Elders (65+) Therapists in Bellevue, WA

Counseling can offer an understanding of the behaviors, beliefs and emotions that fuel our daily interactions with families and other people. Therapy is a process. My job is to facilitate you through possible change options. It is my goal to work with you closely during therapy to aid in clarifying your goals for treatment, explore patterns and choices of communication, relationships, life style and foster development of beneficial coping strategies with commitment on both parts during therapy. The main goal is to explore patterns of behavior, thoughts, and actions to foster positive change and personal growth.

Everyone experiences loss and grief in their life, and every person goes through the grief process in their own way and at their own rate. I like to serve as a guide/facilitator as each client works toward "healing" on their unique journey through grief. I have been a Hospice Bereavement Counselor for 12 years and enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, adults and seniors . I believe in active listening, and provide caring support and resources to grieving clients.

At times in your life when issues or relationships can seem overwhelming or physical challenges keep you from living up to your true potential, working with an experienced therapist can help you find resolution and personal growth. I specialize in treating adolescents, adults, couples, seniors and caregivers experiencing anxiety, stress or depression. Therapy can provide the opportunity to discuss current life challenges in a safe and confidential space. My approach is collaborative and supportive as we work together to understand your unique pattern of thoughts and behaviors that may currently get in the way when trying to resolve difficult life issues.

I specialize in working with people in transition, individuals, couples and young adults. As a Generalist with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tailor my approach to each individual I work with. I want to fully understand your story; however, I recognize it is important for you to feel comfortable. My first job is to help you become comfortable enough to begin sharing your story. Without a therapeutic partnership, it is difficult to make progress and build the trust necessary for growth and change.

In a blaring, often confusing world, it is easy to become paralyzed by expectations from within and from others. In our paralysis, we numb disappointment and pain with distractions such as addictions, isolation, unwanted sexual experiences, and other behaviors that betray who we really are and who we want to become still. We become slaves to the automatic thoughts, feelings, urges, memories, and other inner experiences that tell us to betray who God has made us to be.

I perceive life as a journey, consisting of searching meaning and coping: Meaning in different roles and aspects of life motivates us to move forward; coping is strategies to get there from here. However, at different life stages, we often got stuck because of different reasons. Thus, either we no longer can see the life meaning(s) and/or our coping strategies are no longer effective. We are likely stuck under these circumstances, which leads to sufferings. I believe that counseling is a catalyst to facilitate the needed changes & adjustments to get unstuck and to have a meaningful life again.

Transition, trauma, and transformation are my specialties. Life transition, career transition, transition in relationships, racial trauma, the trauma of loss, sexual assault trauma, imposter syndrome, and personal transformation. Healing is complex and not linear. Using the mind, body, and soul connection I support you in finding healing, and a new sense of being. Healing is done in connection with others through embodied connection, awareness, and meaning or faith. Together through connection, you can bring healing into your life.

My work with clients is about turning negatives into positives, growing and becoming stronger, learning new tools and finding solutions.  I am here to provide confidential counseling, to accept you where you are at,  to help you identify what is getting in the way of positive change and help you set goals you want to achieve.    Reaching out is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.  When you leave my office I want you to feel empowered and have hope for the future. Message me for a short consult or email with current concerns so we can see if its the right fit. NOTE: I have 4 spots for weekly clients and 6 for bi weekly.

**NEW CLIENTS - Please email me** No one deserves to live in pain. For therapy to work, you need three things: curiosity about yourself and your interactions with others, an authentic connection with your therapist, and concrete, practical tools and skills to promote real and lasting change. My job is to facilitate an understanding of what is causing you pain and getting in your way of creating your best life. As your therapist, I don’t “just listen.” I use an integrative approach, combining several modalities to create the most effective treatment for each client. I practice remote therapy with individual adults.

Do you feel stuck or unable to experience joy, or have a meaningful life. Maybe, you are experiencing sadness, loss or difficult life transitions. You are not alone and I am here to offer you hope that you can overcome these challenges. I am here to support you and help you feel safe and grounded as we explore your life experiences and challenges that are keeping you stuck. You will learn new healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and life situations. When necessary, we will focus on childhood experiences and relationships that may still impact you and prevent you from having the life and connections you want.

Together we will discover what you want to change. I will help you access your untapped strengths and power in order to create the life you want: more empowered, more connected, more authentic. In a safe and compassionate manner, I help you reconnect to your truest self so you can meet the world in a secure and resilient way. Most importantly, you'll have an ally in your life committed to this journey with you. If you have experienced trauma in your early or adult life, I am trained and want to help.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Passion for my work, empathy, and excellence in clinical training (several years at University of Pennsylvania) allow me to provide effective, lasting results. I use an integrative, eclectic approach combining psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies to help adolescents and adults gain insight and work through varied life concerns. I see symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and relationship conflict as opportunities for change and personal growth.

As a therapist, I utilize a practical approach to assist clients in getting more of what they want and less of what they don't. I believe that successful therapy includes identifying the What, understanding the Why and developing the How to move forward. My clients want more from themselves, their relationships and their careers. I offer a guiding hand to help them map out their goals and explore the origins of their current behavior. Clients can expect to play an active role in transitioning their lives through goal setting, skill building and out of session activities.

As a relationship specialist, I work with individuals and couples to help them experience deep intimacy and healing in their lives. My clients are often stuck in patterns and places they no longer want to be. They feel stuck in their relationships, in difficult emotions, or in constant distress and overwhelm. It can be hard to see a way forward without help. Our work together will bring awareness and understanding to your situation and ultimately transform your stuckness/pain/distress into healing and growth. I will help you process difficult experiences and emotions in order to emerge as a more free and whole version of yourself.

Brian draws on a rich background of managing a successful business career while devoting his time to working to help couples and men to increase intimacy skills and overall well-being. He has a unique level of mastery for seeing through interpersonal conflict to the individual struggles that drive tension while internally desiring connection and belonging. ​ Brian’s areas of specialization include couples therapy, sex therapy, infidelity and sexual betrayals, and family conflict.