Out of Network Therapists in Renton, WA

I work with adults dealing with unhappy relationships, problems in communication, anxiety and depression. I love working with couples and frequently use the principles found in Gary Chapman's book: "The 5 love languages". It is important to note I am not a Christian counselor, I simply teach the communication aspects of this book. I am a preferred provider with Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Cross, First Choice Health Network, LifeWise and HMA. If you happen to have other insurance, I can bill them using your out of network benefits. I do not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

I work with neurodivergent teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance use, and suicidal ideation who want to make healthier or safer choices, improve their self-esteem & interpersonal relationships, and build a life that makes sense to them. Issues I often work on with clients include impulsivity, overwhelming emotions, negative self-talk, and learning & practicing harm-reducing coping skills, through the building of self-compassion, interpersonal & daily functioning skills, and uncovering of personal values.

I have a wide variety of experience with children, teens, and adults. I especially enjoy working with people who are exploring identity development or need help with challenging experiences.

Since 1998, I have been working with individuals, couples, and families and treating issues related to: depression, anxiety, communication problems, interpersonal conflict, trauma recovery, military deployment, abortion recovery, adult children of divorced parents, pre-marital counseling, multi-cultural marriage and many other identity/spiritual crises. I see clients on the brink of divorce rediscover their passion for each other, clients merely surviving with depression/anxiety start truly living again, and clients going through the motions find purpose, meaning and fulfillment in their relationships, in their careers and in their lives. Often 10-14 sessions can lead to significant and lasting change.

You realize something needs to change. You have tried all you know. Together we come up with a plan that not only meets your needs but also your goals.

My approach to therapy begins with a commitment to mutual respect. Too often, our younger population is demanded to give respect, without receiving it in return. My practice is built on the understanding that my clients are experts in their own lives, and are humans deserving of the same level of respect that I would expect from them. This is true no matter the age, identity, background, or behaviors of the client I am working with.

I believe therapy should be a safe and non-judgmental space with a healthy mix of feeling your feelings, accountability, education and humor. My approach is to serve as a partner and guide on your journey to explore and sort the helpful vs. unhelpful in your life. Sometimes this journey will be tearful and uncomfortable, and sometimes we will laugh together at my many metaphors. I am most passionate about working with individuals who feel like they are “not good enough,” worry about living up to others’ expectations or struggle sometimes to get out of bed because their sadness is overwhelming.

My approach to Mental Health Counseling is to view the client as expert in their own life. I do not play the role of expert in my client's lives. I do, however act as a guide, advocate, educator, and support person. What I will do is attempt to see your issues from your perspective and your view of the world. I work within the framework of Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on the client being the expert, Existential Therapy, which focuses on behavior and looks at how the client thinks, feels, and behaves and the impact they have on others.

​From early childhood, we are surrounded by expectations - from family, friends, culture, society.  We internalize those expectations and experience their impact on our health, career, finances, relationships. Sometimes it manifests as perfectionism or Imposter Syndrome…sometimes as anxiety, grief, depression and stress.  In the effort to please everyone, we are often left exhausted, defeated, feeling like a failure. So maybe it’s time to rewrite that script imposed upon you…or the one that you imposed upon yourself.

I believe that everyone has their own unique story that is worthy of being told. Some stories hurt more than others and I aim to offer a non-judgmental, safe environment for all who seek my services.

I have been in practice for 18 years. Life can get messy and complicated, sometimes we just need a little help coping. We all have the potential to be living fully; experience joy even during times of trials. "Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations." Alfred Adler

I am honored to work alongside children and families to help them thrive. As a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) I believe it is through safe, nurturing relationships that children are free to express themselves through their natural language of play. With compassion and understanding, I use both a child-centered and directive approach, while encouraging outside support systems essential to this work.

My approach to counseling involves the use of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques. I practice a wellness-oriented systems model (the whole life) of counseling/therapy with emphasis upon effective learning in life experiences and human growth and development.

Therapy can be intimidating and may bring up many different emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Each of these unique responses to our own individual experiences are what make the process of therapy so special. I value building a connection and safety in the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist to be one of the most valuable tenets in the therapeutic relationship. I believe in creating a nonjudgmental space in which I can encourage deconstructing harmful internalized messages, processing experiences of attachment and trauma, exploring identity, and managing relational and personal challenges.

I provide client-centered and humanistic counseling and therapy services for individuals. I follow the philosophy that we are all human beings, facing human problems. The aim of treatment is to reach stability, happiness in everyday life, and move closer toward the clients goals. This happens through making change, and changing the way we view our lives.

You may be feeling that the strands of your life are unraveling and you want to make sense of it all. My private practice, Tapestry Therapy, is founded upon the belief that your life is like a tapestry, consisting of strands of stories that have been woven together to make one larger story. Our story is part of the larger tapestry of our family, race, culture, country and world. Through the work of therapy, we come to understand our stories and be empowered to decide how we will write future chapters. I utilize process therapy and Lifespan Integration, which is a somatic therapy, to help my clients reach their goals.

Belen Martinez, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who has extensive experience providing English and Spanish individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults of all ages. She works with individuals from diverse populations and cultures, with a wide range of concerns. Dr. Martinez’ approach to therapy is collaborative, authentic, empathic, active and caring. She integrates empirically driven methods, including dynamic psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relational frameworks, with a highly personalized approach.

Currently accepting new clients. Arguing over money? Communication? Unmotivated teenager? Infidelity? We've got your back. We help you resolve conflict in kind, loving ways that build your relationship. We help couples find their love again, and teach teenagers adult life skills, with humor and sensitivity. LauraMaery is a marriage and family therapist, certified counselor, and best-selling author with degrees in law, finance, and family counseling. She provides proven communication and financial planning tools, and helps couples focus on the big picture.