Gigi Ishaq, MS, LMHC, SUDP, CCS
My Background
My name is Maggie (Gigi) Ishaq. I am the owner and a therapist of Balanced Living Therapy. I believe every person has core value as a human being and it is my role to work together with you to access what you need to heal. Seeking therapy can be a very difficult and personal decision. It is extremely important to me that our clients feel safe, cared for, and validated.
I feel that it is very important that you find the right fit! We look forward to hearing from you and working with you to begin your healing process. Life is a journey and we are grateful to have the opportunity to provide a safe space for healing. I am committed to helping you pursue health and happiness. Together we will find forgiveness and overcome shame and guilt. I honor your individualism and belief system and I hope to help you achieve balance and a renewed sense of peace in your life.
My Approach to Therapy
I utilize Experiential theory including Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques and Psychodynamic Therapy. Another technique I utilize is called Client Centered Therapy from a Supportive Therapy Model.
There will be times when the therapy becomes difficult and you may feel like giving up. This is often the point where you will put forth great effort, and change will occur. I am committed to seeing this process through with you in every way that I am able to offer support.
Specialties
Eating Disorders
Grief and Loss
Past Trauma
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Marriage Therapy
Career exploration and life skills building
Individual Therapy
Attachment Disorders
Education and Training
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling from Seattle Pacific University. Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies/Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. Associate of Technical Arts Degree in Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counseling; Edmonds Community College. The University of Washington, Behavioral Research Therapy Clinic; Chemical Dependency Counseling. Supportive Therapy Model for Teens Research at the BRTC and Children’s Hospital.
Licensure and Registration:
Behavioral Health Agency License BHA.FS.60874155
Licensed Mental Health Counselor State of Washington LH60200522
Substance Use Disorder Professional Certification CP00005296
State of Washington
Marriage and Family Therapist
Certified Clinical Supervisor State of Washington
Tara Mounts, MA, LMHCA, SUDP-T
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My Background
Hello, my name is Tara Mounts. I am a licensed mental health counseling associate, who also holds a substance use disorder credential. I have been working in the co-occurring counseling community for a number of years professionally, and as a volunteer. I acquired my Master of Arts, in counseling psychology from Bastyr University in Seattle. I am passionate about traditional and holistic methods, offering an integrative personalized approach to overall wellness; mind, body, and spirit.
My occupational background includes inpatient and outpatient settings. I have a passion for diversity. Being from a diverse community myself I value individuals from all walks of life. I believe our differences are what make us special, unique, and dynamic.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic style is person-centered and grounded. I strive to build trust and rapport with clients through gentle compassion and an open mindedness, aiming to understand the client’s individualized perspective. Reviewing culture, relationship dynamics, identity, coping skills, stressors, etc…creating a collaborative space where the client’s lived experience crafts the foundation for effective and authentic therapeutic movement.
Some of the techniques I favor are: Traditional talk therapy, emotional processing, multiculturalism, esteem building, cultivating strengths/weaknesses, solution-focused therapy, and CBT as well as mindfulness practices. I have worked with clients from 13 to 80 in a variety of issues. If you are struggling, there is hope. Challenges present an opportunity for healing, growth, and change. Though taking those first steps can be hard. Let’s take those steps together. I’m here to help. Contact me to schedule an appointment today at Balanced Living Therapy LLC.
Specialties
Depression and Anxiety
Substance Use
Trauma/PTSD
Grief and Loss
Mindful/Wellness Practices
CBT and Esteem Building
Existentialism and Meaning Making
Family Dynamics/Ages and Stages
Identity Development
Intersectionality/Contextualism
Severe Chronic/Acute Mental Illness
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Washington
Licensure & Registration:
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate, Credential # MC61001094
Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee, Credential # CO60908366
Jesse Dunn, MA, LMHCA, AAC
My Background
My name is Jesse Dunn, and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. I’ve worked in mental health since 2017, most recently as a crisis worker serving high-risk and vulnerable populations. My experience includes counseling individuals, families, and couples. An advocate of equity and social justice, I believe that inclusion is crucial; as is examining my own privilege, power, and presence on a regular basis. I view therapy as one vehicle to address systemic issues and pressures of which we all experience. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I have a one-eyed dog, and am doing my best to live my life in the present.
My Approach to Therapy
Stripped of its bells and whistles, therapy is a person (or people) entering a space with a willingness to be vulnerable and move toward growth. I do my best to foster safety and comfort so that this can be easily achieved. I’m down to earth, I like to make jokes, I don’t easily judge. Our quality of relationship will be the biggest determinant of therapeutic success, so that’s what I prioritize.
My therapeutic perspective is most similar to “Humanist Psychology.” It’s taught me a few key things:
1) You are the expert on your own life.
2) Humans are destined to grow (if they can get out of their own way).
3) Problems are far less relevant than people.
Keeping these things in mind, much can be accomplished in a supportive environment.
Specialties
Grief and Loss
Mindfulness (& meditation)
Unpacking Oppression
Family Dynamics
Self-worth
CBT and DBT for depression and anxiety
Crisis
Existentialism
End of life, terminally ill, people with disabilities
Education and Training
EDUCATION:
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling, Seattle Pacific University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Portland
TRAINING:
"Complicated Grief Therapy"
Columbia Center for Complicated Grief Therapy
"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy"
Beck Institute
Licensure
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate; LMHC
State of Washington # MC60945651
Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC
Gwen Sipes, MA - PhD Student Clinical Psychology Intern
My Background
Hello! I am Gwen Sipes and I am a clinical intern at Balanced Living Therapy, LLC, working towards my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University. I am also a licensed massage therapist, artist, and have a love of nature. With this background I bring to therapy a strong holistic awareness of how the mind and body work together to maintain wellness. I employ creativity in thinking, problem solving, and finding new perspectives as well as creative expression as a therapeutic tool. I find never-ending inspiration, awe, and healing from the natural world and am heartened by research discussing the simultaneous physical and psychological benefits of interacting with nature. As appropriate, I encourage some type of connection with nature, whether physically or through imagery, to promote and support mind-body healing and wellness.
My Approach to Therapy
Each client contains within them the seeds (or knowledge) for their own healing. My role as a therapist is to provide the right conditions for those seeds to develop and sprout. Based on the tenets of Person-Centered psychotherapy, I use empathy, presence, and unconditional positive regard to create the conditions necessary for a client’s own innate healing capacity to arise. Additionally, each person is gifted with a unique set of strengths that, once discovered and developed, become great resources for overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams. Part of my approach includes spending time collaboratively identifying personal, relational, and community level strengths to draw on both during the therapeutic process and in life beyond the therapy room.
Specialties
Grief/loss/complicated bereavement
Existential concerns (death, loneliness, meaning, freedom/responsibility)
Life transitions
Motivation
Self esteem
Anxiety
Depression
Education and Training
PhD Student in Clinical Psychology, Saybrook University
MA Clinical Psychology, Saybrook University
BS Multimedia and Web Design, Portland Art Institute
Licensed Massage Therapist
Licensure and Registration
PhD Clinical Intern at Saybrook University
Kyle Nichols, MSW
My Background
Hello, my name is Kyle Nichols. I acquired my Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Washington University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University. I have experience with individuals, couples, and groups, and I encourage a whole person approach to wellbeing. I have experience working with all populations, including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC. One's identity is constantly being formed and re-formed through experiences with others and often from inequitable societal influences. As a narrative therapist, my goal is to utilize your knowledge and sense of purpose to heal and grow from damaging external influences. The most important thing I can do as a therapist is to harbor a safe environment, free of judgement, for you to share your story.
My Approach to Therapy
Therapy requires a consistency of participation to foster the momentum of healing and growth. It requires a competent, compassionate therapist and a willing client. Both parties aim to establish a rapport of trust and safety to identify issues and explore options. A Treatment Plan with specific goals will be designed by both myself and the client to keep therapy focused and productive. When goals are completed, therapy will be closed with a personalized follow-up plan. Support networks and additional resources may be provided if appropriate. Returning to therapy for new transitions or new difficulties is always invited. I will always provide you the opportunity to explore your agenda in every session. Our work will be based on your disclosures, concerns and goals (Treatment Plan). We are a team in this endeavor; I am a trained professional but you are the expert of your life. I will need your input as you will be asked to consider mine. My approach to therapy is to assist you with your needs and graduate you into a healthier lifestyle as soon as you are able. I invite your return to therapy for future life transitions or new difficulties you find may need additional support. I look forward to our journey together.
Specialties
Depression
Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Life Transitions
Trauma/PTSD
Family Dynamics
Education & Training
Master of Social Work, Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Washington State University
MODALITIES:
Narrative Therapy
Mindfulness & Meditation
Dialectical Behavior Therapy; DBT
Cognifitve Behavior Therapy; CBT
Licensure & Registration:
Licensed Masters Social Work Associate
State of Washington, Pending Approval
Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC
State of Washington, Pending Approval
Lea Fingerhut, BS, MFT Intern
My Background
PRIMARILY OFFERING FAMILY/COUPLES SESSIONS AT THIS TIME.
Hello, my name is Lea Fingerhut. I am a clinical intern at Balanced Living Therapy, working towards my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University. Prior to my graduate education, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University in June 2019. I am bilingual: speaking German and English. Taking the step to seek therapy can be a daunting process and I am humbled and honored to be walking alongside you in your journey.
I believe that healing occurs in and through relationships, thereby creating a safe therapeutic space in which clients feel heard, seen and understood is of the utmost importance to me as a clinician. Likewise, I view therapy as a holistic process that involves the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of personhood. Through our work together, we can explore these aspects, reduce maladaptive behaviors, as well as the thought and relationship patterns that keep you in a place of feeling stuck.
My Approach to Therapy
I provide therapy to individuals, couples and families using a holistic, collaborative and systems perspective, tailoring my approach specifically to your individual needs. I will meet your vulnerability with compassion, openness and curiosity and will allow you space to explore your identity, goals and growth potential.
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Personality Disorders
Self-esteem issues
Relationship issues
Sex & Intimacy issues
Marital and Premarital
Life transitions
Trauma
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Seattle Pacific University
Master's Candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Seattle Pacific University
Licensure and Registration
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Seattle Pacific University Internship Program
Enas Albar, BA, MFT Intern
My Background
PRIMARILY OFFERING FAMILY/COUPLES SESSIONS AT THIS TIME.
Hello! I'm Enas Albar. I am a clinical intern at Balanced Living Therapy, working towards my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University. I am bilingual: speaking English and Arabic. I have a deep-rooted love for diversity and believe that everyone has the right to feel accepted, healthy, and able to find meaning in life. I also think that everyone deserves to grow and flourish, and I have faith in psychotherapy’s ability to do that. I strive to provide a safe and judgment-free environment in which your feelings can be validated and understood.
أهلاً! أنا إيناس البار، درست علم النفس في المملكة العربية السعودية، وأدرس حالياً ماجستير علاج زواجي وأسري . أؤمن أن كل فرد يستحق أن يُمنح الفرص التي تساعده على النمو والنضج. أرى أن العلاج النفسي رحلة مشتركة بين المعالج والعميل لها ميزاتها وصعوباتها، كما أثق في قدرة العلاج النفسي على ترميم النفس وتسهيل العقبات. أحب أن أساعد الآخرين ليشعروا بشعور أفضل تجاه أنفسهم وأن ينظروا للأمور من أبعاد مختلفة. أتطلّع إلى سماع قصتك وتوفير مساحة آمنة لك وخالية من إطلاق الأحكام.
من مجالات اهتمامي: العلاقات، العائلة و الزواج، الطلاق، العيش في ثقافة مختلفة، إيجاد معاني للحياة.
My Approach to Therapy
I am interested in your story. I would like you to feel listened to, appreciated, and understood. The therapeutic journey is two-sided. I would love the opportunity for you and I to work together towards your goals. I can help untangle the healing process from all of its sides, from the big picture to the small details. I provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and articulate your thoughts.
Specialties
Relationships
Marriage and Family
Intimacy
Teens of Divorce
Cultural Barriers/Diversity
Anxiety
Depression
Self-Esteem
Education & Training
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, King Adbul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
Master's Candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Seattle Pacific University
Licensure and Registration
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Seattle Pacific University Internship Program
Kylee Hellstern, BS, MFT Intern
My Background
PRIMARILY OFFERING FAMILY/COUPLES SESSIONS AT THIS TIME.
Hello, my name is Kylee Hellstern. I am a clinical intern at Balanced Living Therapy, working towards my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University. Starting therapy can be intimidating. My goal as a therapist is to join with you through warmth, humor, and authenticity to create a safe space for introspection and reconnection with self and others. I believe everyone is unique and it is through small daily changes and realizations that we can become our best, most whole selves.
My Approach to Therapy
I provide therapy to individuals, couples and families using a holistic and relational approach looking at “the bigger picture”. I understand people are led to therapy through various life experiences, and each person’s journey to find healing is different. I employ a variety of therapeutic models and will work with you to find path tailored to your own personal healing. I believe each person already has the abilities within themselves to grow and live happy, successful lives. I consider it my job to help you reconnect with the strength and knowledge already inside you.
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Coping Skills
Couples
Family Conflict
Financial Counseling
Marital and Premarital
Life transitions
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Relationships
Education and Training
Master of Science Candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy; Seattle Pacific University
Bachelor of Science in Human Consumer and Family Development, Financial Planning Minor; Utah State University
Licensure and Registration
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Seattle Pacific University Internship Program