, and attain your goals.