Female Therapists in York, Bellingham, WA

Photo of Alisha Schafer, Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
Alisha Schafer
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
York, Bellingham, WA 98225
Life can take us on an unexpected journey. Sometimes it brings an exciting adventure, and other times it leaves us feeling anxious and out of control. Do you find yourself wishing you could get "back to normal" or wondering how to cope? Many of my clients seek therapy because they want to feel like themselves again. Trauma, loss, and other life transitions are painful, but difficult experiences don't define who you are. We all have the inner capacity for healing and growth.
Life can take us on an unexpected journey. Sometimes it brings an exciting adventure, and other times it leaves us feeling anxious and out of control. Do you find yourself wishing you could get "back to normal" or wondering how to cope? Many of my clients seek therapy because they want to feel like themselves again. Trauma, loss, and other life transitions are painful, but difficult experiences don't define who you are. We all have the inner capacity for healing and growth.
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Photo of Joanna M Starratt - Modern Mindwork, MSN, CRNA, ARNP
Modern Mindwork
MSN, CRNA, ARNP
Verified Verified
York, Bellingham, WA 98225
You’re successful on paper, but inside, you’re exhausted. Anxiety, burnout, or old trauma patterns keep running the show, no matter how much you achieve. Maybe you’ve tried therapy, medication, or even white-knuckling your way through, but nothing sticks. You’re tired of cycling through perfectionism, addiction, or emotional avoidance just to get by. You want relief, but more than that—you want to feel alive, present, and at peace in your own skin. Our work together focuses on breaking these loops and building a sustainable, self-compassionate way forward.
You’re successful on paper, but inside, you’re exhausted. Anxiety, burnout, or old trauma patterns keep running the show, no matter how much you achieve. Maybe you’ve tried therapy, medication, or even white-knuckling your way through, but nothing sticks. You’re tired of cycling through perfectionism, addiction, or emotional avoidance just to get by. You want relief, but more than that—you want to feel alive, present, and at peace in your own skin. Our work together focuses on breaking these loops and building a sustainable, self-compassionate way forward.
(360) 347-9436 View (360) 347-9436
Photo of Miriam S. Drake, Counselor, MEd, LMHC, NCC, CHT
Miriam S. Drake
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, NCC, CHT
Verified Verified
Online Only
Achieving women, motivated, intuitive and intelligent are drawn to the work because they are ready to move beyond the mental and emotional limitations that have kept them struggling in lower frequencies of torment.
You have told your stories, you have identified the issues. You know what needs to change. Time to end the problems and torment for good! Stop creating what you don't want, and begin creating more of what you do want! No more need to hide, or feel limited in your own skin. If permanent change is what you want, this is what you have been seeking!
Achieving women, motivated, intuitive and intelligent are drawn to the work because they are ready to move beyond the mental and emotional limitations that have kept them struggling in lower frequencies of torment.
You have told your stories, you have identified the issues. You know what needs to change. Time to end the problems and torment for good! Stop creating what you don't want, and begin creating more of what you do want! No more need to hide, or feel limited in your own skin. If permanent change is what you want, this is what you have been seeking!
(928) 218-5359 View (928) 218-5359
Photo of Marlene Bowman Sexton, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Marlene Bowman Sexton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
York, Bellingham, WA 98226
Feeling better about yourself, your life and others around you are all big steps toward getting healthier. Helping patients get past life-disrupting issues and get back on track to living happier, more fulfilling lives.
Feeling better about yourself, your life and others around you are all big steps toward getting healthier. Helping patients get past life-disrupting issues and get back on track to living happier, more fulfilling lives.
(425) 510-5324 View (425) 510-5324
Photo of Ann Barry, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Ann Barry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with individuals and couples. I have found that the most content humans are the ones who have created enough internal space to allow all the parts of themselves to coexist despite the contradictions. Have you ever stopped to wonder about all the parts of you? Why am I excited and terrified at the same time? Why am I trying to please other people but harsh on myself? "Parts Work" is a creative exploration; being a compassionate witness to your own pain. Let's bring some self awareness to your patterns in order to choose how you want to show up for yourselves and others. (With Couples I also use Gottman Method and CBT)
I work with individuals and couples. I have found that the most content humans are the ones who have created enough internal space to allow all the parts of themselves to coexist despite the contradictions. Have you ever stopped to wonder about all the parts of you? Why am I excited and terrified at the same time? Why am I trying to please other people but harsh on myself? "Parts Work" is a creative exploration; being a compassionate witness to your own pain. Let's bring some self awareness to your patterns in order to choose how you want to show up for yourselves and others. (With Couples I also use Gottman Method and CBT)
(206) 809-7609 View (206) 809-7609
Photo of Claire Fink, Pre-Licensed Professional
Claire Fink
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Online Only
Relationships and sexual dynamics can be difficult and it is ok to ask for help. So why come to me? I specialize in relational and sex therapy, working with individuals, couples, and non-monogamous relational structures. I have lived experience with polyamory and therefore have a deep understanding of the complex nature of these relationships.
Relationships and sexual dynamics can be difficult and it is ok to ask for help. So why come to me? I specialize in relational and sex therapy, working with individuals, couples, and non-monogamous relational structures. I have lived experience with polyamory and therefore have a deep understanding of the complex nature of these relationships.
(425) 428-6151 View (425) 428-6151
Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.