Therapists in Federal Way, WA

I am a mental health counselor who believes therapy is a process in which you will gain greater self-awareness, that can change how you live in the world and relate to others. We all have issues from our past, big and small traumas, being triggered by our current situations that prevent us from living a more meaningful life. Creating healthy connections with the parts of you that are challenging, builds the resources for you to be more authentic and comfortable in your own skin. By doing this, you find your strengths and face your fears.

What do you do when you find yourself struggling with problems? Do you let those issues, such as, relationships, weight, substance abuse, behaviors, emotions, thoughts, energy or finance victimize you? If this problem doesn't make you feel happy and yet there is a part of you that fears overcoming the problem, I believe there might be some healing work we can do together. I can help you access your subconscious mind and help you achieve this goal of conscious freedom.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Struggling with transition, trauma, or loss? Longing for a life that fits with who you truly are inside? Depression, grief, relationship issues, trauma, & anxiety can leave you exhausted, stuck in painful old patterns. But they can also be opportunities for growth. Therapy is a process of "tending the soul," as well as addressing life's problems. I especially like working with women in midlife. To learn more about finding balance in middle age, check out the "Recent Articles" section on my website: www.soulcarepsychotherapy.com/

Are you heartbroken? Anxious? Angry? All of the above and more? You are welcome here. You may have a relationship that is falling apart or make the same bad decisions again and again. You may be overwhelmed by an overly critical mind that says you are undeserving, less than, or too much. Perhaps you take care of others and forget to take care of yourself. You long for companionship and have a deep desire to matter, to belong, and to be respected.

As a Mental Health Counselor, I believe that life presents us challenges that we sometimes need help to overcome. My specialty is working with young people between the ages of 10 and 21, but I do work with clients of all ages, with a focus on mood and behavioral stability. The foundations of my approach to counseling are Existential Psychology and Jungian Analytical Psychology. I have extensive experience working in Native American and multicultural communities.

I like to tell my clients, this is your therapy, you are the one driving the car. I am just the one in the back seat looking at the map, saying we could go right for the ocean view, or left for the mountains, which way would you like to go? Together we will co-create goals that will fit your circumstances and where you want to go. You are the expert of your situation. I am passionate about working with life transitions and those moments of, “this is not where I want to be, or planned to be in life, so now what?"

I am the Agency Psychologist for the Center for Systematic Therapy and Research Services (CSTARS). I work full-time after a career in research (University of Washington 1987-2004) and faculty appointment (John's Hopkins, Department of Mental Health [2004-2007]). I currently focus on directing two clinical programs with Clinical Director Melissa Byrd: 1) Relapse Prevention for advanced recovery in addiction and codependency (Group and Individual), 2) Sexual Victimization recovery from childhood and young adult PTSD (Group and Individual). I conduct neurodevelopmental assessments for Dr. Stumme-Parks' work with CSTARS' ADHD clients.

Do you feel like you’re constantly on alert, that you just can’t make things work anymore? It may seem like there’s no one who gets it. Perhaps you grew up having to be “in charge” because your parents weren’t or couldn’t be. Perhaps you’ve had your worldview shattered—by family, by religion, or by extraordinary/anomalous experiences you don’t talk about for fear of being laughed at or even called crazy. It can be exhausting. And it can be scary to reach out to a therapist because you want to make sure you won’t be judged, that they’ll understand, and most of all that they’ll be able to help.

I am passionate about being present with individuals as they experience disappointment, pain, despair, and joy in life and relationships. Sometimes, we need help navigating. I believe together we will discover the power and insight already within you. We undergo a process of examining your inner life, dreams, fantasies, and imagination to discover the inspiration that will allow you to live an authentic life. My approach is individually-focused and relationship-driven. Whatever challenges you are facing; that with a bit of goodwill and openness, much can be uncovered in a relatively short period of time.

Women seeking healthier relationships are my specialty. Even now, if you are deciding to change how you exist in this world you are already in transformation. Transformation comes through making choices that are conscious, consistent & compassionate and through dis-internalizing systems that are set up to repress and minimize your preciousness. The more we do this, the more we can give & receive love, find our fellow travelers (because we aren't meant to do this alone!) and create safe spaces in otherwise stormy places. With hearts open, and wisdom engaged, change becomes beautifully inevitable.