Find a Therapist in Tacoma, WA

Ariana Valentina Rukeyser, MA, LMHC, is a dedicated counselor specializing in helping adults navigate complex relationship issues, including co-dependency, separation, divorce, and co-parenting challenges. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling from Seattle University and employs various therapeutic modalities, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Person-Centered approaches, to tailor her practice to the unique needs of each client. Ariana firmly believes that connection and meaningful relationships are fundamental human needs, and her mission is to aid clients in clarifying their feelings, enhancing their communication skills, and fostering deeper, more satisfying connections. With a special interest in parenting and divorce, she addresses the multidimensional aspects of relationships that may lead to both joy and pain, guiding clients toward greater self-esteem and emotional resilience. Ariana’s holistic and empathetic approach ensures that clients feel supported as they explore their relational dynamics and strive for the satisfaction they truly deserve.

Joseph Velazquez is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years of relevant experience, specializing in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of life. He understands that many individuals go through their daily routines, only to feel as if something critical is missing. Often, people find themselves overwhelmed, pulled in multiple directions, and focusing on what is not working, which can impact their most significant relationships. With a keen awareness of today’s challenging cultural landscape, Joseph provides a safe space for personal exploration and healing. He particularly enjoys working with men and has experience counseling adults with ASD, tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Joseph has completed Level 3 Gottman Couples Therapy training, incorporating the Gottman Method into his practice to ensure that couples receive effective, evidence-based support aligned with their goals. He believes that reaching out for help is a courageous first step toward reclaiming a sense of balance and fulfillment in life. Joseph is passionate about restoring harmony to the mind, body, and spirit, reminding clients that hope is always present and transformation is within reach.

Jason Victor, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master's degree from Seattle Pacific University, has been helping individuals and families since his graduation in 2008. He understands the challenges that clients face and believes that everyone deserves to enjoy life and their relationships to the fullest. With a compassionate and objective approach, Jason works to create a strong therapeutic relationship, building on each client's unique strengths to support meaningful, lasting change. His areas of expertise include trauma-focused therapy, family systems, and the Gottman Method, allowing him to effectively assist couples and families in navigating their emotional landscapes. Jason is passionate about healing relationships and facilitating personal growth, helping clients overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. He also specializes in working with children and teens, employing play therapy techniques to foster life skills that help them flourish at home and in school. Jason’s commitment to supporting clients empowers them to lead more fulfilling lives, both personally and in their relationships.

Jamie Villemonte is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their realities and enhance their lives. With a focus on seeing clients through a lens of curiosity, compassion, and forgiveness, Jamie assists individuals in understanding their stories and the dynamics of their environments. Passionate about identity formation, spiritual and moral development, and coping skills, Jamie facilitates the unveiling of clients' natural light. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, Jamie integrates Eastern philosophies of mindfulness, compassion, and self-love into therapy sessions, providing support to those grappling with depression, addiction, and anxiety. Whether through individual, group, or family modalities, Jamie creates a nurturing space where clients can explore what truly aids their healing journey. With a liberal and spiritual foundation, Jamie promotes the ideals of oneness and connection, guiding clients toward comfort and support throughout their therapeutic processes. Jamie encourages those seeking a healing path to explore how their therapeutic journey can offer invaluable lessons among life's blessings and challenges.

Shelleigh-mairi Ferguson is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist Associate who creates a safe and supportive space for her clients. She recognizes that many individuals struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression, often feeling as though they drift through life without control. With a strong belief in the power of self-discovery, she guides her clients on a journey to explore and build upon the aspects of the 'self' that foster growth and resilience. Shelleigh-mairi's therapeutic style is creative and client-centered, utilizing a variety of effective modalities such as Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She specializes in working with preteens, teens, and adults experiencing challenges related to family conflict, trauma, and unhelpful thinking patterns. Shelleigh-mairi has a passion for helping individuals heal from past traumas, restore self-worth, and maximize their potential for a fulfilling life. With a collaborative therapeutic approach, she is committed to accepting and valuing each client as they are, inviting them to join in a journey toward new possibilities and a life that reflects their true worth.

Rob Wheeler, a Licensed Professional Counselor with an MDiv and MAC, brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He specializes in helping teens and adults navigate the wounds that can occur through relationships and understand that these wounds can be restored within the context of meaningful connections. His clients often find themselves taking risks, cultivating deeper relationships, and discovering a greater sense of joy in life. With a strong background shaped by his own experiences in individual and marriage counseling, Rob employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy and EMDR, to foster healing. In his sessions, clients are welcomed into a safe, confidential environment where they can explore their concerns. Rob believes that relational pain, anxiety, and unwanted compulsions cannot just be fixed in isolation but require the support of non-anxious and nonjudgmental dialogue. Together, he and his clients work towards health and wholeness.

Niashay Whitaker is a compassionate and skilled therapist dedicated to creating a supportive, judgment-free environment for her clients. Prioritizing the wants and needs of those she serves, Niashay works collaboratively with individuals and families to navigate their unique journeys toward healing and fulfillment. She diligently strives to understand her clients' worldviews while offering insightful perspectives that can foster growth and transformation. Niashay believes that everyone possesses the potential to lead a fulfilling life with the right support. Specializing in issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, she uses a multidisciplinary approach that integrates evidence-based and strength-based techniques. Her practice reflects a commitment to social justice and anti-oppression, utilizing a variety of therapy types including Somatic, Trauma-Focused, and Play Therapy. Niashay enriches her therapeutic offerings with art, mindfulness, and DBT, ensuring her clients feel supported and understood. She emphasizes that no one is alone in their struggles and reassures that things can and will improve. Acknowledging the courage it takes to seek help, Niashay is ready to assist individuals of all ages—from children to adults—on their path toward a brighter future.

Olivia White is a dedicated counselor with over seven years of experience helping preteens, teens, and adults navigate life's challenges. Specializing in areas such as trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and coping skills, Olivia recognizes the struggles many face—whether it's the burden of people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional pain, or the overwhelming nature of daily stress. She understands that past attempts to push through feelings may bring temporary relief but often lead to recurring issues, making life feel limited. By fostering a therapeutic environment that prioritizes meaningful transformation, Olivia integrates brain science, art, and clinical expertise with personal experiences, creating a dynamic space for healing. She believes that therapy is a partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in each client's journey of growth and change. Committed to supporting clients from the outset, Olivia ensures that each individual's experience is uniquely tailored to their needs. With her extensive range of therapy types—from expressive arts and cognitive behavioral therapy to trauma-focused approaches—Olivia invites individuals to explore their path to wellness and deeper fulfillment.

Christel Wilder is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, dedicated to empowering individuals on their paths toward personal growth and self-discovery. She understands the feelings of being stuck, isolated, and overwhelmed that her clients may experience, and she believes each new day presents an opportunity to draw closer to their authentic selves. Christel specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy, guiding her clients in accessing and organizing their emotions while strengthening emotional bonds within their relationships. Her therapeutic approach incorporates Mindfulness, Cognitive therapies, and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), which emphasizes the intricate connections between mind, body, and relationships. Through a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship, Christel facilitates healing and transformation within her clients. She is deeply committed to racial and social justice, utilizing a trauma-focused lens to explore how marginalization influences individual development and self-identity. Christel's integrated approach fosters a safe environment where healing and personal growth can thrive.

Rebecca Yarmuth is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding a MA and is licensed as LSWAIC. She possesses extensive experience working with teens and adults, particularly in addressing challenges related to depression, life transitions, and the complex emotional landscapes of pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum periods. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, Rebecca employs a variety of therapeutic modalities including Psychodynamic therapy, Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused techniques. Her practice reflects a strong emphasis on trauma, abuse, and family dynamics. Rebecca is known for her warm, intuitive presence in therapy sessions, emphasizing empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard for her clients. She upholds the belief that while pain is a part of life, the suffering associated with that pain can be alleviated through compassionate therapeutic support.

Alyssa Andrews is a compassionate counselor with credentials as an LMHCA in Washington State and LMFT in California. She specializes in helping youth ages 4-12 navigate a variety of challenges through a person-centered and strengths-based approach. Her expertise includes utilizing play therapy, sandplay, and art therapy to create an intuitive and natural environment for children to express their feelings and process their experiences. Alyssa understands that play and metaphor serve as a vital language for children, allowing them to articulate their perspectives and discover their inner strength to heal. She works with clients dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, and other significant issues. Alyssa is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and empowering her clients on their journey to well-being.

Sharmayne Arrington is a compassionate counselor specializing in assisting women in fostering healthier relationships. Anyone considering a transformation in their existence begins a powerful journey of change, guided by conscious, consistent, and compassionate choices. Sharmayne understands the importance of challenging societal systems that often repress individuality, enabling her clients to fully embrace their worthiness. She believes that through this process, women can learn to give and receive love, connect with fellow travelers, and forge safe spaces amid life’s challenges. With an emphasis on healing for women and femme adults and teens who have experienced abandonment and chaotic upbringings, Sharmayne addresses issues manifesting in relationships, addiction, and spirituality. By maintaining strong therapeutic boundaries, she facilitates a space where deeper wisdom can emerge and guide clients back to their inner compass—allowing for a profound reconnection that feels like coming home. Sharmayne currently offers her services exclusively through telehealth on a HIPAA-compliant platform, ensuring that clients can find comfort in a quiet space to engage in their sessions. She is exploring the option of transitioning to in-person nature therapy, making it exciting for clients to stay tuned for upcoming changes.

Leslie Chertok is a skilled therapist with over 25 years of experience dedicated to serving the Tacoma area and beyond. With a strong foundation in Buddhist Psychology, her approach is inherently client-centered, emphasizing the importance of individual goals. She works closely with clients to explore not only the issues they present but also the underlying patterns affecting their lives, addressing these on body, emotional, and cognitive levels. Leslie’s expertise lies in guiding clients toward the seamless integration of body-centered mindfulness into their daily lives—a crucial element for attaining personal empowerment. She excels in translating mindfulness principles into accessible and practical techniques. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, workplace dynamics, interpersonal relationships, parenting, attachment concerns, trauma (both current and historical), couples conflicts, and behavioral issues. Recognizing that most individuals come to counseling seeking help with recurring patterns of behavior, Leslie emphasizes the importance of addressing both the content of their issues and the broader context in which these issues manifest, facilitating meaningful and lasting change.