Therapists serving clients in University Place, WA

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 mental health counselor licensed in Washington State. I am also a professional writer with experience working as an RN and a creativity and life coach. I love to draw on all of these elements in counseling, as I believe that our mental, physical, and spiritual health are intertwined and we are happiest and healthiest when we pay attention to all three. My counseling style is open, warm, flexible, and collaborative. I draw on elements of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, positive psychology, journal therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique meridian tapping. We'll agree on goals and a treatment plan together, revising as your situation changes. My specialty areas include: Depression Anxiety Chronic pain Medical problems Grief and Loss Working through challenging life experiences Creative blocks Deciding to engage in counseling is a courageous and empowering first step to a happier and more fulfilling life, so I'm glad you've found your way here. I would be honored to travel on this journey with you.

Hello! I am a Clinical Social Worker based in Spokane and am licensed in Washington and Idaho. I have been working in the counseling field for 11 years. I received my master’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University and my bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. I am originally from Hawaii and moved to Spokane for graduate school. My approach to therapy is client-centered. I enjoy helping people take steps towards living their values and achieving their goals. I have worked with clients in several areas. I am most experienced in providing career counseling. Career counseling includes work/life balance, career/vocational exploration, career transitions, workplace concerns (getting along with coworkers, bosses, etc.), and other workplace-related stress/anxiety. I draw from multiple treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I look forward to working with you!

Hi, welcome to the BetterHelp community. I want to commend you for the courage it took to take the first steps in seeking support at this time. My name is Tyler Cole and I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in the states of California, Colorado, and Washington. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and bring with me 7+ years of experience working in a wide variety of settings. I have experience providing counseling across a spectrum of diverse individual and family needs in community clinics, schools, residential care, and private practice. Throughout my experience I have had the opportunity to support individuals and families in working toward and meeting their goals in a wide array of considerations including: managing depression and anxiety, overcoming situational stress, finding opportune work-life balance, enhancing and improving communication and relationship fulfillment, and fostering overall improved inter and intrapersonal wellbeing. Additionally, I have advanced training and experience in addressing concerns related to trauma and abuse, parenting and family concerns, and attachment dynamics. I am a firm believer in the research that indicates that the counseling experience will only be as helpful as the strength of the therapeutic alliance. As such, I take pride in working to create an accepting, non-judgmental, supportive, and safe space in which we can work together. It is my goal to fully understand your story, values, goals, and relationships that are of the most importance to you in order assist you in reaching your goals. Most often, individuals and families tend to know, intuitively, what they want and need and then tend to move in that direction when barriers can be navigated around. My role is to compassionately assist in navigating any potential areas where things are feeling stuck and unhelpful. Some of my approaches to our shared work include the use of techniques derived from Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. However, each of these evidence-based interventions are grounded in a firm commitment to a client-centered and strengths-based approach that highlights the individual and family as the expert on your life and needs. Reaching out for support is not always an easy or clear decision to make. Again, I commend you for taking this step. Whether I have the opportunity to work with you or not, I wish you all the best in your endeavors to improve your overall wellbeing.

My name is Michelle Bailey. I am a United States Navy Veteran. I have been in the field of mental health for over 15 years. I earned a Doctoral degree in education and a Master’s degree in counseling. I hold a Florida license in mental health MH8624 which has opened doors to assist many clients and their families by imparting knowledge in ways that meet the needs of clients, their families, and the community in which they reside. I specialized in working with adults in the area of mental and emotional issues to include traumatic experiences, substance use, mood disorders/ anxiety, loss and grief issues and adjustment concerns. I believe in the power of cognitive behavioral therapy and a holistic approach learning how to reconnect ourselves to our natural state of well-being while exploring healthier ways of coping with whatever life hands us in the present moment. Sometimes, just experiencing the present moment and being heard we can remove the overwhelming stressful, mental blocks in order to experience our best life possible. I can assist in helping to improve your healthy ability to cope with life stressors. I am truly, dedicated and honored to collaboratively assist in enhancing your life. In my free time I enjoy dancing, traveling, laughing, and spending quality time with family and friends.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Amberton University and a Bachelors of Science degree in Communication with a minor in Sociology from the University of Arizona in Tucson. I enjoy working with individuals and families and have experience working with issues of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, emptiness, relationships, life transitions and others. I began my counseling career 14 years ago as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Dallas Texas where I was a therapist and family counselor at Solutions Outpatient Services. After 3 years at SOS, I took a position at Enterhealth treatment facility in Van Alstyne, Texas as one of their first primary therapists. I left Enterhealth a year later to open a private practice In Dallas. In 2010 my wife and I moved to the majestic Pacific Northwest. Currently I live in Kirkland, WA and have an 8 year old son and a pug. My approach is person centered and eclectic. I integrate and blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems Theory and other philosophies and techniques. Please know that I have the greatest respect for your courage. Feelings can be overwhelming and disorienting. Intense emotions can be frightening and painful. Depression robs us of the moments in life that are truly worth savoring. It is my firm belief that all emotions have value and utility, containing large veins of information if we take the time to drill down a bit. The more we can embrace and utilize the full spectrum of our experience, from joy to pain, the greater our capacity for self actualization becomes. It is my hope that we can collaborate on a journey of discovery; one that fosters awareness, clarity, acceptance, and change.

Life can be messy, and it doesn’t always make sense. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED SPACE TO BE. Hi, my name is Lou and I use they/them pronouns. I am licensed therapist in Washington State with over 7 years of experience as a therapist. I work hard at creating a safe, warm, compassionate, and comfortable space that allows you to get to know yourself in new ways. Whether you’ve been in therapy before and are ready for something different, or you are new to therapy and are looking for a place to get started, there is space for you here. As a part of the Queer and trans community, I understand how important representation and connection is. Of course, we all have our own unique stories. Your story is not my story, and my story is not yours. However, I find that it is incredibly helpful (and dare I say, healing even) to have that common understanding and shared experience with my clients.

I am licensed in Texas and Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

My name is Chris Vaggalis and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a deep passion for supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being. With more than 25 years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations facing a wide range of challenges. My background includes clinical work in community mental health, child welfare, school social work and adult inpatient clients. This allows me a nuanced understanding of the complexities individuals and families face and subsequently learn to safely navigate in their lives. I employ an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from various modalities such as a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or mindfulness-based techniques with a strengths based approach. I believe in creating a collaborative and non-judgmental space where we can explore challenges, identify strengths and work towards positive change. Navigating life's challenges can be overwhelming and seeking therapy is a courageous step towards growth and healing. Whether you're facing issues related to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or life transitions, I am here to work alongside you on your path to a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can embark on a journey towards positive change and personal empowerment.

Greetings, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas fully Licensed 21 years plus. My experience includes working in every area of the Mental Health field from Private Practice, Inpatient, Residential, Partial hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient Program to Outpatient programs. I also managed two Outpatient clinics. I enjoy working with individuals to help them meet the goal that they set out to obtain. I have worked with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress, anger management to relationship issues. I am a Christian and fully believes that God loves us more than we could ever love him or ourselves and that there are no issues too big for him. He is our biggest supporter as long as we keep reaching out to him for help. I am also licensed in the State of Washington as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.