Attachment-based Therapists in Gig Harbor, WA

I am a partner in Summit Health Management, a group founded by an eclectic partnership of four established, experienced providers with the vision of offering a variety of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, and families in our community. Our group’s mission is to provide the region with experienced, compassionate, professional, and proficient mental and behavioral health care. We offer a therapy and psychiatric care for all ages, presentations, relationships and disorders, including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as substance abuse recovery for all ages.

If you’re frequently anxious or overwhelmed, if there are difficult events from your life continuing to invade your life in memories or nightmares, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, if you’re feeling depressed, irritable, stuck, or alone, I can help. You may have tried everything you can think of to start feeling better and nothing seems to fully address your struggles. I’m so glad you’re here. There is hope. If you don’t believe that yet, that’s ok, I am holding it for you until you can.

My goal as your therapist is to provide a welcoming space where you feel safe as I begin the process of earning your trust. Together we will collaborate in creating an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your mental health goals. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and have the training and tools to help you process and heal in a safe environment. Your pain is welcome here. I also work with individuals who are suffering from depression and anxiety.

I am passionate about working with individuals and couples. Navigating live's challenges can be really intimidating amidst the stressors of life, especially when they all start piling up and ways you used to cope before stop working. Before giving up, try seeking help from a qualified professional and learn new ways of understanding and interacting with your environment. By identifying and working through barriers, new patterns can be learned, and healing experiences can be found. Resources can be gained and emotional resilience can be improved. You can find the harmony you desire within your life, and it starts here.

I believe the purpose of therapy is to support people in gaining personal insight, understanding of others perspectives, and integrating this information while planning new and improved responses and courses of action. As we are able to discover and express our hidden emotions and create new relational responses we then have the potential to change a distressed and rigid relationship into a more secure, safe and satisfying one. My commitment is to devote my full attention to you during our time together and to work with you as supportively, competently, responsibly, and professionally as I am able.

You are welcome here. Alder Wellness & Counseling, PLLC is named for the alder tree, a tree native to the Pacific Northwest known for its strength and balance, bridging and grounding. Often, our sense of well-being relies on finding balance in our lives. Emotional health is closely linked with physical and spiritual health. Sometimes, our well-being is thrown out of balance because of traumatic events, whether recent or from long ago. My goal is to help you find balance in your life in an individualized and holistic way.

What’s your story? Is it a tragic tale of grief and loss? Or is your story a fast paced, anxiety ridden adventure repeatedly landing you in a pit of despair? I understand how difficult it can be to get control of the story of your life.

Are you a new parent? Struggling with the transition? Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Feeling down or like your expectations don't match what is right in front of you? Have you struggled with infertility? Planning to begin a family hasn't looked like you imagined and it is creating strain on your relationship and your emotions are BIG? Have you had a miscarriage or stillbirth and no one knows how to talk with you about it? Or really hears you when you say you're hurting and scared to try again? Then you have come to the right place. Find support, compassion and healing. Find yourself again and the encouragement to look to the future

I am currently offering both Telehealth and in-person sessions. I work specifically with clients who have a desire to learn more about themselves, and to increase their experience of vulnerability. While employing a holistic mind, body and spirit perspective, my approach validates each client as having the answers and abilities within themselves to become the best person they can be.

Have you been impacted by problematic relationships, infidelity, or sex addiction? You might feel lost, betrayed, and alone. Do you ask yourself, "How do I keep ending up in these relationships?". Are you afraid to be alone even when your partner is clearly unhealthy? Core beliefs are the foundation of our being but when they cause us pain, embarrassment, and shame we can become depressed, anxious, fake, and withdrawn. Do you compare yourself to others (I call this Comparanoia)? Do you tell yourself “I am stupid”, “I am worthless”, or “I am not good enough”? If so, then your core beliefs may be contributing to your pain today.

I’m here to help you heal anxiety, create healthier relationships and deepen your self-understanding.

Life can be very confusing at times for all of us. I welcome you to take the time for yourself to gain perspective on life's struggles. There can be great benefits in the process! I treat depression/anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Eating Disorders, and marital issues. My office is warm and cozy as we journey together thru the healing process. I use a narrative, solution-focused, CBT modality, Lifespan Integration for clearing trauma, along with a bit of humor over life's bumps. You are welcome to join me for your heart, soul, and body health!

Deanna brings 20 years of therapy experience to her work with young people and adults. She specializes in working with those dealing with the effects of trauma, PTSD, attachment issues, anxiety, depression, perinatal challenges, and relationship difficulties. Now more than ever, our children need emotional support and effective interventions to help them successfully navigate today. She is well seasoned in partnering with struggling parents and helping them get unstuck from frustrating patterns. She offers Emotion Coaching that teaches families to co-regulate, manage big emotions and build stronger bonds.