Expressive Arts Therapists in Vancouver, WA

Worn out from hiding how you really feel, feeling misunderstood, or constantly putting others' needs before your own? Perhaps you’re battling an inner conflict, unsure of who you are or what you stand for. These struggles have roots, and together we can uncover them, helping you break free from pain. I specialize in helping you understand how past trauma has shaped your self-perception and impacted your relationships. Together, we can transform old coping mechanisms into new ways of living, filled with connection, love, and joy.

Always feeling inadequate from your drive to be perfect? Perfectionism comes with feeling uneasy when making mistakes, high expectations, self-criticism, and good enough is unacceptable. Thinking that being perfect will lead to a happier life usually lends to finding an unfulfilled life. Growth transpires when you let go of holding yourself to the unattainable standards. I specialize in helping clients starting at age 8 to adult struggling with perfectionism, anxiety, Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, spirituality development, behavioral issues, LGBTQIA support, and relationship issues.

I warmly welcome individuals of all ages—children, teens, and adults—who are interested in addressing issues related to anxiety, shame, self-esteem, and stress. It can be overwhelming to create change while navigating life all on your own. Through compassion, exploration, and perseverance, we can collaboratively forge a path toward the mental balance that I adamantly believe you deserve. In addition to supporting those dealing with anxiety and self-esteem challenges, I also specialize in helping individuals navigate major life transitions and education/learning concerns.

I am an LGBTQIA+ provider and love working with adults who are ready to dig deep and make healthy changes to live their best lives. Whether you are LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Empath, or label yourself as "outside the box" I am ready to help you see your beautiful strengths and empower you with the tools to help change unhealthy patterns in order to create your best life. Clients that have sought my services have reported that I was helpful in processing their trauma, identifying self-sabotaging behaviors, moving thru grief, re-inventing themselves post divorce or in simply learning how to live in the Now.

Therapy is a collaborative process of self-discovery and personal growth. I focus on helping my clients through the development of greater self-understanding, self-awareness and self-acceptance. I treat a wide range of clinical issues and invite clients of diverse identities and backgrounds into my therapy practice. I specialize in working with complex and single incident trauma, sexual/relational trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, life transitions, identity exploration, and stress reduction. I have experience working with people across the lifespan, including children ages 3-12, adolescents, and adults in various stages of life.

Are you looking for a beginning, that pays attention to the subtle healing and shifts that you are making and wanting to bring into the world? Often times, the areas of our life that are not working well are guided by trauma informed emotional patterns and feeling habits, that pull us away from self trust, progress and healing. Fear and the energy it holds can unconsciously play a role in self sabotage, anxiety and counter manifesting. Using expressive arts, IFS, food science, poetry, spiritual awareness and a holistic approach, I can help you connect to your mind/body intuition. I also provide walk and talk therapy in Seattle.

Life is complex and struggles are inevitable so cultivating resilience to recover from life’s challenges is essential. Part of my role is to provide that safe and confidential space for authentic connection. I believe positive change is possible with compassion and encouragement. I endeavor to understand your story and help you to improve your overall well-being. I will collaborate with you to find solutions to the challenges you are facing. I tend to help those suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/losses as well as adjusting to major life transitions---relocations, relationship & career changes, & family cycles.

Counseling: As a holistic counselor, I work with individuals and couples using a creative and holistic approach that is strength-based and client-centered. Together, we will develop working goals and create a toolbox of personal and unique gifts.

Hello! My name is Alissa Schober. I am passionate about helping children, teens, adults, and parent-child relationships heal and grow through their trauma and chronic stress experiences. My practice focuses on helping those I work with heal from trauma, such as sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence. I also help clients learn to cope with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. I use evidence-based practices such as EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and child-parent psychotherapy, focusing on nurturing a sense of safety, self-compassion, understanding, and connection.

Imagine a life filled with hope, where you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Imagine not feeling alone and scared but rather supported and encouraged. A life with less sadness and anxiety, where you feel confident in your ability to set and reach your goals. A life where your past does not hold you back from following your dreams. Having healthy relationships and knowing how to trust and communicate. A life free of guilt and shame, regret or fear. Being able to work through grief and loss and come out on the other side, even when it feels impossible. To live in the present and be your authentic self.

I'm interested in helping you figure out what you want, and helping you get there. Being a teen and young adult is so stressful and weird, with or without other factors like mental health issues. I can help with all the identity exploration that you might need like sexuality, gender, career goals, education plans, self-esteem, etc., as well as issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, suicide, and self harm. If your parent/guardian is "making" you come, we can work with that too. Just remember, you're the one who consents for therapy, so you choose what we work on.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? All of us experience seasons of unbalance, heartache, and emotional distress. My practice is centered on us co-authoring respectful and lasting solutions to the struggles you have experienced in the past or are presently experiencing. It is important to me for sessions to include: hopefulness, compassion, and a sense of humor. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. I also have a Professional Counselor License for the State of Oregon (LPC). I have worked at CHARIS Counseling Associates for over a decade. Before my counseling career, I was a high school teacher with PPS.

I am currently taking new clients for adults and youth. I have been providing therapy for over a decade, and work comfortably as a collaborative partner in one's personal growth. Therapeutic goals and style are curated based on individuals needs and preference, that interweave mind, body, and spirit. The client/therapist relationship is always at the center of my work to assure a safe place to explore vulnerable areas in life with close stable support. Individuals that work with me often develop a broader and long-lasting sense of self, empowerment, skillfulness in mood mgmt. and capability maintaining ease in their life.

Currently accepting new clients. Trauma, attachment + identity impact people in different ways. Do you often feel detached or numb? Do you avoid thinking about the past or self-medicate? Are you concerned about your parenting? Do you often find yourself in difficult relationships? Are you concerned about your memory? Do you feel sad or anxious a lot? Are you "stuck" in the same pattern? Do you have trouble trusting people? Are you irritable most of the time? Do you feel like you don't know yourself or your purpose? Do you feel incomplete or want meaning in life? If you answered yes to any-I believe I could be a good fit for you.

Therapy is a space meant to be collaborative. Throughout your commitment to the therapeutic process, I'll invite you to take on the role of “co-expert." My focus is meeting you however, you are showing up and making sure you feel empowered and informed with your experiences. By living meaningfully in the present you can learn to break free from past experiences, trauma, and concerns for the future. Living with intention encourages you to act with purpose and passion for your benefit and the benefit of society.

Reflecting on my own counseling practice, I have discovered the overwhelming strength and healing power of human connectedness which is an essential cornerstone of my therapeutic counseling relationships. Life is a journey filled with both opportunities and challenges. When daily life and/or life transitions seem too overwhelming, the guidance and support provided from a trusted professional who is empathetic and objective can be informative, empowering, and restorative. I use cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic interventions to help clients discover how conscious and unconscious thoughts impact emotions and behaviors. In addition, I draw from a variety of counseling theories to meet each client's individual needs.

Congratulations for making a step toward change! Are you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or lost? Maybe you are seeking guidance to find purpose in your life or explore who you are and how to connect with the world around you. Feeling like your best self can be challenging regardless of age or life experiences. For over a decade, I have supported individuals and families to overcome anxiety, depression, addiction, school or career difficulties, self-doubt and relationship or parenting challenges. I am caring, compassionate and dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to living their best life.

If you're unsatisfied with the status quo, then let's find your sublime. Adults looking for a creative outlet, a place to vent, or support for hard times are my ideal clients. I specialize in anxiety and depression, work stress and career goals, identity or relationship issues, life changes or traumatic events. Unusual tales and winding paths are welcome—there is no judgment for any stories you bring. You are accepted wholeheartedly with caring curiosity. We'll talk, feel, brainstorm, problem solve, or use a creative process if you can't find the words. Together, we'll help you find freedom of expression and the potential to grow.

Words can be hard! Finding the "right" ones or knowing where to start can be a struggle. My goal is to provide a therapeutic experience that goes beyond words. My approach to therapy is grounded in meeting people where they are, without judgment or preconceptions. I understand that every client is unique, with their own set of experiences, challenges, and strengths. I prioritize tailoring counseling sessions to meet my clients' developmental, emotional, and communication needs. Incorporating playful and creative activities into therapy can enhance the therapeutic experience and offer new avenues for self-expression and growth.