It’s time to:
“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” ~Sonia Ricotti
I will help you open up about past events that are still affecting you today and guide you in making connections that will help you better understand yourself.
You will feel safe, supported, and relieved to have let out some of the pain.
Therapy involves a process of unpacking and analyzing that is challenging, sometimes exhausting, and deeply rewarding. We always come back to present events, celebrate wins, and create a plan of action so that you leave feeling supported, heard, and hopeful about the future.
You can do this, and I can help.
I believe in a combination of talking about the past and working on developing skills to use in your daily life. We can talk about your childhood but then come back to today, this week, what is actually going on in your life.
We will work together to find ways to relieve your pain NOW, as well as come to a better understanding of how you got where you are. You will learn to love yourself, trust yourself, and experience joy each day.
Why past therapy may not have worked.
You can’t have one without the other. We could spend our time talking about your childhood, your family relationships, and your past romantic relationships. Without bringing it back to the present, all we are doing is reminiscing and venting.
In contrast, we could focus solely on changing your thoughts and behaviors. Without knowing where they came from, it’s like a never-ending to-do list that leaves you feeling like an experiment or on an assembly line.
If you only talk about past mistakes or painful events, you leave feeling hopeless. If you only talk about how to change your behavior, you will leave feeling frustrated and not understood.
Fortunately, I have found that a good balance leaves you feeling better, not worse.
100
When you work with me, you are in the driver’s seat – and I am your copilot. I will identify routes, but you are in charge of steering, gas, and brakes. I respect your autonomy.
You will always get multiple ideas or suggestions without pressure to choose one over the other. We will guide each other in the selection of tools that feel right and work for you.
I can’t wait to start this journey with you!
Hi, I’m Christie
I am a licensed mental health counselor and child mental health specialist in Washington State. My training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and I draw from a client-centered, narrative approach.
Self-exploration and self-compassion are two of my strong beliefs. I enjoy helping people feel better – and learn to accept and love themselves. I consider it a great honor to be chosen to listen to your experiences and help you find better ways of living.
Some things to know about me: I practice what I preach. The skills I teach I also use every day in my own life. Honesty is what you get about what I know and what I don’t. I don’t know everything and will not pretend that I do. I partner with you to figure out what is making you unhappy and what you can do to feel better.
You are the expert on your own life, and I will share my professional and personal experience if it is of benefit. You will know if something just won’t work for you, and I will respect that.
You can share the things you think but are too afraid to say out loud, the things your friends are sick of hearing – or really anything and everything you have ever thought, felt or experienced. That’s what I’m here for!
And you won’t have to see me at work, or at home, or in social situations where you want to forget all that and just have fun. That’s a huge bonus!
Start your journey to emotional wellness TODAY
Now 100% Virtual. Free consult done by video or phone call by request.
