Family Systems Therapists in University Place, WA

Struggling to create healthy boundaries but fear others reactions? Has a history of trauma decreased your self-esteem? These scenarios can be isolating and scary; I strive to empower clients by reminding them who they are. I’m Nicole, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. I enjoy working with clients to build a support system, increase self-worth, and confidence. Together, we'll create coping skills for challenging times so you can be your authentic self.

Reaching out to another is often a courageous 1st step in initiating beneficial change. Everyone has within them an essential wisdom that can be accessed to grow, heal, & fully develop. By exploring current difficulties & concerns in a supportive environment, my clients and I tailor an approach uniquely suited to addressing their needs. As we attune to essential matters, we discover new ways of seeing life situations, communicating, and responding to them. My practice includes individual & relationship counseling in the context of our keen attachment needs for connection & belonging. Authentic, responsive & engaged caring heals.

I work with teens ages 13-18 and adults struggling to understand their behavior. Whether that be addiction, compulsive behaviors, disordered eating, love and sex issues, or anything else that is causing you stress, guilt, and shame. Do you keep asking yourself, "Why can't I stop? What is wrong with me? How come my relationships keep crashing and burning?" Then, I am the right therapist for you. We will work together using a strengths-based, person-centered approach to explore the root of your concerns and find out what you can do instead.

As a systemic therapist, I am dedicated to guiding individuals, couples, and families through their inner complexities, fostering healing, growth, and self-discovery. I approach clients holistically, considering their relationships and connections using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model as a foundation. This dynamic model identifies and works with inner subpersonalities, promoting self-compassion and self-acceptance. I tailor this approach to individual needs, incorporating additional methods when necessary, fostering transformative change at personal and relational levels.

I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. Perhaps you are wanting to discover more about who you really are. Therapy is not a one-sided conversation, with little opportunity for interaction or getting to experience each other as real people. I can assure you that I am as real as it gets! I will work with you to create a supportive relationship that will allow us to face the problems you are experiencing and create a path to healing. It is through connection and trust that healing happens.

I believe that the relationship to our self is the most important relationship that we will ever have. A bond with a therapist who witnesses and understands us in a nonjudgmental way can be a wonderful ally in improving that relationship and making positive changes in our lives. Trauma, attachment issues, toxic families of origin, oppression, grief, and ancestral/family patterns are just some just some examples that can cause suffering that motivates someone to start therapy. I have experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, and other mood disorders that make it difficult to function in life.

As a therapist in training, I am honored to be able to sit with clients who are struggling with understanding and expressing their emotions and needs within relationships. I aim to help clients feel worthy and find hope for healing.

Currently accepting new patients, Saturday and evening appointments available. My practice focuses on working with individuals who are processing significant transitions within their lives, particularly those related to developmental processes such as career change, retirement and family care-giving challenges. With an emphasis on creating meaning and exploring new potentials, our work together will help you act intentionally rather than reacting in response to old patterns that may no longer fit the person you are becoming.

I have had the privilege of working within the Marriage and Family Therapy field for the past 17 years. I primarily work with couples and adults, but have extensive background in working children, teens, and families. I have experience in helping families and individuals with a variety of concerns, including relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting skills, discipline techniques, attachment, school-related concerns, anger management and other disruptive behavioral issues.

My desire is to help you resolve issues that are having a negative effect on your life. These can be issues related to relationships, family, work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and parenting. As a Latina, I am aware of cultural barriers, and I would like to help you overcome those barriers.

I have been in the mental health field since 2014 and have worked with various ages and demographics. With a background that includes being a military child, collegiate athlete, and now a parent myself, I have found that I enjoy working with people who are finding themselves in a time of change. At this time, I am seeing clients 14 and older who need extra support in finding coping skills, navigating symptoms of depression or anxiety, communication skills, relationship challenges, and boundary work among other goals. At this time, I will also be taking a break from couples therapy and will update once accepting new clients.

I work with clients who are interested in investing in themselves and learning about thier Sexuality, Grief, Depression, Anxiety, and Adjustment issues. I am passionate about working with clients to help them tap into their own internal resources to fix, heal, and grow into their best selves.

No matter what a person is put through in life, the power to transform is infinite.

My ideal client is anyone that is ready to work on themselves or their relationships. I am willing to help anyone who needs help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavioral issues, among many others.

I have a passion for helping clients learn new skills for coping, communication, and problem solving. I encourage clients to find their strengths and to help empower them to achieve their therapy goals. I work collaboratively to create client- centered treatment. I have a background working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with at-risk youth, foster children, and children and teenagers with severe mental illness. I have over a decade of experience working with Active-Duty Service Members with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma, and substance use disorders.

I work with people from all walks of life who are going through challenging times, feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, or hoping to make a significant change in life. If you feel as though you have waited long enough and it's time to improve the quality of your life, I am eager to receive your call and start this process.

I am a licensed therapist practicing in Pierce County since 2013. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington as well as a minor in Criminal Justice. I went on to get my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Saint Martin’s University. I work with clients from teen years into middle adulthood. My areas of expertise are managing depression and anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem, relationships, sexuality/LGBTQA, life changes, communication, personal exploration. I have completed additional education on body inclusiveness, shame and resilience, complex trauma, and eating disorders.

I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, adolescents and families and I love my work. I feel honored to walk alongside clients and their families; sharing their joys, fears, traumas, and dreams. I have experience working with a variety of struggles ranging from depression, anxiety, divorce as well as social skills issues and autism. I do not work with couples just individuals and families.

Accepting NEW clients for in-person and telehealth sessions! Give us a call today at 2537786636. Have you been dealing with anxiety or depression that has interfered with living your best life? Are you going through the stages of grief and feel stuck? ...“I don’t want to disappoint my family so I always say yes....“I am trying so hard to stay sober. If I fail at this, I will be a failure for the rest of my life” If these words resonate with you, you are in the right place!