Hoarding Therapists in Seattle, WA
As a therapist, I adapt my approach to fit our treatment goals—sometimes gentle, sometimes more direct. At NOCD, my team and I specialize in providing evidence-based treatment for OCD. Our deep understanding of its nuances enables us to properly diagnose and treat it. We have received intensive training in Exposure Response and Prevention Therapy (ERP)—the gold standard treatment for OCD. When you start with NOCD Therapy, you’ll either work with me or be paired with one of my colleagues, based on your preferences and availability. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
As a therapist, I adapt my approach to fit our treatment goals—sometimes gentle, sometimes more direct. At NOCD, my team and I specialize in providing evidence-based treatment for OCD. Our deep understanding of its nuances enables us to properly diagnose and treat it. We have received intensive training in Exposure Response and Prevention Therapy (ERP)—the gold standard treatment for OCD. When you start with NOCD Therapy, you’ll either work with me or be paired with one of my colleagues, based on your preferences and availability. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
I began work as a therapist in Seattle over 25 years ago, working with families. My experience grew to include veterans, people in recovery, people of all genders - and ages! I am a certified Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, but today I work with ALL adults ages 22-100.
I work from a collaborative mindset, working together alongside my individual clients to find solutions to life's challenges. I am fairly direct in my approach. I focus on individual therapy, but as a GMHS I also consult with families of older adults who may need more support.
If you are unsure if therapy is for you, or if anything can help, please call.
I began work as a therapist in Seattle over 25 years ago, working with families. My experience grew to include veterans, people in recovery, people of all genders - and ages! I am a certified Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, but today I work with ALL adults ages 22-100.
I work from a collaborative mindset, working together alongside my individual clients to find solutions to life's challenges. I am fairly direct in my approach. I focus on individual therapy, but as a GMHS I also consult with families of older adults who may need more support.
If you are unsure if therapy is for you, or if anything can help, please call.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or life transitions. Perhaps you find yourself overthinking, feeling stuck in patterns, or struggling to balance responsibilities and expectations. You want better ways to manage your emotions, improve relationships, and feel more in control of your life.
Sometimes these challenges can also be connected to cultural expectations, family dynamics, or the pressure to meet others’ expectations while trying to take care of yourself. You may be looking for a space where you can talk openly, gain clarity, and begin finding healthier ways to cope with what you’re experiencing.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or life transitions. Perhaps you find yourself overthinking, feeling stuck in patterns, or struggling to balance responsibilities and expectations. You want better ways to manage your emotions, improve relationships, and feel more in control of your life.
Sometimes these challenges can also be connected to cultural expectations, family dynamics, or the pressure to meet others’ expectations while trying to take care of yourself. You may be looking for a space where you can talk openly, gain clarity, and begin finding healthier ways to cope with what you’re experiencing.
I strive to help clients understand what is beneath the motivation of using harmful behaviors and attempt to help focus on self-compassion with an understanding that health and wellness is achievable. I like to view myself as a teacher of healthy coping skills where clients are able to over time, enact these skills in their own lives to have the confidence to make changes for themselves. Techniques used to help facilitate our sessions may include exposure therapy, journaling and use of psycho-educational resources (homework, books, videos, etc).
I strive to help clients understand what is beneath the motivation of using harmful behaviors and attempt to help focus on self-compassion with an understanding that health and wellness is achievable. I like to view myself as a teacher of healthy coping skills where clients are able to over time, enact these skills in their own lives to have the confidence to make changes for themselves. Techniques used to help facilitate our sessions may include exposure therapy, journaling and use of psycho-educational resources (homework, books, videos, etc).
People frequently arrive in my office feeling overwhelmed... by expectations, identity shifts, burnout, or the constant pace of life. Therapy centers on helping each person regain clarity, grounding, and agency. I support individuals navigating anxiety, emotional dysregulation, identity exploration, life transitions, and the ongoing pressure to “get it together” in a world that rarely slows. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, rooted in mind body awareness, and whole-person healing. I integrate strengths-based approaches with skills drawn from DBT, non-violent communication, and intuitive emotional regulation.
People frequently arrive in my office feeling overwhelmed... by expectations, identity shifts, burnout, or the constant pace of life. Therapy centers on helping each person regain clarity, grounding, and agency. I support individuals navigating anxiety, emotional dysregulation, identity exploration, life transitions, and the ongoing pressure to “get it together” in a world that rarely slows. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, rooted in mind body awareness, and whole-person healing. I integrate strengths-based approaches with skills drawn from DBT, non-violent communication, and intuitive emotional regulation.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now! Whether you’re experiencing unique personal challenges, feeling the stress of current events, or boot-strapping yourself into follow-through on personal goals, it may be time for individual therapy. The many challenges of life are easier to manage with proper tools and support. Additionally, we all need a safe place to explore what’s holding us back from where we want to be and from the life we want to experience. I am motivated to provide that safe space to promote healing and growth, and to approach your story with curiosity and compassion.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now! Whether you’re experiencing unique personal challenges, feeling the stress of current events, or boot-strapping yourself into follow-through on personal goals, it may be time for individual therapy. The many challenges of life are easier to manage with proper tools and support. Additionally, we all need a safe place to explore what’s holding us back from where we want to be and from the life we want to experience. I am motivated to provide that safe space to promote healing and growth, and to approach your story with curiosity and compassion.
I work alongside my clients, as they bravely take the risks involved in introspection and change. From personal experience, I know how hard this can be, AND, that not changing is even more painful. I will guide you as you explore and overcome the obstacles disrupting your functioning or behavior so that you can move forward with living; I want to support you as you learn how to manage feelings of stress, trauma, sadness, confusion, worry & anger. I see you as a complex person living a complicated life, experiencing emotional upheavals that prevent you from feeling well & at ease and instead leaving you overwhelmed and distraught.
I work alongside my clients, as they bravely take the risks involved in introspection and change. From personal experience, I know how hard this can be, AND, that not changing is even more painful. I will guide you as you explore and overcome the obstacles disrupting your functioning or behavior so that you can move forward with living; I want to support you as you learn how to manage feelings of stress, trauma, sadness, confusion, worry & anger. I see you as a complex person living a complicated life, experiencing emotional upheavals that prevent you from feeling well & at ease and instead leaving you overwhelmed and distraught.
My name is Kris Lau, PhD, LMHC. I provide supportive counseling, skills and tools to help adults, older adults and caregivers with depression, stress / adjustment, life transitions and grief and loss. I have been described by clients and colleagues as down-to-earth, empathic and compassionate and would be honored to work with you. Our work together is tailored to your specific needs. My overall approach is eclectic with a foundation in humanistic psychology and the wellness model. I also draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness based practices.
My name is Kris Lau, PhD, LMHC. I provide supportive counseling, skills and tools to help adults, older adults and caregivers with depression, stress / adjustment, life transitions and grief and loss. I have been described by clients and colleagues as down-to-earth, empathic and compassionate and would be honored to work with you. Our work together is tailored to your specific needs. My overall approach is eclectic with a foundation in humanistic psychology and the wellness model. I also draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness based practices.
Aging can be a beautiful and sometimes difficult process. Our bodies, minds and social interactions change. Maybe you're feeling down or fearful of what the future holds, especially if you add in chronic illness, cognitive changes or a dementia related diagnosis. You may be seeking self-clarity, acceptance and someone to hear you.
Aging can be a beautiful and sometimes difficult process. Our bodies, minds and social interactions change. Maybe you're feeling down or fearful of what the future holds, especially if you add in chronic illness, cognitive changes or a dementia related diagnosis. You may be seeking self-clarity, acceptance and someone to hear you.
Sometimes in life we all need a “companion on the journey,” someone to partner with us and help make sense of our experience, ease our pain, and support our goals. As a therapist, I am committed to providing a safe environment where individuals can identify their strengths, recognize unhelpful patterns, and live into their goals. Working from an integrative, client-centered approach, I seek to support individuals wherever they are on their journey and my approach is holistic, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I value cultural humility and look forward to working with people of all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life.
Sometimes in life we all need a “companion on the journey,” someone to partner with us and help make sense of our experience, ease our pain, and support our goals. As a therapist, I am committed to providing a safe environment where individuals can identify their strengths, recognize unhelpful patterns, and live into their goals. Working from an integrative, client-centered approach, I seek to support individuals wherever they are on their journey and my approach is holistic, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I value cultural humility and look forward to working with people of all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life.
My primary focus is working with clients and families who are unsure how to help a loved one struggling with addiction or mental health challenges. I work diligently to engage with the client through authentic interactions and real-time guidance they can trust to gain a clear plan forward, and support that honors both the individual and the family system. Through building rapport, we navigate through crisis, gain relief and a path that leads to lasting healing rather than short-term solutions.
My primary focus is working with clients and families who are unsure how to help a loved one struggling with addiction or mental health challenges. I work diligently to engage with the client through authentic interactions and real-time guidance they can trust to gain a clear plan forward, and support that honors both the individual and the family system. Through building rapport, we navigate through crisis, gain relief and a path that leads to lasting healing rather than short-term solutions.
I work with children, teens, and adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to navigate life’s challenges. Many clients seek support for anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, or relationship concerns. I also work with individuals with ADHD and autism who may need support with emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard while learning practical coping skills, building confidence, and developing tools to manage challenges in their daily lives.
I work with children, teens, and adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to navigate life’s challenges. Many clients seek support for anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, or relationship concerns. I also work with individuals with ADHD and autism who may need support with emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard while learning practical coping skills, building confidence, and developing tools to manage challenges in their daily lives.
Immediate openings available. As a therapist, my goal is to help you lead a meaningful, fulfilling life. I firmly believe that you are the expert on your experience and that your values, beliefs, and background have a powerful impact on your life and worldview. I view therapy as a collaboration where we will work together to identify what matters most to you and to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. To do this, we will define specific treatment goals and targets as we begin to work together. We will also check in throughout the process to ensure that therapy continues to be helpful and enriching for you.
Immediate openings available. As a therapist, my goal is to help you lead a meaningful, fulfilling life. I firmly believe that you are the expert on your experience and that your values, beliefs, and background have a powerful impact on your life and worldview. I view therapy as a collaboration where we will work together to identify what matters most to you and to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. To do this, we will define specific treatment goals and targets as we begin to work together. We will also check in throughout the process to ensure that therapy continues to be helpful and enriching for you.
I work with adults and youth who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be struggling with anxiety, shame, self-doubt, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the lasting impact of painful experiences. Many hope to feel more connected to themselves, their relationships, and the life they are building. They seek a space that balances compassionate self-exploration with practical tools for change, helping them navigate challenges with greater confidence while creating a life that feels more authentic and aligned with their values.
I work with adults and youth who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be struggling with anxiety, shame, self-doubt, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the lasting impact of painful experiences. Many hope to feel more connected to themselves, their relationships, and the life they are building. They seek a space that balances compassionate self-exploration with practical tools for change, helping them navigate challenges with greater confidence while creating a life that feels more authentic and aligned with their values.
Client-Centered, Culturally Informed, and Empowering sessions.
Every individual is seen, heard, and supported as a whole person. It integrates: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Creative and Practical Tools
Client-Centered, Culturally Informed, and Empowering sessions.
Every individual is seen, heard, and supported as a whole person. It integrates: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Creative and Practical Tools
I often work with people whose protective patterns—while once necessary—have become sources of emotional pain, strained relationships, or symptoms like addiction, anxiety, and depression. I see therapy as a space to explore these patterns with curiosity and care. By paying attention to how you relate to yourself, others, and even to me in the room, we begin to uncover the deeper threads shaping your experience. Over time, this process can open the door to more freedom, connection, and meaningful change.
I often work with people whose protective patterns—while once necessary—have become sources of emotional pain, strained relationships, or symptoms like addiction, anxiety, and depression. I see therapy as a space to explore these patterns with curiosity and care. By paying attention to how you relate to yourself, others, and even to me in the room, we begin to uncover the deeper threads shaping your experience. Over time, this process can open the door to more freedom, connection, and meaningful change.
Are you someone who feels stuck or uncertain about their future, often overwhelmed by choices or held back by self-doubt and fear of failure. You may be navigating a life transition—such as a career shift, a relationship change, or a post-graduation phase—and are seeking clarity, direction, and purpose. I am here to help you navigate every wave of life
Are you someone who feels stuck or uncertain about their future, often overwhelmed by choices or held back by self-doubt and fear of failure. You may be navigating a life transition—such as a career shift, a relationship change, or a post-graduation phase—and are seeking clarity, direction, and purpose. I am here to help you navigate every wave of life
Being neurodivergent, especially when you have gone much of your life not knowing it, can leave you feeling broken, confused, and lonely. For many this means struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, and other symptoms as a result of masking and living in a world not designed for you. You’re sensitive and curious and you are looking for increased understanding of yourself and your experiences in order to move through the world more confidently, authentically, and regulated. Together we will explore your unique needs, hopes, and struggles, and work to get you closer to the life you want.
Being neurodivergent, especially when you have gone much of your life not knowing it, can leave you feeling broken, confused, and lonely. For many this means struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, and other symptoms as a result of masking and living in a world not designed for you. You’re sensitive and curious and you are looking for increased understanding of yourself and your experiences in order to move through the world more confidently, authentically, and regulated. Together we will explore your unique needs, hopes, and struggles, and work to get you closer to the life you want.
We are all alive and trying to learn something about living; we live the way that we feel. We do this automatically (and whether we know it or not) in relationship: in relating to our self and to others. Therefore, my philosophy is everything is emotional and relational and personal; everything matters. And, most often, what really deeply matters in most unknown to ourselves.
We are all alive and trying to learn something about living; we live the way that we feel. We do this automatically (and whether we know it or not) in relationship: in relating to our self and to others. Therefore, my philosophy is everything is emotional and relational and personal; everything matters. And, most often, what really deeply matters in most unknown to ourselves.
Hi, I'm Brenna! I am a LCSW in Colorado, Ohio and in the state of Washington. More importantly though, I am a mom, a wife, a dog lover, and a coffee feign. I became passionate about social work, therapy specifically, while working in the public school system. I realized how difficult it is for students to learn when basic needs are not being met. So I switched career paths and decided to focus my efforts on ensuring people's basic needs of connection and emotional well-being were being prioritized. Here I am, 3 years later, spending each day crying, laughing, and improving quality of life one session at a time.
Hi, I'm Brenna! I am a LCSW in Colorado, Ohio and in the state of Washington. More importantly though, I am a mom, a wife, a dog lover, and a coffee feign. I became passionate about social work, therapy specifically, while working in the public school system. I realized how difficult it is for students to learn when basic needs are not being met. So I switched career paths and decided to focus my efforts on ensuring people's basic needs of connection and emotional well-being were being prioritized. Here I am, 3 years later, spending each day crying, laughing, and improving quality of life one session at a time.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Hoarding Therapists Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Bothell
- Issaquah
- Kirkland
- Lynnwood
- Mercer Island
- Mountlake Terrace
- Redmond
- Renton
- Sammamish
- Shoreline
Hoarding Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for hoarding?
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been well-studied in the treatment of hoarding. This type of therapy includes changing beliefs surrounding possessions, as well as learning how to discard items and reduce acquisitions. The hoarder may also gain much-needed organizational skills. Another useful therapy may be compassion-focused therapy, which can address emotion regulation and negative self-perception.
How long does therapy for hoarding take?
Although treatment can vary, most people demonstrate improvement after 23 sessions, with some showing improvement after just a few sessions. Researchers have developed a 26-session cognitive behavioral program. People who hoard may need “maintenance” sessions over the years if the problem arises repeatedly.
Are there medications for hoarding?
The more commonly-prescribed medications for hoarding are including antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This can include drugs such as venlafaxine and paroxetine. And because hoarding disorder is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, medications for OCD, such as clomipramine, may be effective for hoarding as well.
Can hoarding come back after treatment?
Hoarding is a chronic disorder and it can last throughout an individual’s lifetime. Regularly checking in with a psychotherapist can help manage symptoms long-term. A good therapist will help the person learn needed skills including decision-making, organization, and stress reduction. The patient will gain a better perspective and the need to cling to useless items will lessen.