Buddhist Therapists in King County, WA
Nathan Silpakit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98108 (Online Only)
I am deeply informed by my lived experience being Thai, a child of immigrants, Buddhist, queer, non-binary, and non-monogamous.
Therapy offers a temporary refuge from the pressures of our day-to-day lives. It's a space for us to better understand ourselves and practice how we want to be in the larger world-especially in a world that actively harms so many of us. We all carry trauma that informs our behaviors, sometimes resulting in anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict. I work with clients to find what lies at the root of these problems and discover solutions. I take an integrative approach to this, meaning I draw on a variety of different treatment modalities based on your needs.
I am deeply informed by my lived experience being Thai, a child of immigrants, Buddhist, queer, non-binary, and non-monogamous.
Therapy offers a temporary refuge from the pressures of our day-to-day lives. It's a space for us to better understand ourselves and practice how we want to be in the larger world-especially in a world that actively harms so many of us. We all carry trauma that informs our behaviors, sometimes resulting in anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict. I work with clients to find what lies at the root of these problems and discover solutions. I take an integrative approach to this, meaning I draw on a variety of different treatment modalities based on your needs.
Christina L Knudsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am certified in EMDR and use a Buddhist mindset to support our work.
There is hope! What I specialize in: anyone who has experienced childhood trauma, and those with chronic health issues, EMDR certified. You can find life more peaceful, and simple with increased connection with yourself and others. Being willing to reprocess the past with EMDR is the most effective way to treat current symptoms. Connection with others is a basic human need. I am sure whatever your symptoms are they are impacting your relationships. This is what is causing the most suffering. We all need relationships to feel happy and content. We will explore past trauma, increasing contentment. This is NOT traditional talk therapy.
I am certified in EMDR and use a Buddhist mindset to support our work.
There is hope! What I specialize in: anyone who has experienced childhood trauma, and those with chronic health issues, EMDR certified. You can find life more peaceful, and simple with increased connection with yourself and others. Being willing to reprocess the past with EMDR is the most effective way to treat current symptoms. Connection with others is a basic human need. I am sure whatever your symptoms are they are impacting your relationships. This is what is causing the most suffering. We all need relationships to feel happy and content. We will explore past trauma, increasing contentment. This is NOT traditional talk therapy.
Columbia City MIndfulness and DBT
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98118 (Online Only)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is rooted in the wisdom teachings of Buddhist Psychology and Western Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy.
I welcome people who are facing any number of challenges including life transitions such as divorce, job loss, illness, death of a loved one; all shifting the ground beneath us in dramatic ways. What worked no longer works. My trMy training as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher complements training and practice in psychotherapy addressing a dysregulated emotion system resulting in various symptoms such as anxiety, panic, depression, and identity disturbance and sometimes even a desire to die or hurt oneself. There can be a painful sense of isolation and feeling unmoored. There is a way out; first understanding, then tools to heal.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is rooted in the wisdom teachings of Buddhist Psychology and Western Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy.
I welcome people who are facing any number of challenges including life transitions such as divorce, job loss, illness, death of a loved one; all shifting the ground beneath us in dramatic ways. What worked no longer works. My trMy training as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher complements training and practice in psychotherapy addressing a dysregulated emotion system resulting in various symptoms such as anxiety, panic, depression, and identity disturbance and sometimes even a desire to die or hurt oneself. There can be a painful sense of isolation and feeling unmoored. There is a way out; first understanding, then tools to heal.
Buddhist philosophy teaches that while we cannot prevent an arrow from striking us, we can avoid the reaction of planting a second arrow of judgment and criticism.
I help people develop resources to work more mindfully with impermanence. Aging, illness, death, identity transitions, relationships – all bring us face to face with fear, anxiety, and insecurity. The courage and wisdom to live through change and loss become possible with a clear, steady commitment to loving oneself and others. I work with my clients to become curious, have a sense of humor, feel grace, cultivate friendships, and embody kindness in order to access joy in the everyday moments of life, even with life's many challenges.
Buddhist philosophy teaches that while we cannot prevent an arrow from striking us, we can avoid the reaction of planting a second arrow of judgment and criticism.
I help people develop resources to work more mindfully with impermanence. Aging, illness, death, identity transitions, relationships – all bring us face to face with fear, anxiety, and insecurity. The courage and wisdom to live through change and loss become possible with a clear, steady commitment to loving oneself and others. I work with my clients to become curious, have a sense of humor, feel grace, cultivate friendships, and embody kindness in order to access joy in the everyday moments of life, even with life's many challenges.
Contemplative psychotherapy is the bringing together of the best of Western psychology with traditional Buddhist philosophies to create a space for inner healing and self-empowerment.
Are you ready to overcome the belief that something is wrong with you? Do you struggle with: low self-esteem, dis-empowerment, creating healthy relationships, setting boundaries, self-compassion, or self-care? These issues are common in our society today- there is a collective belief that somehow, no matter what we do, we are intrinsically flawed or broken. We have traded the sacred truth of our own experience for self-aggression, self-judgment, and self-loathing, and we feel miserable.
Contemplative psychotherapy is the bringing together of the best of Western psychology with traditional Buddhist philosophies to create a space for inner healing and self-empowerment.
Are you ready to overcome the belief that something is wrong with you? Do you struggle with: low self-esteem, dis-empowerment, creating healthy relationships, setting boundaries, self-compassion, or self-care? These issues are common in our society today- there is a collective belief that somehow, no matter what we do, we are intrinsically flawed or broken. We have traded the sacred truth of our own experience for self-aggression, self-judgment, and self-loathing, and we feel miserable.
My practice grounds in Buddhist psychology and anti-oppression and somatic-relational approaches.
Even when we know that some of our emotional pain is unnecessary, on our own it can be difficult to figure out why the extra suffering and how to make it better. Anxiety, depression, trauma re-activation, relationship difficulties, and coping strategies are natural responses to life experiences and circumstances. Do they need to hurt so and are we stuck with them? Therapy is a great place to gain perspective on what you can change. Also, to widen the horizon from managing pain to living more fully like yourself and to thriving. Because, as Thich Nhat Hanh said, "suffering is not enough".
My practice grounds in Buddhist psychology and anti-oppression and somatic-relational approaches.
Even when we know that some of our emotional pain is unnecessary, on our own it can be difficult to figure out why the extra suffering and how to make it better. Anxiety, depression, trauma re-activation, relationship difficulties, and coping strategies are natural responses to life experiences and circumstances. Do they need to hurt so and are we stuck with them? Therapy is a great place to gain perspective on what you can change. Also, to widen the horizon from managing pain to living more fully like yourself and to thriving. Because, as Thich Nhat Hanh said, "suffering is not enough".
My perspective on working with men is also flavored by my diverse experiences of being a father, boxer, Buddhist monk, yoga teacher, musician, and military intelligence analyst.
I specialize in helping couples, families, and men deal more effectively with their emotions and difficulties in their important relationships. I also offer executive coaching and support for leadership development and proactive personal growth. My style is warm, interactive, holistic and direct, and the strength of my approach rests on forging a genuine and trusting working relationship so that you can feel comfortable in getting real about what's happening with you. As your sense of trust and readiness deepens, we'll take stock of what changes are needed and find personal, realistic and creative ways to help you move forward.
My perspective on working with men is also flavored by my diverse experiences of being a father, boxer, Buddhist monk, yoga teacher, musician, and military intelligence analyst.
I specialize in helping couples, families, and men deal more effectively with their emotions and difficulties in their important relationships. I also offer executive coaching and support for leadership development and proactive personal growth. My style is warm, interactive, holistic and direct, and the strength of my approach rests on forging a genuine and trusting working relationship so that you can feel comfortable in getting real about what's happening with you. As your sense of trust and readiness deepens, we'll take stock of what changes are needed and find personal, realistic and creative ways to help you move forward.
I have been practicing various forms of Buddhist meditation and yoga for over 30 years.
My therapy practice is committed to helping people live happier, healthier, more joy filled lives. Every single moment of our lives can unfold in infinitely creative ways, yet sometimes our problems seem overwhelming, or we find ourselves repeating negative patterns and we can't see the solution. Are you suffering from anxiety or depression? Are you longing for emotional connection with those nearest to you? Does your life lack a sense of direction, meaning or purpose? Are you suffering a loss, going through a job or life transition?
I have been practicing various forms of Buddhist meditation and yoga for over 30 years.
My therapy practice is committed to helping people live happier, healthier, more joy filled lives. Every single moment of our lives can unfold in infinitely creative ways, yet sometimes our problems seem overwhelming, or we find ourselves repeating negative patterns and we can't see the solution. Are you suffering from anxiety or depression? Are you longing for emotional connection with those nearest to you? Does your life lack a sense of direction, meaning or purpose? Are you suffering a loss, going through a job or life transition?
In my work I draw from a background in philosophy, psychoanalysis, feminism, and Buddhist meditation practice.
Are you going through a major life transition, such as a recent move to Seattle or a change in the status of your -or a loved one's-job, relationship, or health? Major transitions in life, whether seen as positive or negative, can stir up a lot of mixed emotions and bring up old issues from the past. I am experienced in helping people during times of confusion, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, and struggle with old traumatic injuries. I can help you find compassion, open insight, and create value and meaning from this time of transition.
In my work I draw from a background in philosophy, psychoanalysis, feminism, and Buddhist meditation practice.
Are you going through a major life transition, such as a recent move to Seattle or a change in the status of your -or a loved one's-job, relationship, or health? Major transitions in life, whether seen as positive or negative, can stir up a lot of mixed emotions and bring up old issues from the past. I am experienced in helping people during times of confusion, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, and struggle with old traumatic injuries. I can help you find compassion, open insight, and create value and meaning from this time of transition.
I utilize Buddhist psychology, existential psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Anxiety, trauma, and stress are at all-time highs. Jobs and relationships that (you thought) promised satisfaction fall short. And then you go and surprise yourself with a drinking problem, binge eating, or overwhelming burnout. You might work in a demanding field, like medicine, tech, or finance. Something I hear a lot from clients when they come into therapy is that they feel like it's impossible for them to feel better: there's a certainty that the overwhelm and stress and anxiety will never go away. What I want you to know is this: it's not true. You can find relief.
I utilize Buddhist psychology, existential psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Anxiety, trauma, and stress are at all-time highs. Jobs and relationships that (you thought) promised satisfaction fall short. And then you go and surprise yourself with a drinking problem, binge eating, or overwhelming burnout. You might work in a demanding field, like medicine, tech, or finance. Something I hear a lot from clients when they come into therapy is that they feel like it's impossible for them to feel better: there's a certainty that the overwhelm and stress and anxiety will never go away. What I want you to know is this: it's not true. You can find relief.
My practice combines Gestalt psychotherapy, expertise in attachment, and over ten years as a practicing Buddhist.
Is there something holding you back from the life you want? Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed by changes you would like to make but find yourself repeating old patterns? Working with the body and the mind, clients are supported in exploring and bringing awareness to habits that are no longer working, accessing their natural curiosity, loosening stuck, scary, or confusing places, and reconnecting to their creativity, resilience, and well being.
My practice combines Gestalt psychotherapy, expertise in attachment, and over ten years as a practicing Buddhist.
Is there something holding you back from the life you want? Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed by changes you would like to make but find yourself repeating old patterns? Working with the body and the mind, clients are supported in exploring and bringing awareness to habits that are no longer working, accessing their natural curiosity, loosening stuck, scary, or confusing places, and reconnecting to their creativity, resilience, and well being.
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Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102
Waitlist for new clients
Depth psychology, the psychospiritual, Buddhist & Sufi philosophy, Persian Mysticism, Nonviolence, art, film, music, the ebb & flow of the ocean, the lush forest, and the many different cultures and colors of human spirit inspire me creatively, spirituality, and poetically.
We live in an overly stimulated world even while hiding from a virus, with constant choices regarding how we spend our time and energy and procure our needs. The amount of content we engage with daily has most people overloaded and unfocused. Which means, most of the time, we are not truly listened to or seen. For some, stepping into therapy is the first time they have experienced being heard and seen, wholly, genuinely, and comprehensively. The initial experience of being heard, can have a profound effect on one’s life. That is where we will begin. In a space with presence, non-judgmental empathic listening, and acceptance.
Depth psychology, the psychospiritual, Buddhist & Sufi philosophy, Persian Mysticism, Nonviolence, art, film, music, the ebb & flow of the ocean, the lush forest, and the many different cultures and colors of human spirit inspire me creatively, spirituality, and poetically.
We live in an overly stimulated world even while hiding from a virus, with constant choices regarding how we spend our time and energy and procure our needs. The amount of content we engage with daily has most people overloaded and unfocused. Which means, most of the time, we are not truly listened to or seen. For some, stepping into therapy is the first time they have experienced being heard and seen, wholly, genuinely, and comprehensively. The initial experience of being heard, can have a profound effect on one’s life. That is where we will begin. In a space with presence, non-judgmental empathic listening, and acceptance.
I practice psychodynamic mind-body psychotherapy, incorporating Relational Psychoanalytic, Experiential Dynamic, Existential-Phenomenlogical, and Buddhist perspectives.
Welcome. Are you looking for more joy and better relationships? My training has taught me to help people examine and describe the life they have, identifying areas in which they are "stuck," and reconnect to the life-goals that motivated them. Sometimes this stuckness has to do with certain feelings, sometimes it is about past traumas, often it shows up as repeating patterns in significant relationships, and sometimes it manifests as a malaise in which a direction in life seems impossible to find.
I practice psychodynamic mind-body psychotherapy, incorporating Relational Psychoanalytic, Experiential Dynamic, Existential-Phenomenlogical, and Buddhist perspectives.
Welcome. Are you looking for more joy and better relationships? My training has taught me to help people examine and describe the life they have, identifying areas in which they are "stuck," and reconnect to the life-goals that motivated them. Sometimes this stuckness has to do with certain feelings, sometimes it is about past traumas, often it shows up as repeating patterns in significant relationships, and sometimes it manifests as a malaise in which a direction in life seems impossible to find.
Creativity, parenthood, and other major life transitions - such experiences can evoke vulnerable, sometimes flooded states, highlighting our obstructions in the forms of worries, doubts, resentments and despair. Using tools informed by your personal dharma, a deeper understanding of your attachment style, and Buddhist practice, let's work together to bring understanding and self-compassion towards these obstructions in an effort to dissolve them in some lasting ways.
Creativity, parenthood, and other major life transitions - such experiences can evoke vulnerable, sometimes flooded states, highlighting our obstructions in the forms of worries, doubts, resentments and despair. Using tools informed by your personal dharma, a deeper understanding of your attachment style, and Buddhist practice, let's work together to bring understanding and self-compassion towards these obstructions in an effort to dissolve them in some lasting ways.
Tracy G Bell
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Waitlist for new clients
I draw on a foundation in Jungian/Depth psychotherapy and Buddhist philosophy.
I work with young, midlife, and elderly adults in all phases of life transition, whose lives have brought them to a place where they want support to work through difficult, stuck, or critical times. What often appears problematic is evidence of a solution trying to happen. I see this as an organic process which can come with disturbance, frustration, over-stimulation and/or depression. What you sometimes can't see by yourself, you can see, navigate, and resolve with the help of another. My approach is to join my clients in their quest for resolution, meaning, and happiness.
I draw on a foundation in Jungian/Depth psychotherapy and Buddhist philosophy.
I work with young, midlife, and elderly adults in all phases of life transition, whose lives have brought them to a place where they want support to work through difficult, stuck, or critical times. What often appears problematic is evidence of a solution trying to happen. I see this as an organic process which can come with disturbance, frustration, over-stimulation and/or depression. What you sometimes can't see by yourself, you can see, navigate, and resolve with the help of another. My approach is to join my clients in their quest for resolution, meaning, and happiness.
My work is rooted in existential and buddhist concepts and I have experience leading groups focused on coping with grief, self-compassion, and integrating mindfulness-based approaches into daily life.
I want to help you find solace, clarity, and a sense of ease to the things in life that seldom make sense. Often this is asking big questions in the face of life's hardest curveballs. I will encourage meaningful and honest conversations about the things in life that are challenging for you to explore. Together, we will make a space to be able to give life to the words that are difficult to say out loud and help you grow in ways that feel useful to you. This can be a painful process and most often is worth it.
My work is rooted in existential and buddhist concepts and I have experience leading groups focused on coping with grief, self-compassion, and integrating mindfulness-based approaches into daily life.
I want to help you find solace, clarity, and a sense of ease to the things in life that seldom make sense. Often this is asking big questions in the face of life's hardest curveballs. I will encourage meaningful and honest conversations about the things in life that are challenging for you to explore. Together, we will make a space to be able to give life to the words that are difficult to say out loud and help you grow in ways that feel useful to you. This can be a painful process and most often is worth it.
I draw on the western traditions of psychoanalytic, object relations, and systems theories in an interpersonal approach to therapy, as well as the Buddhist Theravada and Vajrayana traditions.
My work is ideal for people who have a desire to understand themselves more fully, and who are interested in exploring stuck patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that cause suffering to themselves and the people in their lives. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues around identity, including sexuality and gender issues. I also work with clients who are grappling with existential issues of meaning and mortality. I focus on the cultivation of awareness and acceptance in the safe environment of a compassionate therapeutic relationship.
I draw on the western traditions of psychoanalytic, object relations, and systems theories in an interpersonal approach to therapy, as well as the Buddhist Theravada and Vajrayana traditions.
My work is ideal for people who have a desire to understand themselves more fully, and who are interested in exploring stuck patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that cause suffering to themselves and the people in their lives. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues around identity, including sexuality and gender issues. I also work with clients who are grappling with existential issues of meaning and mortality. I focus on the cultivation of awareness and acceptance in the safe environment of a compassionate therapeutic relationship.
I believe that you already contain a deep power for healing inside. Together with kindness and curiosity, we will create a safe and accepting space where all aspects of you are welcome. Our journey will be one of shared exploration and discovery. I am here to guide and support you along the way. Our work will originate in the here and now—what is present in your life currently, learning to meet what shows up with care and compassion. I love counseling those in transition— be that career, gender, or otherwise and draw from feminist, existential, Buddhist, and somatic frameworks and work from a trauma-informed lens.
I believe that you already contain a deep power for healing inside. Together with kindness and curiosity, we will create a safe and accepting space where all aspects of you are welcome. Our journey will be one of shared exploration and discovery. I am here to guide and support you along the way. Our work will originate in the here and now—what is present in your life currently, learning to meet what shows up with care and compassion. I love counseling those in transition— be that career, gender, or otherwise and draw from feminist, existential, Buddhist, and somatic frameworks and work from a trauma-informed lens.
I have been a Buddhist meditator for more than forty-five years.
If you are a woman who is accommodating others and not feeling seen or heard, it is possible to feel connected and alive. Women wanting to make a shift in their life -personal or professional are my ideal client. I specialize in depression, anxiety, avoidance, dissociation, chronic illness, personal and professional relationship issues. Transitions in career, relationships or working through trauma and loss are my areas of expertise. I am intuitive with an innate ability to assist people in focusing on their potential and helping them to make that shift and resolve traumas.
I have been a Buddhist meditator for more than forty-five years.
If you are a woman who is accommodating others and not feeling seen or heard, it is possible to feel connected and alive. Women wanting to make a shift in their life -personal or professional are my ideal client. I specialize in depression, anxiety, avoidance, dissociation, chronic illness, personal and professional relationship issues. Transitions in career, relationships or working through trauma and loss are my areas of expertise. I am intuitive with an innate ability to assist people in focusing on their potential and helping them to make that shift and resolve traumas.
I come from a trauma-informed, somatic, social justice, internal family systems (IFS), and Buddhist perspective, and I specialize in supporting marginalized groups (BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQ+, immigrants).
You’re looking for relief and real change. It may appear like you have it all together, but on the inside you feel doubtful, burdened, unfulfilled, and stressed. Maybe you’re caught between different cultures, struggling with your identity and finding your place in the world. You might be carrying the trauma of your past or family history and seeing the impacts at work, home, and in your body and relationships. Maybe you're deeply worried about the state of the world and don't know how to move forward meaningfully. Even in your free time, you may find it difficult to truly relax and rest, your sense of pleasure and purpose depleted.
I come from a trauma-informed, somatic, social justice, internal family systems (IFS), and Buddhist perspective, and I specialize in supporting marginalized groups (BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQ+, immigrants).
You’re looking for relief and real change. It may appear like you have it all together, but on the inside you feel doubtful, burdened, unfulfilled, and stressed. Maybe you’re caught between different cultures, struggling with your identity and finding your place in the world. You might be carrying the trauma of your past or family history and seeing the impacts at work, home, and in your body and relationships. Maybe you're deeply worried about the state of the world and don't know how to move forward meaningfully. Even in your free time, you may find it difficult to truly relax and rest, your sense of pleasure and purpose depleted.
See more therapy options for King County
Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.