Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists in Federal Way, WA

I enjoy working with children, teens, young adults, parents, families, and groups. In addition, I also act as a consultant to various schools in the King County area. My education and clinical training is focused on providing treatment and assessment services to children, adults, and families presenting with a diverse range of emotional, medical, and neuro-psychological difficulties. Furthermore, I have worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum for over 15 years. I utilize both a Cognitive Behavioral & Family Systems approach in my clinical work.

As a therapist at LightHeart, I am compassionate and dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey towards mental well-being. I have developed expertise in various therapeutic modalities. My goal is to create a warm and non-judgmental space for clients to feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, encouraging personal growth and transformation.

7/15/2024 - Openings for +individual clients+. One of the most important parts of therapy is forming a trusting and compassionate therapeutic relationship. From that, my approach is person-centered. Focusing on an understanding of your feelings, beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, experiences and goals. Providing a safe space for you to explore, process, grow, challenge yourself and make the changes you want. I will walk along side you, providing support, skill building and at times asking the challenging questions that often are left unsaid, make us uncomfortable, and that in the end, help us most to grow into who we want to be.

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.

I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist specializing in trauma recovery and mental wellness. With a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its profound effects on individuals, I offer a safe and nurturing space for clients to embark on their healing journey. Many of my clients have experienced trauma during childhood, leading to conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dissociation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or debilitating depression and anxiety. Together, we'll explore the depths of your resilience, reclaim your sense of self, and emerge stronger than ever before.

I enjoy working with clients who want to explore their life experiences. Stepping into therapy is an acknowledgement that something isn't adding up to what you want it to be, and my passion is helping you on your journey to become who you want to be. I work with individuals aged 10 and up on issues such as depression, anxiety, neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, relationship struggles, family conflict, school struggles, existential issues, or adjustment problems. Ultimately, whatever your goal is in therapy is my goal as well. There is nothing more fulfilling to me than seeing you meet your goals and growing towards who you want to be.

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.

As an African-American male providing therapy since 2007, I bring a multicultural perspective that has enabled me to work effectively with a wide range of clients. I'm a licensed mental health therapist who mainly works from a Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic Therapeutic approach to help address many issues in counseling. My belief is that people and families experience different problems and need help to navigate through them by addressing their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships with others. Washington State Approved LICENSED CLINICAL SUPERVISOR.

I work with teens, young adults and families struggling with a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges. I believe that each individual is doing the best they can in this moment. I use a collaborative, authentic approach to engage clients in evidence-informed interventions that help increase functioning and build lives that are meaningful and worth living.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Do you have a sense that you have no control over your life, thoughts, or feelings, causing you NOT to be an active participant in your own life? Do these feelings cause you to feel that you are drifting through life, becoming depressed and anxious? My goal is to offer a safe, supportive space, to walk with you on your journey, explore aspects of the 'self' that you would like to build, and discover strengths that can be used in your present and future, in order to construct the life you desire. Remember, the steps you take don’t have to be big, they just have to be heading you in the right direction.

Everyone goes through difficult times and needs a little additional support sometimes. I am interested in assisting you in finding ways to meet your personal goals. This is a collaborative, confidential process that can involve learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, increasing motivation for change, working through past trauma or feelings of grief, starting recovery for an addiction, or any of numerous other therapeutic goals. I have been working as a mental health therapist since 2000, and I find it very rewarding to be able to help others enrich their lives.

Parenting a child with autism or other developmental delays can be challenging. The usual strategies that work with other children often do not work well at all with a child who struggles with sensory processing differences, anxiety or other issues that go along with neurodevelopment conditions. Expert guidance from our autism specialists can help you feel and be more effective as a parent and fully enjoy your relationship with your child. Our behavioral services (ABA) is designed to accelerate your child's development and build lifelong skills for learning and independence.

In our sessions, we will work on understanding emotional responses, protective mechanisms, and inner system work. Together we will work to increase yourself-efficacy and compassion to deal with any stressful life situations that can and will occur. My clients will want to work on developing a stronger sense of self. Goals in therapy will be a collaborative process structured to help you along your introspective journey. If you are interested in delving deeper into your personal story, please don't hesitate to contact me to see if we are a good match.

Relationships are key to the individual human experience. I believe that it is no coincidence that when we find ourselves struggling in relationships, it has a profound effect on our individual emotional well being, just as experiencing a challenging life event can lead to difficulties in our close relationships. My practice specializes in therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are seeking to strengthen their current relationships following recent conflict, a difficult life event, individual or family trauma, or any other disruptive experiences. I am also currently accepting therapist trainees (post graduate) in need of clinical supervision.

I believe that every human being has uniqueness and potential to lead a satisfying life. I have continually sought personal growth and professional training to strengthen my capacity as a therapist. People experience results and growth in working with me, learn to cope with depression, resolve anxieties, improve intimate relationships, increase capacity for self control, develop effective parenting and better understanding of their children, overcome trauma like divorce or abuse, achieve better school performance, social skills, and find peace in their hearts.