Grief Therapists in Mercer Island, WA
Are you feeling like now is the time to make a change for the better? Have you been overwhelmed with worries, regrets or stress? Maybe your feeling stuck and unmotivated. Are you tempted to lose hope that things can be better? If you've been trying to escape with various addictions and distractions that provide a temporary solution only to leave you feeling worse than ever, know that you can get your life back!
Are you feeling like now is the time to make a change for the better? Have you been overwhelmed with worries, regrets or stress? Maybe your feeling stuck and unmotivated. Are you tempted to lose hope that things can be better? If you've been trying to escape with various addictions and distractions that provide a temporary solution only to leave you feeling worse than ever, know that you can get your life back!
I specialize in mood disorders, life transitions, chronic illness, grief, and caregiver burnout.
Feeling like life is just too much right now? Maybe you're a caregiver who’s completely worn out, or someone dealing with health challenges that make everything feel like a struggle. It’s okay to need support, and you don’t have to face it all alone. As a licensed psychologist, I’m here to offer a compassionate, down-to-earth space where we can talk openly and process what's weighing on your mind.
I specialize in mood disorders, life transitions, chronic illness, grief, and caregiver burnout.
Feeling like life is just too much right now? Maybe you're a caregiver who’s completely worn out, or someone dealing with health challenges that make everything feel like a struggle. It’s okay to need support, and you don’t have to face it all alone. As a licensed psychologist, I’m here to offer a compassionate, down-to-earth space where we can talk openly and process what's weighing on your mind.
Hi! I use a very honest, warm and strength based approach with my clients. I invite my clients to build on both internal and external strengths. I also encourage open and honest conversations, to support my clients while tapping into those feelings both in the past and now. My approach is collaborative, and my goal is to play a part in helping you improve all aspects of your life whether in relationships or difficult circumstances.
Hi! I use a very honest, warm and strength based approach with my clients. I invite my clients to build on both internal and external strengths. I also encourage open and honest conversations, to support my clients while tapping into those feelings both in the past and now. My approach is collaborative, and my goal is to play a part in helping you improve all aspects of your life whether in relationships or difficult circumstances.
I successfully treat a wide range of challenges including grief and loss, trauma and traumatic loss, life and identity transitions, depression, anxiety, personal growth, spiritual discovery, and relationship difficulties.
I am a guide on your journey to reclaim wholeness. Focusing on healing and growth, I assist you in making positive, long-lasting changes in the areas of your life in which you desire to come alive. Together, we will discover healing and possibility, developing effective means of integrating the mind, body, and soul for heart-centered living in the world and in relationships. I practice EFT for couples, an effective modality to strengthen your relationship bond, recognize the cycles that cause distress, and learn to effectively navigate conflict, and improve both communication and intimacy.
I successfully treat a wide range of challenges including grief and loss, trauma and traumatic loss, life and identity transitions, depression, anxiety, personal growth, spiritual discovery, and relationship difficulties.
I am a guide on your journey to reclaim wholeness. Focusing on healing and growth, I assist you in making positive, long-lasting changes in the areas of your life in which you desire to come alive. Together, we will discover healing and possibility, developing effective means of integrating the mind, body, and soul for heart-centered living in the world and in relationships. I practice EFT for couples, an effective modality to strengthen your relationship bond, recognize the cycles that cause distress, and learn to effectively navigate conflict, and improve both communication and intimacy.
I feel passionate about working with people and helping them find their own strengths and building self-esteem. I have extensive experience working with children, teens, adults, and parents. Using sensitivity and compassion, I can help you bring resolution to a wide range of life challenges/psychological issues. I approach my work from an interactive, relationally focused standpoint, finding the most effective way to build a relationship with you and build rapport.
I feel passionate about working with people and helping them find their own strengths and building self-esteem. I have extensive experience working with children, teens, adults, and parents. Using sensitivity and compassion, I can help you bring resolution to a wide range of life challenges/psychological issues. I approach my work from an interactive, relationally focused standpoint, finding the most effective way to build a relationship with you and build rapport.
My areas of specialties with senior's include Alzheimer's support, therapy concerning grief and loss, life transitions and depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with people in transition, individuals, couples and young adults. As a Generalist with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tailor my approach to each individual I work with. I want to fully understand your story; however, I recognize it is important for you to feel comfortable. My first job is to help you become comfortable enough to begin sharing your story. Without a therapeutic partnership, it is difficult to make progress and build the trust necessary for growth and change.
My areas of specialties with senior's include Alzheimer's support, therapy concerning grief and loss, life transitions and depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with people in transition, individuals, couples and young adults. As a Generalist with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I tailor my approach to each individual I work with. I want to fully understand your story; however, I recognize it is important for you to feel comfortable. My first job is to help you become comfortable enough to begin sharing your story. Without a therapeutic partnership, it is difficult to make progress and build the trust necessary for growth and change.
Has life been really hard on you lately? Have you been here multiple times looking up counselors trying to decide if now’s the time to finally reach out for help? Has things become so overwhelming that life just seems like too much to handle anymore? If you say, “how the hell did I get here?” multiple times a day, you’re in the right place. “I think I need help” is the scariest sentence to say, but when you do, I promise it’s the most freeing feeling imaginable. You feel this way now, but you don’t have to stay in pain forever. Asking for help is the first step in healing. Take that first step now.
Has life been really hard on you lately? Have you been here multiple times looking up counselors trying to decide if now’s the time to finally reach out for help? Has things become so overwhelming that life just seems like too much to handle anymore? If you say, “how the hell did I get here?” multiple times a day, you’re in the right place. “I think I need help” is the scariest sentence to say, but when you do, I promise it’s the most freeing feeling imaginable. You feel this way now, but you don’t have to stay in pain forever. Asking for help is the first step in healing. Take that first step now.
Laura Claire
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate , MA, LMHCA
1 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040
The psychic wounding left from feeling unseen, unheard, or unsafe in the spaces meant to hold us with care can be profound and run deep. I work with a range of experiences, but feel particularly called to support those navigating the lasting impact of relational trauma, emotional neglect, narcissistic abuse, and complex family systems. These dynamics can erode our ability to trust our instincts, recognize our needs, maintain boundaries, and connect authentically with ourselves, with others, and to the world around us.
The psychic wounding left from feeling unseen, unheard, or unsafe in the spaces meant to hold us with care can be profound and run deep. I work with a range of experiences, but feel particularly called to support those navigating the lasting impact of relational trauma, emotional neglect, narcissistic abuse, and complex family systems. These dynamics can erode our ability to trust our instincts, recognize our needs, maintain boundaries, and connect authentically with ourselves, with others, and to the world around us.
Emotional pain can feel awkward and difficult to express. I know how hard it can be to make that first move and turn to someone for help with anxiety, depression, panic,trauma, self-loathing, or concerns about relationships with important people in your life. I use an insight-oriented approach to help my patients make meaning of their feelings and current behavior in light of both their chorus of internal voices and their actual psychological histories.When a patient becomes aware of 'the past operating in the present', a space begins to open up in their minds for making different choices.
Emotional pain can feel awkward and difficult to express. I know how hard it can be to make that first move and turn to someone for help with anxiety, depression, panic,trauma, self-loathing, or concerns about relationships with important people in your life. I use an insight-oriented approach to help my patients make meaning of their feelings and current behavior in light of both their chorus of internal voices and their actual psychological histories.When a patient becomes aware of 'the past operating in the present', a space begins to open up in their minds for making different choices.
I work with adults (19+) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, post-partum mood disorders, grief and loss, difficult life transitions and struggles with body image and their relationship with food.
Are you wondering if psychotherapy may help? Many, many clients have discovered that speaking to another about their stresses and symptoms, in a safe and non-judgemental place, alleviates their anxiety or depression. This is because it is easy to feel overwhelmed alone by the many difficult feelings and confusing thoughts and because another mind and heart can clear the way for deeper understanding, support and healing.
I encourage you to take the step to call.
I work with adults (19+) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, post-partum mood disorders, grief and loss, difficult life transitions and struggles with body image and their relationship with food.
Are you wondering if psychotherapy may help? Many, many clients have discovered that speaking to another about their stresses and symptoms, in a safe and non-judgemental place, alleviates their anxiety or depression. This is because it is easy to feel overwhelmed alone by the many difficult feelings and confusing thoughts and because another mind and heart can clear the way for deeper understanding, support and healing.
I encourage you to take the step to call.
The people I work with are often learning to cultivate healthy relationships, healing trauma, tending to anxiety, depression and neurodivergence (often late-diagnosed ADHD and/or autism), exploring identity (racial, gender, sexual etc.), grieving a loss, and/or cultivating a stronger sense of self-worth.
I integrate multiple modalities to support the people in connecting more with their wisdom and resiliency. I most often weave in: psychodynamic exploration, Somatic Experiencing (SE), parts work informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness.
The people I work with are often learning to cultivate healthy relationships, healing trauma, tending to anxiety, depression and neurodivergence (often late-diagnosed ADHD and/or autism), exploring identity (racial, gender, sexual etc.), grieving a loss, and/or cultivating a stronger sense of self-worth.
I integrate multiple modalities to support the people in connecting more with their wisdom and resiliency. I most often weave in: psychodynamic exploration, Somatic Experiencing (SE), parts work informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness.
My specialty is children and family mental health: Depression, anxiety disorders (like panic, social anxiety, and OCD), grief, adjustment to divorce, disrupted attachment, breakdown in family communication and problem behaviors as in ADHD/ADD.
Does your child seem depressed, anxious, hostile or irritable? Is he or she underachieving or misbehaving at school? Are you having power struggles at home? Is divorce stressing your family? You are doing the best you can, however, you need more guidance and support to improve your family's life? I'm here for you. I'll teach you and your child effective coping skills to reduce stress and increase well being and happiness in your family. I will coach you how to be both firm and kind so that you are an effective parent who feels empowered and hopeful.
My specialty is children and family mental health: Depression, anxiety disorders (like panic, social anxiety, and OCD), grief, adjustment to divorce, disrupted attachment, breakdown in family communication and problem behaviors as in ADHD/ADD.
Does your child seem depressed, anxious, hostile or irritable? Is he or she underachieving or misbehaving at school? Are you having power struggles at home? Is divorce stressing your family? You are doing the best you can, however, you need more guidance and support to improve your family's life? I'm here for you. I'll teach you and your child effective coping skills to reduce stress and increase well being and happiness in your family. I will coach you how to be both firm and kind so that you are an effective parent who feels empowered and hopeful.
Over time we develop patterns of behavior that may have once supported us through a difficult time, but these ways of being may be hurting our ability to connect with loved ones or form new connections. Through our work together, we will reflect on how your past experiences may influence who you are today and identify interventions to support you in connecting with who you want to become. In addition to working with individuals, I enjoy supporting people to better engage in the important relationships in their lives; this may be within a couple, but can also be in a parent-child relationship.
Over time we develop patterns of behavior that may have once supported us through a difficult time, but these ways of being may be hurting our ability to connect with loved ones or form new connections. Through our work together, we will reflect on how your past experiences may influence who you are today and identify interventions to support you in connecting with who you want to become. In addition to working with individuals, I enjoy supporting people to better engage in the important relationships in their lives; this may be within a couple, but can also be in a parent-child relationship.
Everyone has a unique story that deserves care and support. It brings me immense joy to use my experience and education to serve each client and their specific needs. My background includes extensive studies in nutrition, physical health, and mental health. I am experienced working with a variety of individuals from industry professionals to adolescents. I am passionate about the importance of mental health as the foundation of optimal performance and a healthy life. Together, we will explore what that may look like for you.
Everyone has a unique story that deserves care and support. It brings me immense joy to use my experience and education to serve each client and their specific needs. My background includes extensive studies in nutrition, physical health, and mental health. I am experienced working with a variety of individuals from industry professionals to adolescents. I am passionate about the importance of mental health as the foundation of optimal performance and a healthy life. Together, we will explore what that may look like for you.
If you are in middle age or beyond and want some support as you navigate life transitions including empty nesting, loss of loved ones, and retirement, please reach out.
Building a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship is my highest priority. My approach is very relational and client centered. Creating a safe place for you to talk about challenging issues and express painful feelings is the essence of good therapy. I provide gentle confrontation to promote growth balanced with empathy, acceptance, and caring. I truly love my work and would be honored to help you to feel better.
If you are in middle age or beyond and want some support as you navigate life transitions including empty nesting, loss of loved ones, and retirement, please reach out.
Building a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship is my highest priority. My approach is very relational and client centered. Creating a safe place for you to talk about challenging issues and express painful feelings is the essence of good therapy. I provide gentle confrontation to promote growth balanced with empathy, acceptance, and caring. I truly love my work and would be honored to help you to feel better.
The alliance we build as client and therapist is a necessary and very important part of the therapeutic process. I carefully assess each individuals or couples strengths, history of relationships, sense of self, developmental status, learning styles, symptoms and readiness to change. I believe that what you find helpful to talk about in each session is most important. You and I will develop a treatment plan based upon these factors, your experience, my professional experience, research findings and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. I have a general practice and also have areas of specialty.
The alliance we build as client and therapist is a necessary and very important part of the therapeutic process. I carefully assess each individuals or couples strengths, history of relationships, sense of self, developmental status, learning styles, symptoms and readiness to change. I believe that what you find helpful to talk about in each session is most important. You and I will develop a treatment plan based upon these factors, your experience, my professional experience, research findings and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. I have a general practice and also have areas of specialty.
Imagine feeling stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or navigating a significant life transition. Maybe you're an adult juggling relationships and personal growth or a teen struggling with identity, social pressures, or family dynamics. You want to understand why you're feeling this way and how to move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace. You're seeking a supportive space to explore these challenges and develop strategies for lasting change.
Imagine feeling stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or navigating a significant life transition. Maybe you're an adult juggling relationships and personal growth or a teen struggling with identity, social pressures, or family dynamics. You want to understand why you're feeling this way and how to move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace. You're seeking a supportive space to explore these challenges and develop strategies for lasting change.
My approach to therapy is integrative in the truest sense: I work from established, evidence-based therapies, maintaining their fidelity while combining and adapting them to the individual sitting in front of me. Rather than fitting people into pre-set models or offering vague support, I collaborate with clients to understand how their inner world operates, how it shapes their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and choices. My work is grounded in cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic theories and interventions. This approach allows therapy to remain both meaningful and practical.
My approach to therapy is integrative in the truest sense: I work from established, evidence-based therapies, maintaining their fidelity while combining and adapting them to the individual sitting in front of me. Rather than fitting people into pre-set models or offering vague support, I collaborate with clients to understand how their inner world operates, how it shapes their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and choices. My work is grounded in cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic theories and interventions. This approach allows therapy to remain both meaningful and practical.
Are you thrown off balance when the remnants of your past collides with your present life, and disrupts your sanity and your joy? Sometimes this shows up as symptoms of anxiety and depression, or a need to control the internal chaos by focusing on food and our bodies. For many, it is difficult to make sense of our lives when we've been affected by a history of complex trauma. I believe that that only way out is in. I welcome you to embark on a journey into yourself, where you may discover abandoned and rejected parts of yourself, and a wellspring of insight and self-compassion for your most difficult challenges.
Are you thrown off balance when the remnants of your past collides with your present life, and disrupts your sanity and your joy? Sometimes this shows up as symptoms of anxiety and depression, or a need to control the internal chaos by focusing on food and our bodies. For many, it is difficult to make sense of our lives when we've been affected by a history of complex trauma. I believe that that only way out is in. I welcome you to embark on a journey into yourself, where you may discover abandoned and rejected parts of yourself, and a wellspring of insight and self-compassion for your most difficult challenges.
Navigating family, health, love, work, and your mental health can be complicated– especially when one or more of those areas begin to slip into crisis. You might struggle to connect with yourself or your loved ones, build new relationships, or manage new hardships. Through non-judgmental discussion and an in-depth exploration of your symptoms, we'll develop solutions for a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling way of life. I frequently work with adults and adolescents navigating life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity exploration, and terminal diagnoses.
Navigating family, health, love, work, and your mental health can be complicated– especially when one or more of those areas begin to slip into crisis. You might struggle to connect with yourself or your loved ones, build new relationships, or manage new hardships. Through non-judgmental discussion and an in-depth exploration of your symptoms, we'll develop solutions for a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling way of life. I frequently work with adults and adolescents navigating life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity exploration, and terminal diagnoses.
See more therapy options for Mercer Island
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.