Therapists in Kennewick, WA

We all go through difficult times in our lives and at times we are able to overcome the challenges on our own, other times it is helpful to seek support through therapy to help acquire new skills to help us live the life we hope for ourselves. As your therapist, I’m committed to support you and walk with you through this journey to accomplish your goals.

I received both my BS in Nutrition and my MA in Counseling from Bastyr University. My passion is in preventing and treating eating disorders. I have specializing in treating eating disorders for over 10 years. I spent two years working for a residential treatment center and then two years designing and running a partial hospitalization program for eating disorders in Seattle. I have worked with a wide variety of eating disorders as well as helping clients with disordered eating; i.e. chronic history of yo-yo dieting, weight management, emotional overeating, sugar addiction, dissatisfaction with body image, trauma, and more.

We all experience distressing emotions and are faced with challenging times in our lives. Sometimes additional support is needed because these experiences can be overwhelming and too much to handle on our own. Sharing your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences can feel uncomfortable. This is why it is so important to me to provide a safe and caring environment for clients to feel understood and respected. It is my primary goal to build trust and provide support to my clients.

Mental health issues can interfere with relationships and disrupt life at home, work and school. I want to help you cope and move towards achievement of your goals. My approach is client centered using cognitive behavioral techniques. Since 2001, I have been working in mental health with clients in various settings and life stages.

Authentic living can be difficult. Life's paths often do not warn of the hardships that lay ahead. Building a trusting relationship with you and creating an environment that you can explore your hardships is paramount to me. Whether you are an individual or a couple, I strive to bring to light the problematic behaviors and thought patterns that interfere in your life, in order to help you make choices that promote a more congruent and authentic living experience. Theoretically, I am psychodynamically driven with strong ties to cognitive therapies but use a variety of techniques to meet your needs.

We are all the experts of our own lives and we innately have what we need to heal. Due to life circumstances on a personal, community, and generational level, sometimes this process can get "stuck". My job as your therapist is to serve as a guide to help you identify where this process is being interrupted and collaborate together to remove the barriers preventing natural healing from continuing.

I take a Solution Focused approach to guide clients to find solutions on life or personal issues they are struggling with. I work with the client at a pace they are comfortable with to resolve past, present, or future issues of concern. I utilize a variety of theoretical tools that best fit the client’s needs in session. I serve children, adolescents, adults, and elder populations.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Associate Therapist supporting children, adolescents and adults navigating the impact of trauma and life challenges. I focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, free of judgement and criticism. I believe in the resiliency of people and that every individual is unique in their own experiences. Through curiosity and acceptance, I help my clients gain empowerment and more appreciation for their emotions and assist them in finding their voice by recognizing their strengths and identifying opportunities for growth.

Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. Studies show that successful treatment is dependent upon a strong therapeutic relationship. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive environment that aids in the development of this relationship. We work with couples and individuals of all ages, focusing on improving interpersonal relationships, increasing self awareness, and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors.

My goal for my practice in the Tri-Cities is to bring quality, affordable, and professional care to the area where I grew up. I have worked in a variety of different areas in the country, within a variety of settings with a wide range of clientele, however my primary goal has always been to establish a private practice to assist in the mental health needs of the community. I have experience in several modes of treatment, and specialize in working collaboratively with clients on wide variety of mental health issues.

*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* I believe that the understanding of one’s past can help you face the challenges of the present which will lay the groundwork for achieving a healthier future. Every person is a unique individual, who has been shaped by different experiences, and is in possession of special abilities that can help them address their personal issues. Aligning those abilities with proven strategies to help you reach your goals, is just one of the several methods I use to help my clients.

Dr. Cole provides fair and transparent psychological evaluations, neuropsychological assessments and parenting evaluations for use in a wide variety of settings; legal, educational, and governmental agencies.

As a solution-focused therapist, we can work together to better understand challenges in life. By applying complementary evidence-based therapy approaches and techniques, we will discover behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding one back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or just ready to move in a new direction; I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.