Family Systems Therapists in Burien, WA

Are you having increased anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic? Are particular relationships proving to be difficult? Are you looking for something to change? I believe in deep goodness and healing that occurs when we share our brokenness with one another to grieve the past, accept the present, and voice hope for the future. We will spend time making sense of your past and how it impacts your relationships. I will work with you, your children, or your family to develop relational and coping skills, with the ultimate goal of developing self-compassion. I will approach our work with empathy and compassion.

Welcome! My name is Christine and connecting with people has been a passion of mine since as early as I can remember. I grew up moving frequently (living on three different continents before I was 18) and traveling the world which perpetuated my curiosity and desire to understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience. I believe all behavior makes sense given context and my therapy process is an eclectic approach designed to guide you toward compassionately discovering what is driving your unhelpful behaviors.

Knowing where to begin to deal with your personal struggles can be difficult. In a supportive and collaborative environment we will uncover the strengths you already possess to conquer life's challenges. I provide counseling to all kinds of people, with all kinds of struggles. I specialize in anxiety and depression, but I am particularly interested in where they come from. This can include difficult life transitions, family conflict, relationship issues, history of abuse and anger problems-to name a few. My goal is to give you some strategies to help you feel better immediately, while working on larger patterns in need of change.

I approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model. I view every individual/family/couple as unique, utilizing methods and techniques best-suited for each situation. My experience includes many areas, all pertaining to individuals, couples and families. I am passionate in working with women, teens, couples and the LGBTQ community. I was trained in Family Systems Therapy; I approach therapy work holistically, focusing on the individual and extending beyond, to the interactions between family members and significant others. I work with clients to help them recognize how extended family, culture, and society may impact them as individuals.

I help people find the optimal version of themselves, one where they feel most aligned and grounded within their humanness. If you feel like you are wading in quicksand, I can help you build a foundation to stand on and grow from. I have experience supporting people through: Life Transitions (including new or complicated parenthood), Anxiety, Depression, Lifestyle Modifications, Grief (including prolonged grief), Chronic Pain, PTSD and C-PTSD (Complex PTSD), Recently diagnosed medical conditions, Somatic Challenges and Concerns, Navigating Complex Medical Issues (eg. BRCA 2+ positive) using a variety of therapeutic tools/models.

I am a nationally registered art therapist. Using creative processes helps us develop new ways of thinking and new insights into our actions, reactions, and behaviors...and know that if you don't want to make art, you don't have to. It's always an option and never required.

Marilyn Baker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with experience in corporate and nonprofit sectors working with diverse populations and internationally. She has been involved in Christian ministry since 2016 and received her graduate degree from Western Seminary. She focuses on providing direct counseling services to those in high-stress work environments and those struggling with chronic physical or emotional burdens.

As a systemic therapist, I believe in the exploration of all cultural and societal messages, norms, and values that have shaped my clients into who they are today. Making the brave decision to begin therapy is often preceded by many obstacles and challenges, and it is important to me to take the necessary time to walk through clients' stories and reflect on their experiences. I work to create a safe, trusting, and open environment where my clients and I can exchange constructive feedback. I believe that the therapy room is a space for emotional vulnerability, reflection, and growth.

Awarded Bellevue's Best Mental Health & Counseling Business for 8 consecutive years. Because your life isn't like anyone else's your therapy shouldn't be either. Your therapy is designed to fit your needs, strengths, vulnerabilities, and personality. I offer a flexible array of therapeutic approaches providing both short-term problem-focused therapy and long-term attachment-based therapy. Your therapy is approached holistically because every part of your life and health are important to your well being.

Thank you for taking the time to put you and your family first in finding a therapist that will best meet your needs in navigating through your present concerns, or life challenges you and your family are presently experiencing. For the past six years I have provided a wide range of psychotherapy services to children, families, individuals, and couples who have experienced depression, perinatal/postpartum difficulties, anxiety, grief, trauma, adverse stress, relationship conflicts, behavioral and developmental related concerns. My approach to therapy is always strength based, warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (with a doctorate from Columbia University) with over 40 years of practice experience with children, families, couples, and adults. My approach to our work is "psychodynamic" and I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I am open to consultation, crisis intervention, short term therapy, and more intensive, insight oriented treatment. The "ideal client" is the one who is willing to work hard. So am I!

When working with me, my primary concern is building a therapeutic relationship of trust and safety. I want to help you through life's challenges, struggles and transitions. Whether you are depressed, anxious, conflicted, or uncertain of the path you should take in life; I will assist you with giving you the space and the tools necessary to transition and be successful. I take pride in meeting you where you are and building on your strengthens, teaching ways to cope and adjust.

I believe you know yourself best, but may need to make time and space to reconnect with you. I apply an integrative, holistic approach that examines each person's experience while taking into account the context in which they exist. The foundation of my work is establishing a brave space of safety and trust, while embracing compassion, empathy, non-judgment and openness.

I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with relational and individual emotional difficulties stemming from childhood neglect and/or abuse. I will show you how our brain and nervous system works to release long-held dysfunctional patterns of anxiety and depression. You will learn skills for Mindfulness and sensation awareness in order to release of the shock, grief, abandonment and shame that are often the root cause of depressive and hyperactive nervous systems.

Despite your best efforts, life is unknowable - you can't always predict or be prepared for what comes your way. Difficulties are inevitable. When they occur, you might need help sorting out what's going on and what to do next. The good news is, therapy helps. When you're feeling miserable, unlovable and afraid, therapy helps. When you find yourself asking the question "why me?", therapy helps. When you're ready to step into your life and take charge of it, instead of having it take charge of you, therapy helps.

I enjoy working with individuals and couples. I assist people who are struggling with identity issues. depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic stress disorder, relationship concerns and everyday stressors. I assist couples with intimacy issues, communication and conflict. I provide a warm, supportive environment so the client feels comfortable and is able to open up. I am located on Snoqualmie Ridge. Please go to my website for more information and to book your appointment today.

I support creatives in maximizing energy for their passions while managing challenges like anxiety, depression, or day jobs. I support individuals who are navigating complex life transitions, and help them explore new ways to cope with challenging situations and relationships. I see therapy as an active and reflective partnership, a safe place to learn tools for living. I provide Clinical Group and Individual Supervision to Social Workers pursuing Licensure in WA State.

I work with you to uncover underlying self destructive belief/ behavior patterns, then move into more life-enhancing patterns. My approach is culturally aware, founded in understanding the relationships systems within which you live and work, and guided by my intuitive knowledge of change and growth acquired during over 20 years of experience. My advanced training in EMDR eases your movement through grief, loss or trauma. Accountability and "keeping an eye on the goal" is an important part of our work together. I also specialize in LGBTQ concerns as well as the specific pain of the adult adoptee.

**I have a few times available this summer. Please inquire to see if those times may work for you!** Are you feeling 'stuck,' disconnected, or having troubles with stressors in your life? When we're feeling disconnected to those around us it challenges the way we think about ourselves and our world. I invite you, your children, or your whole family to come and reconnect with yourself and/or those around you. Together we can create a peaceful, judgment-free space to explore your thoughts and experiences at your own pace and in your own way.