Find a Therapist in University Place, WA

Wendy Naiman, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist, understands the dual nature of life, which can be both rewarding and challenging. She is committed to guiding individuals toward their best selves, helping them navigate through worry, overwhelm, and complex emotions. Wendy recognizes that feelings of isolation and sadness can linger and is eager to assist clients in exploring healthier paths forward. With expertise in addressing Women's Issues, Anxiety, and Relationship Issues, she creates a safe space for individuals to process past or present stress with empathy and care. Wendy employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method, to support her clients in understanding their feelings, overcoming unhelpful thoughts, and responding to life's challenges in constructive ways. Her warm approach is designed to celebrate the strength of those seeking support, acknowledging the bravery it takes to reach out for help. Wendy is here to walk alongside you in your journey to a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Aimee Acebedo is a dedicated psychologist with a profound belief in the importance of prevention and early intervention regarding adverse childhood experiences. Her work focuses on children, parents, and families, understanding that adverse childhood experiences can significantly impact thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present. A vital aspect of her clinical practice involves identifying and fostering resilience amidst these challenges. Dr. Acebedo utilizes an integrative clinical approach that is trauma-focused, strength-based, family-centered, and LGBTQ+ affirmative, ensuring her clients are supported in achieving their goals. She employs evidence-based treatment practices tailored to the age and specific concerns of her clients, encompassing modalities such as individual, family, and group therapy. Dr. Acebedo’s expertise covers a wide range of top issues including childhood trauma, parenting, and child development. Hablo Español.

Sarah Atchison is a Marriage & Family Therapist who believes that life transitions present unique opportunities for celebration and significant personal growth. As the director of the BLOOM Maternal and Infant Wellness Program, she specializes in guiding women and their families through the transformative journey of parenthood—a period rich with both challenges and rewards. Sarah's expertise encompasses the prevention and treatment of pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety, nurturing healthy parent-child attachment, and 'baby-proofing' relationships. She offers valuable support for those navigating pregnancy and postpartum adjustments, grief and loss (including infertility and neonatal loss), birth trauma resolution, adoption issues, and crafting a positive birth experience, especially for abuse survivors. The Bloom Program at Integrated Therapy Services NW provides comprehensive counseling, education, and support services to assist individuals and families before and after welcoming a child. Through her compassionate approach, Sarah helps to foster lasting bonds, nurture parents, and instill hope during the transition to parenthood.

Alyssa Bicheray is a licensed therapist based in Pierce County, practicing since 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington along with a minor in Criminal Justice, and furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Saint Martin's University. Alyssa's practice caters to clients from their teen years into middle adulthood, focusing on areas such as depression and anxiety management, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem, relationships, sexuality/LGBTQA, life changes, and personal exploration. Her extensive education encompasses topics such as body inclusiveness, shame resilience, complex trauma, and eating disorders. Driven by a commitment to client-focused, evidence-based, and relationship-oriented mental health care, Alyssa creates a healing environment where communication forms the foundation of therapeutic relationships. She collaborates with clients to formulate personalized mental health goals, emphasizing authenticity, collaboration, and a supportive presence. Additionally, Alyssa strives to enrich her clients' lives by facilitating access to community resources, fostering skill development, and working closely with families and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Dr. Dawn Breikss is a dedicated counselor, PhD, LMHC, and NCC, who is passionate about assisting individuals in achieving their therapeutic goals. She fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, enabling clients to create a personalized plan for their journey through counseling. With extensive experience working with youth who have endured severe trauma, including sexual and physical abuse, as well as those in foster care, Dr. Breikss excels in addressing complex issues with compassion. Additionally, her work with adults and couples showcases her adaptability and commitment to diverse client needs. She firmly believes that each person's therapeutic journey is unique and cannot be approached with a 'one-size-fits-all' mentality. By tailoring her strategies to each client, she acknowledges the significant impact of family systems and past experiences on individual identity. Dr. Breikss employs an eclectic approach, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other modalities to create a supportive environment for healing and growth.

Kim Caldwell, MA, LMHC, envisions therapy as a nurturing journey, akin to tending a garden. For many women, the prospect of cultivating their emotional landscape can feel overwhelming, and they may seek guidance to navigate it with confidence and authenticity. In their collaborative process, Kim helps clients identify elements of their garden they wish to retain, release, or enrich. The therapeutic relationship Kim creates is a safe, inviting space designed to foster self-exploration and personal growth. Her approach is grounded in relational psychodynamic theory, emphasizing the significance of attachment and the impact of relationships as both a source of wounding and healing. Through this lens, clients can gain insight into how their relational styles influence their connections with themselves and others. Kim enjoys working with women and individuals from late teens onward, and her practice is guided by intersectional feminism to confront oppression and facilitate personal thriving. She integrates trauma-informed care and mindfulness techniques, promoting body awareness, self-care practices, and the development of an inner sense of home.

Maria Carrington is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker and therapist who thrives on supporting individuals feeling stuck and seeking meaningful change in their lives. She excels at guiding clients to explore what they can control and how to transform their reactions to life’s challenges. Additionally, she is passionate about enhancing the sex lives of her clients, helping to overcome barriers to intimacy and connection. As a Certified Sex Therapist, Maria possesses extensive training and supervision in sexual health, enabling her to assist couples and individuals in addressing the psychological aspects of their sexual health concerns. Recognizing that sex can be complicated, she offers the expertise needed to help clients navigate these challenges and make their intimate experiences fulfilling. Maria is committed to meeting clients where they are and fostering their journey towards their desired outcomes. While her approach is flexible, she encourages personal responsibility and transformation, empowering her clients to embrace change and take charge of their lives.

Jennifer Chapman, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (MS, LMFT), excels in guiding couples and individuals through their journeys towards healing and connection. Committed clients who seek positive transformation will find Jennifer's therapy effective and supportive. She understands that when couples face isolation and challenges within their relationships, addressing these concerns promptly is crucial to preventing long-term impacts on their lives. Specializing in marital and premarital issues, as well as navigating anxiety and trauma, Jennifer employs a variety of evidence-based methods including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy. With a focus on restoring trust and rebuilding connections, she is deeply invested in fostering understanding and progress among her clients. Furthermore, Jennifer integrates the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, having completed both Level 1 and Level 2 training, to enhance her work with couples. She also utilizes Emotional Freedom Techniques to help clients rapidly move beyond traumatic memories and feelings, ensuring they can embrace a healthier future. Jennifer looks forward to being a supportive presence on the path to healing and connection.

Min Chea is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with credentials including MSW, LCSW, CMHS, and MHP. Specializing in helping adults, teens, and children heal from the impacts of stressful and traumatic experiences, Min employs evidence-based modalities such as CBT+, EMDR, DBT, and Play Therapy. With extensive experience as an inpatient psychiatric social worker, a therapist in behavioral health care, and a guidance counselor in an international school setting, Min's approach to counseling is collaborative, non-judgmental, authentic, and playful. Min looks forward to meeting new clients and understanding their unique stories, fostering a supportive environment where healing and growth can occur.

Danielle Jenkins, PSYD, is a dedicated psychologist specializing in telehealth services for clients in Washington State. With a primary focus on Maternal Mental Health, her expertise encompasses pregnancy, postpartum challenges, infertility, PMADs, pregnancy and infant loss, and adjusting to parenting. Danielle also addresses anxiety, depression, and provides comprehensive mental health support. Her secondary specialty in bipolar disorder allows her to assist clients in gaining insight and developing practical strategies for emotional well-being. Drawing from her extensive experience working with families in various settings, including preschools and as a postpartum doula, Danielle is passionate about equipping parents with positive and effective parenting tools. She is committed to guiding families through life transitions and educating them on supporting children with attention and behavioral challenges, creating a nurturing environment for holistic growth and healing.

Scott Dilk is a dedicated counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who is deeply passionate about guiding individuals on their journeys to discover their true and authentic selves. He believes that the insights gained within the safety of the therapeutic relationship can be effectively applied to the wider world. Rather than viewing therapy as a means to transform clients into something they are not, Scott focuses on elevating the individuals they already are. His practice is rooted in Person Centered Therapy, complemented by his training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which utilizes mindfulness and self-commitment to enhance psychological flexibility. Additionally, Scott is trained in EMDR, a therapeutic approach renowned for its effectiveness in processing trauma. He adeptly incorporates various modalities tailored to each client's unique needs. With a strong empathetic approach grounded in Person Centered Therapy and EMDR, Scott has extensive experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating competence and sensitivity towards the LGBTQ and POC communities.

Suzanne Dircks is a dedicated Counselor, MA, LMHC, with over 34 years of experience helping families navigate the challenges of co-parenting after divorce. She understands that communication between ex-partners can be fraught with difficulties, especially when children are involved. Suzanne creates a non-threatening environment where parents can address complex parenting concerns without allowing past relationship issues to interfere. Her expertise in co-parenting counseling provides families with the tools needed to resolve conflicts without court intervention. Over her career, she has worked with more than 3,000 families embroiled in high-conflict custody disputes, serving as a mediator, co-parenting counselor, parenting coordinator, reunification counselor, and Guardian ad Litem. Additionally, Suzanne has instructed required court classes for divorcing parents and co-authored influential books such as *What Children of Divorce Really Need* and *Navigating Your Custody Battle Without Destroying Your Kids*. Her commitment to supporting families shines through her work, making her a valuable ally in the journey toward healthier family dynamics.

Charaine Herald, PhD, is a dedicated psychologist who specializes in supporting adults and elders facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, and relational difficulties. She works with individuals and couples to address issues such as eating disorders, panic attacks, phobic avoidance, maladaptive anger, grief, and stress-related physical problems. Charaine is adept at navigating various adjustment problems and life transitions, including those associated with young adulthood, family communication, divorce, career changes, mid-life crises, and retirement. Her collaborative and integrative approach draws from psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, mindfulness-based, and behavioral perspectives, ensuring each client receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. With specialized training in EMDR and clinical hypnosis, Charaine taps into the transformative power of imagination to facilitate anxiety relief, pain reduction, self-understanding, and personal growth. Her extensive experience in diverse therapeutic settings allows her to offer both brief, problem-focused counseling and longer-term psychotherapy, making her a compassionate resource for those seeking support.