Therapists in Washington

Hi there, It takes grit and fortitude to do what you’re doing. Searching for a therapist is a big decision and maybe you’ve reached the point where you realize you can’t do it alone, and need support to work through the frustrations, challenges and struggles you are facing in your life right now. As you read my profile, you’ll notice my professional experience spans over 20 years and my training background covers a wide range of diverse topics. My clinical approach combines psycho-dynamic as well as other modalities like DBT, and systems theory to insure you have access to the most update-to-date information available. While adhering to confidentiality, ethical and legal standards, the individualized treatment approach I employ draws from the latest evidence-based practices, emphasizing a supportive insight-oriented, practical and common sense, straightforward style. I am committed to building an honest, respectful and collaborative alliance with you, to develop a sustainable capacity for continued trust and effective skill building. I make every effort to balance ego and humility, and pride myself on being honest, direct, and non-judgmental so you know you are believed, taken seriously, feel valued, and know you matter. It entails establishing boundaries, and striking a balance between recognizing the impact of confusion, anguish, conflict, suffering and turmoil to acknowledging and benefiting from understanding, insight/education, advice and feedback. The bottom line is; you gain the tools and coping skills necessary to regulate emotions, become mindful and insure that you gain confidence and competence in your ability to achieve a sense of personal safety, security and stability. My areas of expertise include working with diverse, multicultural clients including both Native American and Native Alaskan populations. I have worked in private practice, created an outpatient clinic providing DBT groups for both men and women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. I was the clinical director of a medical behavioral health setting focusing on chronic illness, a homeless shelter providing mental health, substance abuse and HIV+ AIDS treatment services, an all-men’s dual diagnosed residential program, a trauma informed treatment program in the 56 Yupik villages of Alaska, a recidivism re-entry program for ex-offenders from San Quentin and Folsom State Prisons. I also worked in the 1st hospice in the United States, providing death and dignity counseling services to terminally ill patients and bereavement counseling for families. Currently, my focus is on, although not limited to, working with individuals living with depression, anxiety stemming from trauma histories, recovering from traumatic bonding/narcissistic abuse, and adults on the autistic spectrum who desire a need to understand Asperger’s and the impact it has on their lives and relationships. Also, treatment services for the LGBTQIA community; individuals with a wide range of concerns about sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual fluidity, the coming- out stages, intimacy social stigma, family/relationship conflict, parenting issues, employment concerns and advocacy approaches for the human rights campaign for civil rights. Most importantly, I am passionate about addressing visible, and invisible disability issues, the neuro-diversity of ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and the need to address the fundamental issues of disability rights, learning styles, inclusiveness, ableism, workplace bullying and the impact of internalized oppression. What does this all mean for you? I would like to think, it demonstrates my competence and gives you some degree of confidence in my ability to help you achieve greater resiliency, authenticity, and happiness in your life. Chances are you are doing the best you can and you can do better. That's where your ingenuity, willingness, motivation, and commitment come into play. There are lots of reasons for you to consider entertaining the thought of on-line therapy. It is an effective way to navigate through your problems on your timetable, and support really makes a difference. It gives you the opportunity to start an action plan, get the help you need to stay on track, follow through and meet your goals consistently. It's also an emotional tune-up, putting energy and enthusiasm back into your life, so you are empowered to face reality, generate options, problem-solve, let go of the past and take the risks necessary to move forward. Putting the brakes on wishing things were different, you can break through your fears, self-sabotage, addictions, anger issues and codependency in order to set healthy boundaries and discover what it takes to stand up for yourself, say no, protect your own self-interest and become mindful. Expand your capacity for recognizing the importance of TFK - thinking, feelings, and knowing, the pillars of EI, emotional intelligence. By increasing emotional self-regulation, interrupting escalating patterns of RUI, reactivity, urgency and intensity, you will be able to manage triggers which will help you respond more calmly, giving you the ability to take on and accomplish the daily challenges with poise while not allowing the past to dictate your responses. Just think of that, being grounded and thriving, instead of simply surviving. Sounds simple, it's not nor do I pretend it is. Practice makes progress, there is no perfection. Successes and setbacks are inevitable, so it's one step at a time. Call it an incremental manageable approach to deal with getting impatient, bored, or overwhelmed. It’s not unusual for clients, maybe you included, to feel emotionally vulnerable, fragile, stuck, discouraged, helpless, hopeless and struggling with life-defeating behaviors or suicidal ideation. Regardless of the reasons you seek therapy, it is imperative that you feel understood, supported and can speak freely in order to benefit from the therapeutic experience so you can connect, learn, share, grow and pay it forward. Everything is connected by chains of events, coupled with your vulnerabilities, temperament, and your life experiences while your identity is formed by both narratives, both internal and external. Perhaps it's time you learned to see yourself through kinder eyes, to look at the world from a more neutral stance, recognize that co-perspectives exist, repair and rebuild in some instances vs. re-enacting and repeating, that way, you can accept consequences gracefully, cultivate a willingness to wait, tread softly, play by the rules, make lemonade from lemons, advocate for living, confront and process guilt and shame and recognize that there is no point going to an empty well and expecting water. Accessing online therapy is safe, secure, convenient, confidential, and cost effective. Keep in mind, you can work on understanding your underlying core issues, the impact of trauma, connecting the historical dots of your life, develop a mental health recovery plan, increase focus, concentration, motivation, and simply live without the drama and recurring crisis. Dramatically improve your ability to think and feel more positive and hopeful. It's like a long awaited of breath of fresh air! Instead of being on automatic pilot, you take ownership of your choices by being accountable and responsible, both deliberate, and intentional. Benefit from a trusting relationship with me, built on a foundation of mutual respect that gives you the best chance at personal growth and enhancing your own functioning. Improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being by stepping outside your comfort zone. It's about living with hope, having both meaning and purpose, and identifying and living your own values. Instead of suffering in silence you can live, laugh, learn, lead, love and leave a legacy. It's your opportunity to build a life worth living. I invite you to reach out to me. EDUCATION AND TRAINING BA in Humanities/Social Justice MA in Social Clinical Psychology Dual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Trained in EMDR Levels I and II Trained in Palliative Care and Hospice Care Trained in Aging, Grief & Loss, Transitions, Chronic Illness Trained and Nationally Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trained in Cinema ”Reel” to “Real” Film Group Therapy Trained in Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment/Recovery Trained in Trauma-informed Care and Trauma-specific Practices Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level I Trained in Multiculturalism, Disability Rights, Ethnic Minorities, Culturally Diverse Populations including Race, Gender, Class, Religion, Power/Privilege and LGBTQIA Orientation/Identity and Coming-Out stages.

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with nearly 20+ years of experience. My work has generally been in community mental health, in a variety of settings, including in home family services, community agency based work in nonprofit mental health clinics, and outpatient clinic supporting residential substance abuse treatment programs. I have experience treating clients in all life cycle stages, but generally work best with clients from 20 years to 95 years in age. My strongest areas of focus include trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, transitions, grief and loss issues, family of origin, parent coaching, relationship dynamics and communication. My therapeutic style is very conversational, and intentionally designed to feel more personal and engaging. Most of my clients say that they have "never been to a therapist" like me. I have a systemic orientation that focuses on strengths, and utilizes narrative therapy, with a heavy emphasis on contextual, CBT, EMDR, and some DBT. The general goal of therapy is to determine the goals you want to reach, identify the useful skills , resources and strengths in your life that already exist and utilize the three to achieve your goals. I will teach you skills, provide psycho education and insight, and engage you in treatment modality exercises throughout the therapy experience. Along the way you will discover how many of the answers you already had, and develop confidence in your self for the future.

ABOUT ME Hello! I am Robert Peterson, MSW, LICSW. I am a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker living in the state of Washington. For most of my career, I have worked in international settings with children and adolescents where cultural displacement/adjustment/shock, dislocation from family and friends, isolation and stress are common challenges. The skills I have developed are applicable to youth experiencing trauma, divorce, death of a parent or any other crisis that taxes normal scoping skills. In addition helping children and adolescents adjust to new situations and expectations through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, I work to develop Resilience; the ability to adapt to difficult situations through cognitive restructuring and skill building. SPECIALTIES Cultural Adaptation Interpersonal Relationships Stress Management Conflict Resolution Personal Growth Depression and Anxiety Panic Attacks Parenting and Family Issues Trauma Diversity Family & relationship problems Academic problems Also experienced in: ADHD , Academic Issues, Career Planning, College Admissions. Social Adjustment Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Crisis Planning and Management.

I am a knowledgeable therapist - Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, who takes a non-judgmental, open-minded, practical approach, with an understanding that we are all different. Utilizing this approach, along with evidenced-based practices, I educate, encourage and empower clients to increase growth and healing. I have first-hand experience with the military culture. I am a veteran and I was a military spouse. I understand the challenges that the military can bring - from military trauma, separation due to deployment, to combat-related stress. I am currently independently licensed in Washington state and Kentucky, specializing in addictions, primarily substance use. I am experienced working with individuals who struggle with mental health disorders - depression, anxiety, trauma and issues coping with daily life stresses. I am no stranger to teens and young adults as I have worked in a youth group home setting. I look forward to working with you towards wellness and wholeness!!!

I am licensed in Washington State as a Mental Health Counselor and have 17 years of professional work experience to draw from. I am also trained in applied behavioral analysis and have additional professional experience as a certified professional guardian and personal experience as a proud mother of a special needs child. I am skilled in helping clients with social and communication skills, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, self confidence, & coping with life changes and transitions. My passion is helping give everyone a voice and promoting equal and fair access to care and support for all. This is why I specialize in providing services to the following client populations: First Responders, individuals on the Autism Spectrum (Asperger's), Caregivers, Dementia, Medically Fragile, and Geriatrics. I believe that with the right support and encouragement, anything is possible! I am here for you to support and empower you through your healing journey.

Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the states of Indiana, Massachusetts and Washington, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maine, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Arizona, Oregon, and DC, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of Utah, a Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC) in the state of Nevada, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Board Certified Coach (BCC). I have a master's degree in Counseling & Counselor Education and an Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling, both from Indiana University. I have 6 years of counseling experience, have worked in two community mental health centers and two college counseling centers, with a focus on depression, anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, and other mood disorders. I have also worked with college students, primarily student-athletes, helping them navigate academic and personal issues. I have experience with career counseling and life coaching. My counseling style is focused on meeting my clients where they are. I utilize a humanistic, person-centered approach, with techniques centered in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and Solution-Focused therapy. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment that allows my clients to freely express themselves as they work toward their goals. My greatest reward is when clients allow me to join them on their journey, providing some help as they make positive changes in their lives. Let me know how I can help you on your journey. I look forward to working with you!

Hi! I'm Trisha, a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State with close to 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and depression, set healthy boundaries and limits to experience more fulfilling relationships, and cope with trauma and loss. I'm here to be a guide and support in your journey. However, I firmly believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths, qualities, and attributes that will assist you in overcoming the things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I'm proud of you for taking the first step to make changes to becoming the best version of yourself. I'm excited to be working with you and am here to support you in that process in any way that I can.

I am licensed in Washington and Montana with 37 years of professional work experience, as a private practitioner and as the Assistant Director of Counseling at Whitman College and the Director of Counseling at the University of Montana. I am currently retired from working in a college setting and am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with clients on a part-time basis through BetterHelp. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My approach is warm, empathic, and non-judgmental, and I strive to meet each person at the intersection of all their unique experiences. I tailor my approach to fit each person’s individual needs, and my hope is that each client feels empowered to recognize and reclaim their inherent strengths. I honor each individuals unique identity and have a keen awareness of the marginalization of many people and groups. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Washington and Kentucky with 8 years of professional work experience. I believe if you change you brain, you can change your life. Mental health disorders effect the way our brain produces different types of chemicals and we often have to retrain the pathways our brain takes in order to change our behaviors and situations. I also believe in letting people make their own choices, because you are the expert on your life! I take a motivational interviewing approach. You tell me what you want to do or where you want to go and I will help you figure out the different routes and options to achieve your goals by using proven scientific methods. My methods usually involve cognitive behavioral therapy with a large variety of interventions depending on your preferences and personality. I especially like using a psychoeducation approach with people who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, bipolar, or coping with addictions because you deserve to know why you feel the way you do and how you can change it. I have a wide range of experience working with varying age groups, cultural backgrounds, and religious beliefs. I have a license in Mental Health Counseling and Supervision. I have been a college Professor for 6 years, teaching counseling classes and working with college students. I have experience working with children and youth at a crisis stabilization unit, public schools, and private schools. I spent several years working with substance abuse and addictions. I really enjoy investing in people by inspiring them with hope and equipping them with the tools to change. You have already begun changing your life from the moment you signed up. I would love to be on your team as you continue your journey.

Hi and welcome. It takes courage to ask for help, and counseling can be helpful in many ways. I will provide a kind and safe place where I make no judgments and do my best to help you learn self-compassion; and, how to achieve a healthier life. Counseling is a challenge because it requires a commitment. It is an experience we share and we will do this together. I want to get to know you and ask you to try some new things that I think may be helpful to you. I will help you focus on what is most important to you. We can develop achievable goals together and practice important skills to create the life you want. Life can be difficult at times and you can learn to handle those difficulties. If right now you are struggling, that’s ok, you are capable of becoming healthier. I am optimistic about your ability to be healthier and look forward to working with you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington with 13 years of professional experience as a mental health counselor working both online and in person. I earned my Masters of Arts in Community Counseling in 2010. Prior to becoming an experienced therapist, I had an additional 14 years of professional experience in higher education, and at least 9 of those years working with students on wellness issues such as disordered eating, adjusting to change, career choices and more. I am experienced in helping clients with stress and anxiousness, depressing thoughts, loss of focus, worry, or the inability to get things done, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, personal growth, career planning and work/life balance. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. We will build your treatment plan together to meet your specific concerns and I will support you in your healing process.