Parenting Therapists in Magnolia, Seattle, WA

If you are looking for ways to support yourself, your child, your teen, your relationship, or your family, with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, parenting , loss, or life transitions, I am a child, couples and family therapist who would be honored to help. I work with children and their families using Child Centered Play Therapy, and with teens, women in transition, parents and caregivers using several different modalities.

I believe it is important to listen carefully and develop an understanding of your concerns and difficulties. After getting a clear picture of what is happening, we can begin to work on and explore areas of your life that are significantly impacting you. I strive to ensure a safe, collaborative and caring environment that allows for your growth and change. My therapeutic orientation is a combination of humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducation, and emotion-focused therapy.

I work with teens and adults who identify as quirky/nerdy, highly-intelligent, introverted, highly-sensitive, or as having ADHD or Autism (or some combination of these). Those with these traits often share something: a sense of outsider-ship, of not quite belonging. This can lead to loneliness, shame, isolation, depressions, self-loathing--all that fun stuff.  I, myself, have 3 or 4 of the above traits, AND was homeschooled on top of it, so my own sense of outsider-ship was crowned with awkward homeschooler social skills :) Working, both on self-acceptance, and feeling like I belong, is something I enjoy sharing with my clients.

I help the people I work with find long-term solutions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and sustain positive relationships. My ideal clients are those who want to improve their overall wellbeing as well as overcome negative tendencies. I focus on the unique characteristics and perspectives my clients offer the world to propel them into a more confident, well-rounded version of themselves. I love working with couples and families, whether that's to lay better groundwork or deal with presenting conflicts as they arise. Email is the best way to reach me!

We specialize in comprehensive assessment and therapeutic intervention for children and families. We often work with children who have learning disorders (e.g., in reading, writing, or math), have ADHD, are gifted/highly capable, or are transitioning into college (e.g., accommodations for standardized testing and in class). Our practice is currently expanding to offer more therapy services for families and children. Please contact us if you would like to discuss therapy options directly with Dr. Casto.

You have taken a courageous step to consider counseling! It is my privilege to create a safe, nurturing space for you to breathe... to concentrate on self-care. There is rest, here. There is room for you to BE you. Room to step back, to consider, to contemplate. Room to grow in understanding, practical skills, and a fresh perspective. There is room for hope. My practice focuses on strengthening marriages, couples' relationships, and on individual counseling for a variety of issues. My approach is attachment based, client focused, interactive, and is grounded in Biblical principles of love, gratitude and grace.

Throughout life's most interesting or challenging journeys, it is helpful to walk with and share your experiences with someone. I would love to work with you and your family! My goal is to provide an environment of safety, trust and respect, where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings.

I primarily provide individual therapy to adults (ages 18-45) who wish to address acute or long-term trauma, specifically childhood sexual abuse/sexual assault but other traumas as well. I approach each client through a developmental lens, understanding that concerns manifest differently depending on one's age and developmental stage at the time of the trauma as well as at the time of treatment. I also am available to work with parents, many who are navigating challenges associated with helping a child who has been traumatized, who wish to explore more positive discipline strategies.

Evidence-based practice helping individuals, couples, and families get "unstuck", navigate the challenges of modern life and relationships, and lead more satisfying lives. The goal is that through counseling you will gain insight into your unhelpful thinking patterns and change them, have healthier relationships, and become equipped with the skills to generate a greater sense of control and empowerment in your life. I have 2 office locations in Seattle: Downtown (901Boren Ave) and in the Magnolia neighborhood (2303 W Commodore Way). On Mondays I practice in the suburb of Edmonds (300 Admiral Way). .

Many times when people find themselves in challenging circumstances, they are able to find solutions on their own. This innovation and resourcefulness in people excites me and gives me hope. Other times, the difficulties life throws one's way may seem too overwhelming, complicated or scary to deal with. Sometimes people come up with temporary solutions to problems so they can cope in the meantime. All of these responses to adversity and challenges are normal and, in my experience, people seek out therapy when their options or their “stories” feel stuck.

I recognize that my clients know themselves and their identities more intimately than I do and that people have what they need to heal. My job is to walk along side you as a guide on your path to wholeness. I have experience treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic and the effects of trauma. My approach to treating trauma is rooted in body-based talk therapy. I focus on helping you understand and manage the ways trauma is interfering in your life. We focus on present day experiences, rather than having you retell traumatic stories of past events. Certain attachment harm does benefit profoundly from narrative work.

As a proud gamer & geek, I believe geek culture to be a rich resource for personal and relational empowerment, growth, and healing. I offer a place where others in the geek community can come to speak a common language with someone who shares your interests & who understands. In my practice, I work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children to help heal emotional wounds, break through painful and repeated patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, build better communication dynamics, and create meaningful change.

As an interactive, solution focused therapist with over 20 years of experience, I am here for you. If you are going through a difficult time, feeling down or anxious, your relationships and life are not fulfilling and do not bring you happiness, it might be time to contact a professional. I offer support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. In a comfortable and supportive environment and with years of experience and a broad base of skills and knowledge, I want to help you in your current struggle.

You are a high performer who is stuck & looking for outside help. You want to have a secure & loving relationship. You want to heal from past hurts, connect with your inner compass & shift towards healthier ways of living. In couples counseling, my husband & I work as a team to help couples grow together. As former high tech & legal professionals, we understand how work demands can impact your quality of life. As parents, we get how children are both a joy & a stressor in relationships. As an intercultural couple, we recognize the challenges in bridging different world views.

** Please Note: I am currently NOT accepting new clients** Are you frustrated and discouraged with the quality of your relationships with others? Do you wish that there were a manual or rule book that came with the people you love? Relationships are the most cherished and yet confounding things that we as humans long to have, and we get very little guidance about how to make and maintain them. Whether you are in a relationship with a friend, lover, spouse, or child, I can help you learn ways to find fulfillment, stability, and joy.

Today's young adults have the ability to enact positive change in the world around us. With years of experience in supporting children, teens, and adults achieve their full potential and navigate rough patches, allow me to lend a hand. I view you as the expert on yourself, and come alongside as a coach to support and guide you in your journey. With families and children I utilize a team-based approach. All young adults can use an extra person in their corner to help navigate childhood, and I believe that working as a team with the family system allows for family members to grow and learn together.