Stress Therapists in Des Moines, WA

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.

In person/Virtual evening Couples/Individual Appointments Available Now. Life's pressures are feeling heavy, it feels like your relationship is cracking under all the pressures. You both have been holding it on your own for so long. The pressure is your romantic relationship, maybe infidelity, communication or your sex life. Or it is work/school stress impacted by anxiety, low self esteem or performance pressures that are affecting your relationship(s). It is a combination of many things that have left you feeling it is time to seek help, to no longer hold this burden alone.

I have over 35 years of service in individual, couples and group counseling. I am a compassionate friend, open to healing your heart and opening your mind by deepening spirit and celebrating the Real You. I have worked in community mental health centers, schools and private practice facilitating domestic violence offender programs, recovery programs, anger management programs, protective non-risk parenting groups, providing spiritual, emotional, cognitive and behavioral counseling to individuals. I love working with individuals around issues of trauma, relationships, and emotional regulation.

I view successful therapy as an experience where your strengths and values are supported while you navigate toward your chosen life direction. Do you feel it would be of value to better tune into your needs? Are you striving for a more fulfilling life and recognize that you are ready for a change? I believe that our spirit knows how to heal and I will partner with you as you align your life with your aspirations and pursue your goals.

Accepting new couples. Waitlist available for individual therapy. Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, lonely or not good enough? Whether you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, parenting stress, relationship issues or body image, you can feel better. The more we realize our power and our right to set boundaries, value ourselves and choose the path of our life, the more happiness we cultivate.

Currently Accepting New Clients. Email is the best way to contact me regarding scheduling or questions. My priority as a therapist is to create a warm, non-judgmental environment for clients to process their emotions, relationships, and experiences. My hope is to create a safe space for you to explore and identify your needs for the therapeutic relationship so that we can create the most effective experience for you. I recognize that each client is unique and therefore approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model to personalize treatment based on each individual’s needs and goals.

We have therapists available now. The difficulties of daily life, relationship concerns, experiences with depression, anxiety, anger, ocd or grief have you searching the internet for a therapist you can afford, that takes insurance, that has in person and virtual options. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team have morning and evening appointments available virtually, in our Des Moines and Bellingham office. With a free no commitment 15 minute call, you get to decide if you have found a match for your needs. This is what you have been looking for in your search for your therapist.

Are you tired of diet culture ruling your food choices and body image? I collaborate with clients on rebuilding safe relationships with their bodies. I am a weight-neutral, Health At Every Size (HAES), and Intuitive Eating provider that specializes in Binge Eating Disorder and Orthorexia. I also enjoy supporting women with anxiety and chronic health conditions. As a holistic therapist grounded in feminist and systems theories, I identify and treat underlying concerns rather than masking symptoms. I aim to create a courageous space for you to explore and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit.

The world we live in is fast paced and in a state of constant change that can add complexities and challenges to our lives, our relationships, our internal thoughts and our emotional states that we can’t anticipate and may not be ready for. When things become complex it can be helpful to have a therapist to support your growth into the person you want to be in an empathetic and judgment-free environment. Just like every person, your story and life circumstances are unique, they brought you to the exact place you are at today.

Do you feel stuck? Have you noticed that past traumatic experiences are impacting the way you show up in the world and navigate relationships? Maybe you have noticed an increase in anxiety or depression and are starting to feel disconnected from your emotions and feelings and are noticing how these are all impacting your day to day life. Taking the first steps to attend to your whole self and explore your mental health needs and goals can be daunting. With support, empathy, and understanding it is easier to navigate challenging periods in our lives together instead of doing it alone.

Making the choice to find someone to speak to is a courageous step. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of who you are, or heal from life's challenges, I help individuals and couples develop awareness and compassion for themselves and others. In individual therapy, I help clients address issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal growth, employing a compassionate and individualized approach. In couples therapy, I use attachment theory and narrative therapy to rebuild trust and understanding, fostering healthier relationships.

Negative self talk has become part of your routine. You feel overwhelmed and when life is unexpected or conflict arises, your mind spirals. You are flooded with emotion, experiencing anger and anxiety and you are ready to stop holding things in and open up in a safe space to be heard. You are struggling to start this journey, yet you are wanting to take that first step. I have created a space for you.

Everyone goes through difficult times and needs a little additional support sometimes. I am interested in assisting you in finding ways to meet your personal goals. This is a collaborative, confidential process that can involve learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, increasing motivation for change, working through past trauma or feelings of grief, starting recovery for an addiction, or any of numerous other therapeutic goals. I have been working as a mental health therapist since 2000, and I find it very rewarding to be able to help others enrich their lives.

Life, whether at home or school, is challenging your inner thoughts and emotions. In the in-between times, you may become hopeless or overwhelmed, feeling disconnected from yourself or the world around you. Your sense of self becomes dysregulated and you are off balance. You have low energy, diminished self-confidence, feeling isolated from family and friends. The future, and the positive parts of your life, are hard to see. You know something doesnt feel right and you want to feel better, want to express yourself and get onto the path of healing.

You wake up one day realizing you can no longer go on like this. You're ready to find help navigating difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and conflicted relationships. You might be experiencing disconnection from yourself or others, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, or processing grief. I’m here to support you as we work through the things that seem to be getting in the way. I believe that nothing is wrong with you. Your emotions are messengers, seeking your attention and pointing the way towards your growth and healing. My style is warm and direct, working with you towards clarity, depth, and expansion of the self.

It's become a struggle to express your needs to the people you love. Some days, it feels like you are repeating the same conversation or argument over and over again. You feel stuck and vulnerable. I understand what you are going through. Relationships can be challenging, with twists and turns that create anxiety, confusion, and discouragement. This may not be what you expected and it can be difficult to remember what it’s like to feel excited and satisfied. I want to help you find the way back to a more fulfilling and healthier relationship. There is a way forward.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist my approach is systemic and strength-based. I believe in human connection as the most important factor to our own happiness and the health of families and communities. In my work with clients we strive to identify the unique strengths and abilities that will help them cope with life's challenges and build stronger relationships.

Are you looking for a Therapist who understands the strengths and complexities of individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds? Not happy with where you are in life? Are you dealing with life transitions such as parenthood, divorce, a career change, death of a loved one, diagnosed with cancer, or caring for aging parents/ill family member/special needs child? Feeling depressed or anxious about challenges in balancing work, family and your personal needs? Then contact me to discuss how I can assist.

I believe in tailoring the therapy to meet each client's individual. I primarily use psychodynamic therapy which helps the client gain self-insight but also use a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive and behavioral methods. Being able to stand back from one's self and gain perspective about one's personality, choices and actions are important in helping an individual work through issues. I help the client explore what issues from the past or present may be contributing to depression or anxiety.