Christian Therapists in Des Moines, WA
Do you feel stuck? Through living our lives, we develop mechanisms to navigate specific contexts, but sometimes, those methods no longer work or we grow tired of them. Some signs of being stuck manifest as complicated relationships, a lack of creativity, loss of agency, inability to rest, hesitancy to play, feelings of overwhelm or a lack of interest in life. Together, we can empower your story and regain movement by having an empathetic witness journey with you, navigate your particular context, the relationships/systems around you, your unique brain and perception of self.
Do you feel stuck? Through living our lives, we develop mechanisms to navigate specific contexts, but sometimes, those methods no longer work or we grow tired of them. Some signs of being stuck manifest as complicated relationships, a lack of creativity, loss of agency, inability to rest, hesitancy to play, feelings of overwhelm or a lack of interest in life. Together, we can empower your story and regain movement by having an empathetic witness journey with you, navigate your particular context, the relationships/systems around you, your unique brain and perception of self.
You wake up one day realizing something isn't working. You might be experiencing anxiety, persistent disconnection, ongoing low-grade depression or grief. You might be struggling with relationship issues. Or perhaps deep in your bones you're longing to feel more alive. I'm here to support you navigate difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and conflicted relationships. I believe your emotions and internal experiences are messengers, seeking your attention and pointing the way towards growth, healing, and connection. My style is warm and direct, working with you towards clarity, depth, and expansion of the self.
You wake up one day realizing something isn't working. You might be experiencing anxiety, persistent disconnection, ongoing low-grade depression or grief. You might be struggling with relationship issues. Or perhaps deep in your bones you're longing to feel more alive. I'm here to support you navigate difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and conflicted relationships. I believe your emotions and internal experiences are messengers, seeking your attention and pointing the way towards growth, healing, and connection. My style is warm and direct, working with you towards clarity, depth, and expansion of the self.
Many of my clients need help with anxiety, pain, bad habits, relationships, sexuality, fears, and phobias. Issues my clients have and specific treatment areas (see my web site) range from tooth grinding, reducing chronic pain, improving performance in sports, stopping smoking, weight loss, anxiety about medical or dental procedures, sex issues, sleep problems, spiritual conflicts, setting goals and addressing mental "blocks," resolving past issues in life, to improving relationships. I help people learn to relax and how to have personal "tools" to "dial down" stress, pain, and anxiety to become healthy, happy, and centered.
Many of my clients need help with anxiety, pain, bad habits, relationships, sexuality, fears, and phobias. Issues my clients have and specific treatment areas (see my web site) range from tooth grinding, reducing chronic pain, improving performance in sports, stopping smoking, weight loss, anxiety about medical or dental procedures, sex issues, sleep problems, spiritual conflicts, setting goals and addressing mental "blocks," resolving past issues in life, to improving relationships. I help people learn to relax and how to have personal "tools" to "dial down" stress, pain, and anxiety to become healthy, happy, and centered.
Robert L Manaway Sr
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate , MC, PhD, LMHCA
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that individuals possess the power to change, and it is my role to help you become aware of how to understand and utilize that power. This philosophy of empowerment recognizes the individual as the driving force behind change. Furthermore, this approach leads to effective long-term results when individuals discover how to harness their own inner strengths and gifts, rather than relying on others for solutions to life’s challenges. I believe empowerment is a lifelong gift, and I look forward to helping clients achieve their goals.
I believe that individuals possess the power to change, and it is my role to help you become aware of how to understand and utilize that power. This philosophy of empowerment recognizes the individual as the driving force behind change. Furthermore, this approach leads to effective long-term results when individuals discover how to harness their own inner strengths and gifts, rather than relying on others for solutions to life’s challenges. I believe empowerment is a lifelong gift, and I look forward to helping clients achieve their goals.
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If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve been carrying more than you say out loud. Maybe stress, grief, responsibility, or the quiet weight of caring for someone you love has been building for a while, and you feel stretched thin and tired of holding everything together. But you want space to breathe, to think clearly, and to feel like yourself again and you’re ready for honesty, direction, and real support.
If that’s where you are, this is the place to start. Steady, clear, and focused on helping you find your footing again.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve been carrying more than you say out loud. Maybe stress, grief, responsibility, or the quiet weight of caring for someone you love has been building for a while, and you feel stretched thin and tired of holding everything together. But you want space to breathe, to think clearly, and to feel like yourself again and you’re ready for honesty, direction, and real support.
If that’s where you are, this is the place to start. Steady, clear, and focused on helping you find your footing again.
Laura Anne Bowlin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LMFTA
8 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040
We all experience moments when we feel down, confused, or lost. We begin to question how we ended up here—unsure if we even recognize ourselves or our relationships. We may doubt whether we have the tools to find our way out. Strategies that once worked seem to fall short, leaving us back where we started or feeling even more alone. It makes sense that you're ready for change and seeking a compassionate guide to help. Therapy offers safe space to rediscover clarity, curiosity, confidence, and compassion for yourself and others. Together, we can begin where you are, and step by step, move toward the growth you’re seeking.
We all experience moments when we feel down, confused, or lost. We begin to question how we ended up here—unsure if we even recognize ourselves or our relationships. We may doubt whether we have the tools to find our way out. Strategies that once worked seem to fall short, leaving us back where we started or feeling even more alone. It makes sense that you're ready for change and seeking a compassionate guide to help. Therapy offers safe space to rediscover clarity, curiosity, confidence, and compassion for yourself and others. Together, we can begin where you are, and step by step, move toward the growth you’re seeking.
Our lives can become burdened with fear, hurt, anxiety, shame, and despair—but there is hope. Counseling provides space for you to gently explore what is burdening you and work towards living the life you intend. My approach to counseling is integrative, drawing primarily from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Counseling. I work with OCD and anxiety disorders and am trained in providing Exposure and Response Prevention therapy. I have also received training in SPACE, a parent coaching treatment for children with anxiety disorders.
Our lives can become burdened with fear, hurt, anxiety, shame, and despair—but there is hope. Counseling provides space for you to gently explore what is burdening you and work towards living the life you intend. My approach to counseling is integrative, drawing primarily from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Counseling. I work with OCD and anxiety disorders and am trained in providing Exposure and Response Prevention therapy. I have also received training in SPACE, a parent coaching treatment for children with anxiety disorders.
Looking for a therapist that you feel comfortable with and confident in can feel overwhelming, so I'll keep it short! I specialize in helping people break free from the cycle of overeating, empower their food choices, and learn to love their bodies! I have specialize in helping clients who struggle with binge eating, chronic dieting, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, & orthorexia. In addition to helping clients with eating disorders, I help clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, anxious attachment & relationship issues, boundary setting, life transitions, divorce, trauma, parenting struggles, & postpartum depression.
Looking for a therapist that you feel comfortable with and confident in can feel overwhelming, so I'll keep it short! I specialize in helping people break free from the cycle of overeating, empower their food choices, and learn to love their bodies! I have specialize in helping clients who struggle with binge eating, chronic dieting, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, & orthorexia. In addition to helping clients with eating disorders, I help clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, anxious attachment & relationship issues, boundary setting, life transitions, divorce, trauma, parenting struggles, & postpartum depression.
Are you experiencing anxiety? Have you or your child gone through a traumatic event or experienced a major loss? Are you having trouble maintaining a healthy relationship? Do you struggle from low self-esteem and/or low self-confidence? I practice client centered strengths based approaches that teach the client skills to successfully become their own therapist for the times they face barriers in their life.
Are you experiencing anxiety? Have you or your child gone through a traumatic event or experienced a major loss? Are you having trouble maintaining a healthy relationship? Do you struggle from low self-esteem and/or low self-confidence? I practice client centered strengths based approaches that teach the client skills to successfully become their own therapist for the times they face barriers in their life.
I also specialize in Christian Counseling with a strong biblical, spirit lead approach for those who are looking for a faith based approach.
Are you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Sometimes life brings us to a place where we need to reach out and find help. If this is you, I would love to partner with you and help you find the solution that best fits your needs. Healing starts with connection and finding the space for yourself to discover what is happening within yourself. Counseling is most effective when there is a connection with your therapist while discovering the triggers, patterns, and thoughts that often interrupt your quality of life.
I also specialize in Christian Counseling with a strong biblical, spirit lead approach for those who are looking for a faith based approach.
Are you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Sometimes life brings us to a place where we need to reach out and find help. If this is you, I would love to partner with you and help you find the solution that best fits your needs. Healing starts with connection and finding the space for yourself to discover what is happening within yourself. Counseling is most effective when there is a connection with your therapist while discovering the triggers, patterns, and thoughts that often interrupt your quality of life.
Living with anxiety or OCD is miserable! I have worked with anxiety and OCD for almost a decade and enjoy helping kids, teens and adults break free from the limitations and distress that anxiety creates in daily life. Often I see clients who are discouraged that talk therapy or other treatments have not been helpful. Research consistently demonstrates the importance of evidence-based treatment for moderate to severe anxiety and OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is essential for successful treatment.
Living with anxiety or OCD is miserable! I have worked with anxiety and OCD for almost a decade and enjoy helping kids, teens and adults break free from the limitations and distress that anxiety creates in daily life. Often I see clients who are discouraged that talk therapy or other treatments have not been helpful. Research consistently demonstrates the importance of evidence-based treatment for moderate to severe anxiety and OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is essential for successful treatment.
Of primary importance to me is that I truly hear you, letting you know that you are understood and that our time together is a safe, nurturing place in which to heal. This helps us develop a plan together in which we can work to revise unhealthy, repetitive thought patterns and develop new ways of thinking, using healthy communication tools and skills to provide that full life we wish for. I combine talk therapy with specialized therapies targeted to your specific needs and areas in which you wish to grow. Therapy is geared toward your needs, not the therapist's direction.
Of primary importance to me is that I truly hear you, letting you know that you are understood and that our time together is a safe, nurturing place in which to heal. This helps us develop a plan together in which we can work to revise unhealthy, repetitive thought patterns and develop new ways of thinking, using healthy communication tools and skills to provide that full life we wish for. I combine talk therapy with specialized therapies targeted to your specific needs and areas in which you wish to grow. Therapy is geared toward your needs, not the therapist's direction.
Seeking a counselor can definitely be stressful. Not only does it mean asking for help, it also involves intentionally confronting your personal demons, whether in your environment, your family and friends or even within yourself. I want you to know that you are not alone in that fight. In therapy, we can work through emotional pains, discover key insights and gain skills for navigating life and relationships. It's all up to you. I don't have a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I individualize therapy for each of my clients.
Seeking a counselor can definitely be stressful. Not only does it mean asking for help, it also involves intentionally confronting your personal demons, whether in your environment, your family and friends or even within yourself. I want you to know that you are not alone in that fight. In therapy, we can work through emotional pains, discover key insights and gain skills for navigating life and relationships. It's all up to you. I don't have a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I individualize therapy for each of my clients.
Looking for an alternative to “sit and stare” or wanting more than just validation? If you have battling anxiety, perfectionism, or the crippling desire to please everyone, you’re in the right place. Maybe you've been dealing with intergenerational trauma, academic pressures, or identity struggles and the burden feels unbearable. You don’t have to keep muscling through it alone.
Looking for an alternative to “sit and stare” or wanting more than just validation? If you have battling anxiety, perfectionism, or the crippling desire to please everyone, you’re in the right place. Maybe you've been dealing with intergenerational trauma, academic pressures, or identity struggles and the burden feels unbearable. You don’t have to keep muscling through it alone.
Life can toss us around, leaving us feeling confused, hurt, overwhelmed and not knowing how to pick up the pieces. I help people recover from these hurts so they don't leave you feeling broken forever.
Sometimes this happens after a breakup you didn't see coming, or when you realize the relationship you're in isn't healthy, when you're just tired of being lonely, or when the baby arrived and you're not feeling like yourself, or if you are in a relationship but you've noticed a disconnection and that despite your best efforts you haven' been able to understand teach other.
If this is you, reach out. I'd be honored to walk with you.
Life can toss us around, leaving us feeling confused, hurt, overwhelmed and not knowing how to pick up the pieces. I help people recover from these hurts so they don't leave you feeling broken forever.
Sometimes this happens after a breakup you didn't see coming, or when you realize the relationship you're in isn't healthy, when you're just tired of being lonely, or when the baby arrived and you're not feeling like yourself, or if you are in a relationship but you've noticed a disconnection and that despite your best efforts you haven' been able to understand teach other.
If this is you, reach out. I'd be honored to walk with you.
Sandra Golling, LovedAlive Christian Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Lakewood, WA 98499
As a Christian counselor, I will assist you to connect with God as the Source of Life who enables you to love others well.
Hello, my name is Sandra Golling, owner of LovedAlive Counseling. We all face challenges as we seek to grow and thrive in our life and relationships. When people are experiencing conflict, wounds, losses, or find themselves stuck in a particular life transition, therapy helps navigate these challenges. Wounds and losses in life often lead to relational difficulties and low self-esteem. Therapy can assist in the grieving process leading to resolution and peace. New ways of relating can be identified and practiced leading to healthier and more satisfying relationships.
As a Christian counselor, I will assist you to connect with God as the Source of Life who enables you to love others well.
Hello, my name is Sandra Golling, owner of LovedAlive Counseling. We all face challenges as we seek to grow and thrive in our life and relationships. When people are experiencing conflict, wounds, losses, or find themselves stuck in a particular life transition, therapy helps navigate these challenges. Wounds and losses in life often lead to relational difficulties and low self-esteem. Therapy can assist in the grieving process leading to resolution and peace. New ways of relating can be identified and practiced leading to healthier and more satisfying relationships.
You’ve done the work to understand your past, yet still feel "stuck" in your mind. I specialize in working with millennials and adults who are familiar with therapy but are ready for more than insight and cognitive "knowing." You might feel like a "talking head" intellectually aware of your patterns, yet unable to shift the underlying anxiety, numbness, or disconnection. I work with those navigating trauma and childhood neglect who realize that insight alone hasn't led to a deeper sense of safety. These patterns aren't failures of will; they are old protections that no longer fit. My approach is informed by neurobiological research
You’ve done the work to understand your past, yet still feel "stuck" in your mind. I specialize in working with millennials and adults who are familiar with therapy but are ready for more than insight and cognitive "knowing." You might feel like a "talking head" intellectually aware of your patterns, yet unable to shift the underlying anxiety, numbness, or disconnection. I work with those navigating trauma and childhood neglect who realize that insight alone hasn't led to a deeper sense of safety. These patterns aren't failures of will; they are old protections that no longer fit. My approach is informed by neurobiological research
Hi, I’m Katie. I help people navigate various seasons of life, whether that is an eating disorder, stage of life changes (new baby, job, home), or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life. My approach is grounded in meeting you exactly where you are and walking alongside you as we work toward healing.
I believe in your ability to grow and change, even when things feel stuck. Through individual therapy, I offer a space where you can reconnect with yourself, build stronger relationships, and begin to experience more peace in your everyday life.
Hi, I’m Katie. I help people navigate various seasons of life, whether that is an eating disorder, stage of life changes (new baby, job, home), or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life. My approach is grounded in meeting you exactly where you are and walking alongside you as we work toward healing.
I believe in your ability to grow and change, even when things feel stuck. Through individual therapy, I offer a space where you can reconnect with yourself, build stronger relationships, and begin to experience more peace in your everyday life.
I specialize in the treatment of adolescents but also treat children, young adults, and their families. I am experienced with a variety of struggles that children, adolescents and young adults encounter including Depression, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, Behavioral issues, Anger management, Parenting, Communication/Conflict resolution, Family relationship issues, Social skills, Self Esteem and Self harming behaviors. I have found that counseling is such a unique experience for each person. It can be the one place where you find the support, encouragement, insight and empowerment to make the changes needed to begin living the kind of life you truly desire.
I specialize in the treatment of adolescents but also treat children, young adults, and their families. I am experienced with a variety of struggles that children, adolescents and young adults encounter including Depression, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, Behavioral issues, Anger management, Parenting, Communication/Conflict resolution, Family relationship issues, Social skills, Self Esteem and Self harming behaviors. I have found that counseling is such a unique experience for each person. It can be the one place where you find the support, encouragement, insight and empowerment to make the changes needed to begin living the kind of life you truly desire.
I counsel people who strive to excel and do good in the world. They often start therapy during transitions, needing to recalibrate old ways of thinking and acting to feel and function better. Some work in stressful careers and struggle with mood, motivation, attention, and work-life balance. Some experience social anxiety, isolation, relationship issues, or depression. Some suffer with intrusive thoughts, avoidance, “stuck” thoughts, and distress associated with trauma. Some express systemic, existential, and spiritual concerns for the world. Some are young-adult or middle-aged men striving to adapt and grow through life’s stages.
I counsel people who strive to excel and do good in the world. They often start therapy during transitions, needing to recalibrate old ways of thinking and acting to feel and function better. Some work in stressful careers and struggle with mood, motivation, attention, and work-life balance. Some experience social anxiety, isolation, relationship issues, or depression. Some suffer with intrusive thoughts, avoidance, “stuck” thoughts, and distress associated with trauma. Some express systemic, existential, and spiritual concerns for the world. Some are young-adult or middle-aged men striving to adapt and grow through life’s stages.
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Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same belief system or background to be able to work effectively together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience in tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of culture, religion, and other factors on each individual.
Why is it important to find a therapist sensitive to Christian values?
Each person brings a unique history and background to therapy, making it important to find a licensed therapist who is trained in a broad range of treatment modalities. In addition, for people who grow up in a faith tradition that strongly influences the way they conduct their everyday life, finding a therapist who understands or shares that background can ease the disclosure of sensitive information and facilitate the therapeutic process. For some clients, a Christian therapist is likely to incorporate faith-based principles into emotional healing techniques.
How do I recognize an effective Christian therapist?
Christian therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s or doctoral degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy—who are also familiar with Christian beliefs and values. They have an understanding of the importance that Christian principles play in the lives of individuals and families, which allows them to be especially sensitive to the kinds of struggles that can affect daily functioning. Like all effective therapists, a Christian therapist will have undergone training and certification in a variety of treatment modalities that help people through crises and enable them to master the challenges of life.
Why might someone feel comfortable with a Christian therapist?
While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has long established that a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns but also shares a client’s faith and values. Sensitivity to spiritual matters as well as to everyday struggles can provide a welcome sense of safety and contribute to the bond between client and therapist, both of which support the therapeutic process.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation.