Therapists in Oak Harbor, WA

Life can be challenging. Whether it's loss, change, death of a loved one or uncertainty of life's direction, we all hit roadblocks and obstacles. During those times it's important to be heard. I am here to listen and to inspire hope. I believe in my clients' abilities to change. I nurture their inner strength until they can believe in themselves. Change is powerful. It can be transformational, scary and exciting. When I worked in Palliative Care with patients who were at the end stage of their lives, I was witness to the power of being present. In the quiet presence of acceptance, a deep healing can occur. PLEASE EMAIL FOR CONSULT

People are afraid, overwhelmed and "stuck". So many people are dealing with isolation, family difficulties and financial stress. They need to know how to get through to the other side and that they are not alone in their journey. They need a clinical perspective and help developing a blue print for change. They want to live a life being more connected and more at peace.

Becoming aware of our beliefs and behaviors can support our overall mental and physical wellbeing. We all face transitions at various life stages. I also recognize the quality care and support that is beckoning within the aging community, which includes aging with unconditional acceptance, support and guidance for aging families and promoting self-care for caregivers.

Our practice is focused on providing evidence based interventions to active duty service members and veterans. RPWC offers psychotherapy in person and online as well as telemedicine.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate at Anacortes Psych & Wellness and a Licensed School Counselor with 8 years of experience in behavioral skills programs in comprehensive high schools. I'm truly passionate about working with and supporting teens (13+) and adults as they clarify goals and discover unique pathways to helping them find their authentic selves. My clinical expertise includes anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school-related issues, the LGBTQIA+ community, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions, and interpersonal relationships.

Ah, this life! In the lyrics of an old song, ‘Nobody said it was easy, no-one ever said it would be so hard’. I’ve spent most of my life dedicated to human connection- to self and other— bringing deep curiosity to how we can belong deeply to ourselves, and still be loved and belong deeply to one another. It’s not easy. Yet, it truly is possible. And, we need courage and guides along the way. That is where I can help. Our time together is a place where you can unfold yourself. Where you can learn to trust again. I am skilled at working in the deeper realms of grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, and above all intimacy and sexuality.

Serving as a minister and earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology equipped me to care for people in crises. Working with vulnerable children and their families or caregivers, also proved to be a valuable foundation for clinical care. In a medical academic setting, training residents in the use of spirituality and psychology as they cared for their patients, deepened my own understanding of just how complex clinical issues can become. This also increased my understanding of the level of stress healthcare providers and victims themselves experience during illness.

My passion and focus is retraining the brain and nervous system; be it for chronic pain, trauma or helping our kids/partners feel safe. I have found, through over 20 years of exploring what does create a more gentle lived experience, is connecting deeply to ourselves and applying the latest neuroscience techniques to regulate ours and others nervous systems.

Accepting a few more clients! I possess the versatility to work with individuals of all ages and a wide spectrum of diagnoses, I work with teens and adults who are struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, burnout, childhood trauma, and who may just need an unbiased ear to listen. My understanding of the complexities of life, combined with my expertise in clinical social work, positions me as a valuable resource for those navigating the challenges of adulthood.

I Am Currently Accepting New Clients. It can be hard to find the right counselor! Where does one begin? I have helped hundreds of clients overcome depression, anxiety, trauma, and a variety of complex issues in a private practice setting for over a decade. I appreciate authentic and honest clients that are interested in a safe space to do the hard work to change their life. Therapy is always designed to get you to your goal.

Paula, is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist,Art Therapist and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist. with graduate degree in Psychology and BA in Biology and Psychology. Paula has trained extensively in complex trauma, childhood neurodevelopment, attachment, developmental trauma, parent/child interactionalTherapy (PCIT), and generational trauma. As a Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, she helps identify and support the development of healing intentions and ongoing integration of insights gained through the sacred journey.

I love working with individuals and couples trying to cope with anxiety and stress. My clients might feel stuck in relationships or be struggling with creating healthy boundaries. Over time my clients gain more self-compassion and confidence as we work together on uncovering stories that have contributed to what they’re wrestling with. Many of the mental health struggles we face are rooted in deeper stories that need to be expressed. I also offer EMDR therapy for those wanting to work with issues that feel stuck and immovable.