UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH Therapists in Seattle, WA

Someone in my family was asking me recently "What is the most important consideration when looking for a therapist? " The fit, the feel, the vibe you have with the therapist really is best way to decide if this is a good match. A good fit, you will work well together. We will work with the issues that you are currently experiencing, noticing the internal roots of conflict, and finding ways to make meaningful and purposeful shifts or changes in your life. Experiencing difficulties from depression, relationship endings, truama, abuse, addictions, let's talk. - My practice is typically full but can offer wait list for new consultations

I will actively use my training and experience to help you meet your needs & goals. Successful treatment is a direct result of mutual efforts, honesty, respect, and collaboration. Life is full of transitions. Many transitions require skill to navigate. Some happen easily and others require thought, planning and occasionally outside help. I regularly help people manage depression, anxiety, life & work transitions, relationship problems, the processing of and recovery from trauma, and developmental issues throughout the lifespan.

You're struggling with past traumas. Maybe you don't even realize that a lot of your frustration, anxiety and depression and current struggles are linked to past traumas. It can be overwhelming dealing with intense emotions and identify the why behind it to change your life. I would love to work with you and address some of the emotions and struggles that you have been dealing with. Have there been some past events in your life that have fundamentally changed you as a person?

Working with individuals and families is a collaborative process. I hope to use my many clinical experiences to help guide clients through a path toward more satisfaction in life. Therapy is not a process of simple "change," but rather a process of finding and developing aspects of satisfaction in careers, families, leisure, and relationships that likely exist when we weed through the days' challenges. Through my years as a clinician, I know how to challenge that process. Through my years of teaching, I know when I can simply step aside and admire the strengths that each of us have inside.

Where does one begin their search for relief from a vague feeling of discomfort, the source of which is difficult to locate, or from emotional/physical pain that announces itself clearly and loudly, the source being well-known? Perhaps you've tried to think your way through the problem or to read self-help books, and neither have helped. You have the thought that if you reach out to someone, relief may follow as you move from isolation to connection and relationship. So you arrive here and I welcome your call. My therapy approach is collaborative and grounded in family systems, psychodynamic, and somatic-based interventions.

The best is yet to be! I strive to offer a positive atmosphere for real personal change. Helping people learn to manage and cope with emotions like, fear, frustration, sadness and worry is my specialty. Self defeating behavioral patterns that involve anger, phobias, procrastination, or poor impulse control can also be addressed. I assists individuals and couples by providing skills-based counseling so they can live life more peacefully and productively.

I work with people dealing with emotional problems that manifest as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. The encounters with emotions seem powerful, overwhelming, and mysterious. They may feel so powerful, that you push away, stuff down, use substances, or even allow the emotions to direct your actions and thoughts. It can feel confusing of how you can build strength to overcome emotional wounds. How do you make sense of what doesn’t always make sense? Exploring your emotions with a therapist can be healing and encouraging.

Personal and Professional Profile My name is Dumbe Emmanuel Elessa. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Washington. I have more than three decades of clinical and leadership work experience in Community Behavioral Health. I also have extensive clinical and supervisory experience in Adult and Geriatric Mental Health as well as in Ethnic Minority issues. I was born in tropical Cameroon. I obtained the Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Washington Graduate School of Social Work in June, 1986.

My therapeutic approach is holistic, client-centered, and solution-focused. Everyone is unique, and once I get to know you, I’ll use the therapeutic tools and methods that I determine will be most beneficial to you. I like to draw from solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy, all of which offer ways of viewing problems from different perspectives and the opportunity for empowered participation in the unfolding of new realities. With compassion and understanding, I seek to work collaboratively with each client to encourage investigation and productive problem solving.

I believe Success in therapy is built on the strengths you have within. Whether you are a young child, a teen an adult or a family, I will work with you to find those strengths and use them to find the change you are looking for. I work with individuals and families on issues ranging from depression and anxiety, behavior problems, school problems, and family conflict. I work with families with children of all ages. Whether working individually or with a family, I approach clinical issues from a systemic point of view.

The decision to pursue therapy is a courageous one, and finding the right therapist can feel daunting but it is possible. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in WA with 15+ years serving clients who are ready to navigate significant life changes, heal from trauma, overcome anxiety, & manage ongoing stress while still pursuing bold dreams and goals. I'm passionate about helping clients live their most fulfilling & integrated life possible, even if it means taking big risks and making hard changes. You and your loved ones are capable of living a fulfilling & joyful life and I would be honored to support you in that journey.

Are you struggling to regain a sense of purpose after a life changing event such as divorce, loss, addiction or trauma? Do you need help navigating how to evolve your identity after this has occurred?  Have you been at a loss when it comes to reconnecting to yourself as an adult? If this speaks to you then I am your therapist to provide Clinical Mental Health Therapy for those going through Major Life Shifts and YOU are my ideal client! I also am well versed in forensic evaluations: psychosexual, substance use, and general mental health.