Therapists in Anacortes, WA

I am personally and professionally familiar with geek and gaming culture, and believe these experiences and identities have a place in a successful therapeutic relationship. Further, I have experience working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome clients. I believe in the power of community that is built on shared values and experiences. If you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ and/or gaming communities and would like to explore these identities as part of your therapy experience, or you would simply prefer a therapist within these communities, we may be a good fit.

What a rough ride it's been over the last several years....a real doozy! There are so many people struggling with feelings of overwhelm, stress, anger/rage, grief, disillusion, lack of trust, lack of safety, hopelessness, loneliness, anxiety....you name it! We all feel it at times but sometimes it gets to be too much for us to handle on our own. We need to process our feelings, be heard, be seen, connect, and find our way through this maze of life. Does this sound like you? NO shame in that. We are human.

I am both a psychotherapist and a certified sex therapist (AASECT certified) and I help couples and individuals fulfill their emotional, sexual and relational needs by building a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, safety and trust. I will support you in clarifying your needs and goals without judgement so that you can take the insight and skills we develop together into your life and relationships. If you struggle with intimacy, desire or preference discrepancy in your relationship or if you struggle with performance, anxiety related ED or ability to experience sexual pleasure and orgasm, I look forward to meeting you.

I work with emotionally sensitive individuals struggling with trauma, overwhelming emotions and anxiety to help them to reach long-term healing. By helping them to better understand the impacts of past experiences and to engage in values-aligned action, I help motivated individuals, who often have histories of trauma, grief, and substance abuse, move toward a richer and more fulfilling life. Together, we will work to compassionately identify the hurdles you are facing and create a life you value. I approach my work with compassion, warmth, and curiosity, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Welcome! For some, seeking help from a mental health professional can feel overwhelming, intimidating. Finding an understanding therapist who is best suited to your needs can be the first step towards a happier and more meaningful life. I work with adults and adolescents from a place of respect and compassion and believe that real transformation happens within the context of the therapeutic relationship. I value approaches that have been researched and proven to be effective, and tailor treatment to meet the needs of each individual. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse, and gender dysphoria.

No matter what you are going through, know that I am here to listen, support you and help you figure it all out! Welcome to the newest generation of self care and mental health- this is easy, accessible, no-stress, stigma free help for whatever you are going through. Feel free to wear your sweatpants, sit on the couch and have a session on your phone or lap top. Prefer in person? No problem, come visit my office in a charming 1900's Craftsman home near the Junction in West Seattle! Check out www.nostressnostigma.com for details!

I believe that healing begins with connection; to yourself, your story, and to meaningful relationships. Therapy is, at its heart, an honest, human relationship and that’s what I want to offer as a clinician. I approach therapy as an open exploration of your full self. This means that you get to safely bring your unedited, unrefined self into the room, including your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, relational structure, and every other element of your identity mosaic. I have special interest in the intersection of sexuality, trauma, and religion. Wherever it is, I am here to meet you where you’re at.

Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions or struggle to be connected to your life? You're not alone. Together we can work to build the skills you need to live a life that fits within your values. Being emotionally sensitive myself, I understand the difficulties many of us face when we feel things deeply. My mission as your therapist will be to support you in cherishing this aspect of yourself, while we work on any negative impacts it might have on your life. My specialty is working with adults with difficulty regulating emotion, as well as anxiety, depression, complex trauma, eating disorders, and mood disorders.

You've lived everyday of your life in your body and even though you might be experiencing a difficult time or series of difficult events, you're the expert in your life. You probably have a pretty good idea of what's been working well and what's not been working so well. This is one of the reasons I take a collaborative approach in my work. We'll look at your goals and I'll meet you where you're currently at in life.

Life comes at us fast and we’re not always ready for it but that’s okay! I believe that we all crave connection with our peers, friends, family, and partners. And when we aren’t working on those connections, we’re working to build our connection with ourself. To fully work through that and make progress, I use a direct approach in helping clients address concerns that may arise from their connections with others or with themself. I believe that the most progress can be made when it’s accompanied with empathy and unconditional positive regard - two pillars of therapeutic work to foster growth and a sense of safety.

I am a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Washington. I have considerable experience working with many issues, in both brief and long-term therapy, including life transitions, stress, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, abuse and trauma, disordered eating and body image, family and relationship issues, personality disorders, alcohol and drug issues, and thought disorders/schizophrenia. I have worked with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds including LGBTQ individuals.

I have immediate telehealth openings for new clients. Experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Can’t stop worrying? Having a hard time sleeping (insomnia)? Feel like anxiety is controlling you? Or perhaps you are struggling with panic attacks, having irrational fears (phobia), or worrying too much about your health. Helping you recover from OCD, anxiety, and insomnia so you can more effectively pursue your goals and values in life is my passion! I provide evidence-based therapy, choosing techniques that research shows are effective for OCD, anxiety, and sleep issues. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs.

Sometimes life can feel a bit overwhelming and cause you to feel alone. I believe that asking for help takes courage and is a powerful move in making a difference in your life. You do not have to go through the struggles of life alone. I view counseling as a collaborative process, where you are the master of your life, and I am joining along for the ride. I hope we can work together to find the answers you may be looking for within you. I am here to help with any life challenges you may be going through.

I am the Agency Psychologist for the Center for Systematic Therapy and Research Services (CSTARS). I work full-time after a career in research (University of Washington 1987-2004) and faculty appointment (John's Hopkins, Department of Mental Health [2004-2007]). I currently focus on directing two clinical programs with Clinical Director Melissa Byrd: 1) Relapse Prevention for advanced recovery in addiction and codependency (Group and Individual), 2) Sexual Victimization recovery from childhood and young adult PTSD (Group and Individual). I conduct neurodevelopmental assessments for Dr. Stumme-Parks' work with CSTARS' ADHD clients.

My approach to therapeutic work comes out of radical love for humans and their healing. Therapy is a place to build strong relationships through authentic connection. When people are able to be fully seen as who they are, in their truth, we can start to think about changes and tap into our personal wisdom; our bodies, minds, and spirits have wisdom that I hope we will find in our work together. As a therapist, I show up as myself and hope to encourage my clients to show up as who they are and connect on that level. I approach my work aligned with my core values: connection, compassion, curiosity, creativity, and community.

The goal of treatment is to provide outpatient mental health services, which eliminate or substantially reduce communication and/or social/ cultural barriers. My treatment encourages the involvement of natural support systems available to individuals and families. The goal is the client should live in the community as least restrictively as possible an environment, with minimal Dependance on public safety and acute care resources. To enable patients to establish or maintain appropriate residences and or to advert crisis and re-hospitalization or more restrictive levels of care. The client has the right to refuse treatment.

I specialize in working with and teaching about LGBTQIA+, queer, transgender, and gender-diverse adults, former members of high control religions, groups, or cults, religious trauma, those with ADHD, and on body liberation, unlearning diet culture, and Health at Every Size. My approach is rooted in Feminist therapy, social justice, and third-wave behavioral approaches. I offer virtual individual therapy and gender affirming care letters in 35 states as part of PSYPACT. This includes: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, MP, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

Whether you feel deeply stuck in a dark place, or just need a boost to get back to enjoying life again, I will provide focused, caring attention, utilize my expertise to respectfully offer suggestions, and make a step-by-step plan. I specialize in treating trauma (with a range of proven approaches); most commonly with sexual assault survivors, childhood abuse, and vicarious trauma. I also work with most anxiety and mood disorders, stress management, and life transitions.

My purpose is to help individuals, couples, and families overcome adversity in their lives and relationships. I use a solution-focused approach to understand each person’s unique set of values, and direction. Together, we will strengthen and heal your relationships with yourself, and the people important to you. We will find meaning out of your past experiences, and use this to create a change for your future. To identify what is truly important to you.