Maggie Gigi Ishaq, LMHC, SUDP, CFRC, CCS
My Background
Hello, I'm Maggie "Gigi" Ishaq, the owner and a practicing therapist at Balanced Living Therapy, LLC. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in substance use counseling, both from Seattle Pacific University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Substance Use Disorder Professional, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC).
I bring over 23 years of clinical experience helping clients heal from trauma, navigate grief and loss, address substance use concerns, and strengthen emotional health. I have extensive experience supporting first responders and their families, providing culturally competent, trauma-informed care tailored to the unique challenges of high-stress professions.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic style is person-centered, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s individual needs. I believe that meaningful change happens when we honor your story, work together to challenge unhelpful patterns, and build new pathways toward resilience and emotional regulation.
I integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Whether you are seeking to heal from trauma, strengthen your relationships, rebuild after loss, or reconnect with your identity, I aim to create a safe, compassionate space where your goals are prioritized and supported.
Specialties and Areas of Interest
- First Responder & Family Therapy
- Trauma & PTSD (including EMDR)
- Grief & Loss
- Self-Esteem & Identity Work
- Eating Disorders
- Attachment & Relational Challenges
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Substance Use Counseling
- Marriage/Couples and Individual Therapy
Education
- Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy – Seattle Pacific University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Professional Studies) – Seattle Pacific University
- Associate of Technical Arts in Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counseling – Edmonds College
- Research Therapist – Behavioral Research & Therapy Clinics (BRTC), University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital
Licensure and Training:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – WA Credential # LH60200522
- Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) – WA Credential # CP00005296
- Certified Clinical Supervisor – WA DOH
- Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) – Cultural Competency First Responder Program
- EMDR Trained Clinician
Jesse Dunn, LMHC, Clinical Director, Agency Supervisor
My Background
My name is Jesse Dunn. I am the clinical director and one of the agency supervisors at Balanced Living Therapy, LLC. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have 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. As 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 is what I prioritize.
My therapeutic perspective is most similar to “Humanistic Psychology.” It has 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 & Training
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, Seattle Pacific University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Philosophy, University of Portland
MODALITIES:
Narrative Therapy
Mindfulness & Meditation
Dialectical Behavior Therapy; DBT
Cognitive Behavior Therapy; CBT
Licensure & Registration:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, License # LH61165341
State of Washington
Certified Clinical Supervisor, DOH, WA
Agency Clinical Director
Stacy Gardea, SUDP, AAC
My Background
Hi, I’m Stacy Gardea (she/her), and I’m a Registered Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) here at Balanced Living Therapy. I’ve spent over 12 years walking alongside individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring challenges. I bring a steady, compassionate presence and a deep respect for the resilience each person carries with them.
Over the years, I’ve supported clients in a range of treatment settings. At Balanced Living Therapy, I provide both substance use and mental health counseling under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor, in accordance with agency policy.
I’m a Pacific Northwest local who enjoys time outdoors and staying grounded through hands-on, creative activities. Outside of the therapy room, you’ll often find me fly fishing, tending to my garden, sewing, or cooking for family and friends.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe therapy is a warm and safe space where you can reconnect with your inner guidance, explore what’s holding you back, and move toward healing and meaningful change. I see the process of growth as a winding path—sometimes difficult, often beautiful, and always unique to you.
My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based. I integrate practices like breathwork, mindfulness, and solution-focused tools to support emotional regulation, insight, and resilience. I strive to create a therapeutic space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore your experiences with curiosity and self-compassion.
While my primary focus is in substance use treatment, I also support individuals navigating a variety of mental health concerns. I draw on years of clinical experience and ongoing training to offer thoughtful, compassionate care tailored to each person’s needs. I’m committed to providing high-quality, ethical therapy that honors your unique story and goals.
Areas of Interest
Substance Use and Addictions
Gambling Addiction
Trauma and PTSD
Grief and Loss
ADHD
Depression and Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Meditation and Breathwork
Education & Training
Associate of Arts in Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counseling – Edmonds College (2014)
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Northern Arizona University
Licensure & Registration:
Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) – WA DOH Registration # CP60831867
Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) – WA DOH Credential # CG61682551
Kristi Lyn Reddy, MA, LMHCA, AAC, CSTIP
My Background
My name is Kristi Lyn. I am a clinician at Balanced Living Therapy, LLC. I obtained my Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. I have over twenty years of relational and teaching experience with individuals and families in the Seattle area. My volunteer experience includes co-facilitating teen girl groups at local community centers, child and teen temporary care while supporting family restoration, and hosting short-term home stays for international students and teachers attending local university educational programs.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I love to be outdoors as much as possible, walking, hiking, grounding myself amidst the evergreens, or by the ocean. I am an avid football/soccer fan supporting the Seattle Sounders FC. Additionally, I am a writer who finds solace in words, and a self-taught cook who prefers to eat with others around my own dining table than at a restaurant.
My Approach/Therapeutic Style
Choosing to begin therapy takes courage. Therapy can be a vulnerable—and at times intimidating—space, and I deeply respect the strength it takes to show up. My approach is rooted in meeting each client exactly where they are, offering acceptance, respect, and unconditional positive regard through a person‑centered lens. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel seen, heard, and valued as your authentic self. At the core of my work is the belief that you are the expert on your own life, and I am committed to honoring your individuality, belief systems, and personal, familial, cultural, relational, and spiritual values.
I believe we all carry an inner voice that seeks to guide, protect, and help us better understand who we are and how we relate to others and the world around us. Part of our work together is learning how to listen to and trust that voice. I view therapy as a collaborative process grounded in curiosity, honesty, and compassion, and I am willing to ask the hard questions—both of my clients and myself. Together, we will explore what brings you to therapy, whether that includes navigating current life circumstances, facing difficult decisions, living with uncertainty, or gently revisiting your past. This work unfolds slowly and intentionally, with deep respect for your pace and readiness.
My therapeutic style integrates person‑centered, emotionally focused, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches, with an emphasis on depth‑oriented work. I believe healing involves both compassion and accountability—holding space for acceptance while remaining growth‑minded and open to change. Our work may include building self‑awareness, fostering self‑acceptance and self‑worth, strengthening interpersonal communication, and developing sustainable self‑care practices. I also focus on recognizing what lies outside of our control while identifying where we do have agency—our internal locus of control—often creating opportunities for empowerment, clarity, and intentional living. Therapy is not about fixing what is broken; it is about understanding, integrating, and honoring all parts of you so you can move forward with greater confidence, insight, and alignment.
Areas of Interest
I work with:
- Individuals and adults (18+)
- Couples who are seeking to strengthen or restore emotional and physical intimacy, including relationships impacted by infidelity
- Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP)
- Survivors of trauma, including childhood abuse and domestic or intimate partner violence (DV/IPV)
- Trauma Timeline
- Depth Work
- Those navigating life transitions, sex, sexuality, identity changes, or periods of uncertainty
- Individuals experiencing social anxiety or relational difficulties
- Self-Awareness, Inner Voice, Personal Accountability
- Depression/Anxiety
- Life Transitions
- Navigating Personal Health Journey – ie. Cancer/Surgeries
- PTSD/CPTSD
- Clients seeking faith‑informed therapy, where spiritual beliefs are respected and thoughtfully integrated when desired
- Emotional Regulation
My work is grounded in safety, consent, and respect for each person’s lived experience. Whether you are seeking healing, clarity, reconnection, or growth, I am honored to walk alongside you in that process.
Education & Training
Masters in counseling psychology - The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology – June 2025
Bachelors in Life Experience-The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology – August 2022
REST – (Real Escape From Sex Trade): Human Trafficking Outreach, Prevention, Education. Winter 2023 and Spring 2024
Integrative Sex and Couples Certification Training with Tammie Nelson: Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP), February 2026
Licensure & Registration
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, License # MC61675702
DOH-State of Washington
Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) – # CG70032181
Elizabeth Wareing MA, LMHCA
My Background
Hello, my name is Beth Wareing. I am a clinician at Balanced Living Therapy, specializing in trauma-informed counseling for first responders. Before becoming a therapist, I served nearly 30 years as a police officer, working primarily as a violent crime investigator and hostage negotiator. I earned my master’s degree from City University of Seattle in 2009 and have been an ICISF-certified critical incident debriefer since that time. From 2009 to 2013, I also worked as a mental health therapist in an inpatient setting.
Through both my professional training and lived experience, I have a deep understanding of the unique demands of first-responder work—the intensity, the sense of purpose, and the cumulative toll it can take over time. I recognize how repeated exposure to stress and trauma can affect not only personal well-being, but also relationships, physical health, and one’s sense of self. My work is grounded in the belief that trauma is often complex and layered, and that healing is not one-size-fits-all. I strive to provide care that honors each individual’s experience and supports meaningful, sustainable recovery.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, with an emphasis on safety, collaboration, and empowerment. I partner with clients to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, using an integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I specialize in working with first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, medical professionals, corrections staff, and dispatchers. Drawing on both clinical training and firsthand experience, I strive to create a supportive, respectful space where clients feel understood and can work toward meaningful, sustainable change at their own pace.
Areas of Interest
Individual therapy
PTSD/CPTSD
Moral injury
Administrative betrayal
Career transitions
Life transitions
Relationships
Depression/Anxiety
Navigating Personal Health Journey
Childhood abuse
Domestic (DV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Internal Family Systems
Person Centered Therapy
Education & Training
Doctorate, Leadership and Change, Antioch University (In progress)
Masters in Counseling Psychology – City University of Seattle, 2009
Mental Health Counselor 2009-2013
Organizational Consulting – Traumatized Organizations
West Coast Post Trauma Retreat Staff (Washington) - 2019 to Present
Trauma Informed Policing and REPAIR (Redefining Policing to Affirm and Instill Human Rights) -Instructor, Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities 2021-Present
Group Crisis Intervention (ICISF, 2009)
Assisting Individuals in Crisis (ICISF, 2009)
Line of Duty Death Case Review (FBI, 2009)
Line of Duty Death Response (ICISF, 2010)
Strategic Response to Crisis (ICISF, 2018)
Licensure & Registration
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, License #MC70061302
DOH-State of Washington
Ally Latham, MA-CMHC Intern, Northwestern University
My Background
Hi, I’m Ally. I’m a graduate student at Northwestern University working toward my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’m drawn to therapy work that is thoughtful, relational, and holistic. Outside of counseling, I enjoy practicing yoga, making pottery, and spending time outdoors.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and humanistic theory. I’m curious about how early experiences, relationships, and emotional patterns continue to shape the way you relate to yourself and others today. We won’t dwell on the past, but we may gently return to it when it helps us understand what’s showing up in your life now.
From a humanistic perspective, I see you as the expert on your own life. My role is to offer a space marked by warmth, authenticity, and respect, where your story is met with empathy rather than judgment. I believe that healing happens in relationships, and that people naturally move toward growth when they feel safe, seen, and understood.
I often describe therapy as journaling out loud. A place where you can slow down and explore your innermost thoughts, emotions, and questions without pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we’ll work toward greater self-awareness, emotional grounding, and a stronger sense of meaning, so you can live and relate in ways that feel more aligned with who you truly are.
Areas of Interest
Anxiety and depression
Family-of-origin patterns
Romantic relationships and attachment
Life transitions and identity shifts
Self-esteem and self-worth
Spirituality and meaning-making
Dream exploration
I work with both young adults and older adults, and I’m especially interested in how people make sense of themselves and their relationships across different stages of life.
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Candidate: Northwestern University
(2024-present)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of Denver (2021)
Brad Corcoran, MA, LMFTA
My Background
Hello, my name is Brad Corcoran (he/him). I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) with a Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy from Antioch University. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade working in healthcare, including adolescent rehabilitation, emergency department, and outpatient settings. These experiences shaped my understanding of people and families navigating high-stress environments.
I work with individuals and couples, with a particular focus on first responders and their families, couples and relationship concerns, communication, stress, anxiety, depression, self-worth, and family dynamics.
My Approach to Therapy
I see therapy as a collaborative and evolving partnership. While I bring training, knowledge, and life experience to our work, I recognize that you are the expert on your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering perspective, tools, and curiosity while creating a space where you feel supported, seen, and understood.
My approach is grounded in attachment theory and emotion-focused work, while adapting to each person or couple’s unique goals and circumstances. I believe meaningful growth comes through honest exploration, emotional connection, and a deeper understanding of the patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others.
Therapy with me is not about having all the answers. It’s about making room for your humanity. Together, we’ll explore your story, strengthen your relationships, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Areas of Interest
First Responders & Their Families
Couples & Relationship Therapy
Communication & Conflict
Attachment & Emotional Connection
Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Family Dynamics
Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
Life Transitions & Personal Growth
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy, Antioch University, June 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Greek, Pastoral Ministries, and Biblical Studies, Multnomah University
Taylor Likes, MA-CFT Intern, Antioch University
My Background
Hi, I’m Taylor Likes (she/her). I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch University Seattle. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University, where I built a strong foundation in human development, relational dynamics, and mental health.
Before beginning my clinical training, I worked as a childcare teacher for 12 years. Supporting children and partnering closely with families during important developmental stages deeply shaped my understanding of how relationships and environments influence growth. This experience sparked my passion for working with families, children, and teens and continues to inform my systemic, developmentally grounded lens in therapy.
Through my background in education and mental health training, I have come to value patience, curiosity, and collaboration. I believe meaningful change happens within relationships, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic approach is rooted in systems thinking. I view individuals within the context of their relationships, families, and broader environments. Rather than seeing challenges as the sole responsibility of one person, I explore how patterns of interaction, communication, and emotional connection shape each person’s experience.
I draw from Structural Therapy, Strategic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I appreciate Structural and Strategic approaches for their focus on identifying patterns and creating practical changes, while Narrative Therapy allows space to explore the stories we carry about ourselves and our relationships. Emotionally Focused Therapy informs my belief that strengthening emotional bonds and fostering secure attachment can lead to lasting transformation.
In our work together, I aim to balance insight with action. I may help you identify relational patterns, explore recurring dynamics, and practice new ways of communicating and connecting. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and gentle, with helpful direction when appropriate. I believe clients are experts in their own lives, and my role is to support you in discovering clarity, resilience, and new possibilities.
Areas of Interest
Family and Relationship Dynamics
Children and Adolescents
Parenting Support
Communication Challenges
Life Transitions
Anxiety and Emotional Regulation
Identity Development
Attachment and Connection
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (In Progress)
Antioch University Seattle
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2020)
Washington State University
Thomas Matysik, MA-CMHC Intern, Antioch University
My Background
Hello! I’m Thomas (he/him). I am a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University Seattle. Before starting grad school, I worked as a preschool teacher, public radio/podcast producer, and improviser and improv teacher. From these experiences, I’ve learned how to create spaces where people feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching movies, playing video games, and playing guitar and piano.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe that therapy can be one of the few spaces in our lives where people can slow down, explore their thoughts and feelings, and feel truly and deeply heard. Through that process, insight, self-awareness, and self-trust can emerge naturally.
My approach is based in person-centered and existential theories. This means that I see therapy as a collaborative process, where my role is to walk alongside clients with curiosity, patience, warmth, and respect.
I aim to create a space where clients feel comfortable enough to let themselves feel uncomfortable. Though growth can be difficult, it can also include moments of lightness and humor. I strive to make room for the full range of emotions that come with being human.
Finally, I believe that people are inherently creative and capable of discovering new ways of understanding and being in their lives. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences with curiosity. From there, they can begin to carry those discoveries into their lives outside of therapy.
Areas of Interest
Depression and Anxiety
Life and Career Transitions
Grief and Loss
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Meaning and Purpose
Identity Exploration
Self-Expression
Stress and Burnout
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Antioch University Seattle (Expected Spring 2027)
Bachelor of Arts in Film & Video Columbia College Chicago
Ashley Campbell, MA-CMHC Intern, Antioch University
My Background
People often come to therapy when something in their life no longer feels sustainable: A relationship pattern, a difficult transition, stress that won’t let up, or experiences that never had space to be processed. My goal as a therapist is to create a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of what you’re going through in a way that leads to meaningful change.
I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University and am honored to be training at Balanced Living Therapy. My path into counseling has been shaped by both my academic training and my experience working with individuals navigating systemic barriers, trauma, and major life transitions. Through my work with incarcerated youth and underserved populations, I developed a strong understanding of how trauma, relationships, and social systems impact people’s mental health and sense of self.
I am particularly interested in working with clients around relationship dynamics, boundaries, self-worth, trauma recovery, and life transitions. I often work well with individuals who tend to reflect deeply on their patterns, relationships, and emotional experiences and who want to better understand themselves while building healthier ways of relating to others.
My Approach to Therapy
I view therapy as a collaborative process grounded in curiosity, compassion, and respect. I believe many coping strategies develop for good reasons, even if they no longer serve us in the ways they once did. In therapy, we work together to understand those patterns rather than judge them.
My approach integrates relational therapy, mindfulness-based practices, somatic awareness, and parts-oriented perspectives. Because our experiences are held not only in our thoughts but also in our bodies, I often incorporate gentle attention to physical sensations and nervous system responses. This can help build emotional awareness, regulation skills, and a stronger sense of stability and resilience.
I also approach therapy through a multicultural and systemic lens, recognizing that mental health is shaped not only by personal experiences but also by the social and cultural systems people live within. Creating a supportive, non-judgmental, and thoughtful environment is very important to me.
My goal is to help clients develop greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of direction and connection in their lives.
Areas of Interest
Depression and Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Relational Dynamics
Boundaries and Self-Worth
Identity Exploration
LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Life Transitions
Somatic Exploration
Systemic and Cultural Impacts on Mental Health
Person-Centered Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Antioch University (In Progress)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, The Evergreen State College, 2023
Trauma Counseling Certificate, Antioch University
Psychological First Aid, National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Trauma-Informed Care Training, Alberta Health Services
Ray Power, MA-CMHC Intern, Antioch University
My Background
Hi, I’m Ray Power (any pronouns). I am a queer neurodivergent intern counselor obtaining my master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University in Seattle. I have experience in the service industry, community outreach, mental health support, and education. I show up with embodied authenticity, striving to empower and uplift others across all spheres of life.
I enjoy yoga, astrology, dancing, music, spending time in nature, being a cat dad, writing poetry, drag, journaling, and connecting.
My Approach to Therapy
I approach therapy from a humanistic person-centered perspective, meaning you are the expert on your own life, and we will work collaboratively on working through what you wish to bring into the space in ways that align with your healing. I focus on empowering clients with emphasis on relationality and collective healing from a trauma-informed lens. I believe no one approach works for everyone, and take an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating modalities such as mindfulness, somatics, existentialism, narrative, relational cultural theory, expressive arts, and internal family systems. I am happy to dive deeper on what these mean and might look like in practice over consultation, intake, and/or session. If mindfulness practices jive for you, I love integrating short meditations and grounding exercises into sessions! I am here to meet you wherever you are in your healing journey.
Areas of Interest
LGBTQIA+
Trans & Gender expansive Identity Exploration
Neurodivergence
Relationship Issues
Anxiety & Depression
Mindfulness & Somatics
Relational
Cultural Expressive Arts/Creative Approaches
Existentialism
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Antioch University Seattle (Graduating Spring 2027)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & English University of Vermont (2018)
Brynnen Bailey-Lewis, MACP Intern, Seattle School Theo & Psy
My Background
I am a graduate student in a counseling psychology program at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, currently completing my clinical internship. Before beginning my work as a therapist, I spent over 20 years supporting children, adolescents, and families through some of their hardest moments.
As a child welfare caseworker, I worked closely with adolescents in permanent foster care, learning to see beyond defensive exteriors to the tender, complicated interior worlds beneath. I also walked alongside parents whose children had been removed from their care, supporting them as they worked toward reunifying their families; work that taught me as much about resilience as it did about loss. Later, as a Parent Partner with the YMCA Children’s Crisis Outreach Response System and a Re-Entry Life Coach for the YWCA, I continued walking alongside families in crisis.
I have lived in the Pacific Northwest all of my adult life. It’s where I met my husband over 30 years ago and where we raised our two, now-grown children. For a number of years, I also had a small hobby farm with goats, chickens, and alpacas, an experience that became an unexpected teacher: a place to feel grounded and to grow through both the challenges and the rewards of caring for other living things. Outside of my clinical work, I love photography, reading, and music, and I spend most evenings with my husband, my two senior dogs, and two senior cats.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from Person-Centered, Relational, and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, along with trauma-informed care. I believe every person already carries within them the capacity for healing, and I see my role as helping create the conditions where that capacity can emerge. In practice, this means a steady, unhurried presence, room for silence, and a relationship built on trust.
Areas of Interest
Individual Therapy (18+)
Person-Centered Therapy
Emotion Focused Individual Therapy
Relational Therapy
Epigenetics/Generational Trauma
PTSD/CPTSD
Survivors of Trauma
Depression/Anxiety
Parenting Support
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (in progress, 2024–2027), The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
Mental Health First Aid, National Council for Mental Wellbeing (2025)
Parent Coaching Certification, Parent Coaching Institute (2012)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Lewis & Clark College (1997)
Yusuf Rahmani, MA-CMHC Intern, Antioch University
My Background
Hello! My name is Yusuf Rahmani, and I am a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University Seattle. Before starting graduate school, I worked in the film industry with a focus on cinematography and lighting. I loved the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the opportunity to work alongside people to bring creative ideas to life. Along the way, I realized that what I found most meaningful wasn't just helping tell stories on screen, it was connecting with people and helping them feel genuinely seen and understood. That realization inspired me to pursue a career in counseling.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe therapy begins with creating a space where you feel safe enough to be yourself. My goal is to provide a collaborative, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and supported as we explore the challenges that brought you to therapy. Together, we'll work toward greater self-understanding, build on your strengths, and identify meaningful steps toward the changes you hope to make. I also recognize that our identities, culture, relationships, and lived experiences shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us, and I strive to approach each client with curiosity, cultural humility, and respect. My approach is grounded in person-centered and trauma-informed principles while drawing from existential, Adlerian, family systems, and motivational interviewing perspectives. Rather than relying on a single approach, I strive to tailor therapy to your unique experiences, values, strengths, and goals.
Areas of Interest
Anxiety
Trauma and Trauma Recovery
Identity Exploration
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Grief and Loss
Meaning and Purpose
Person-Centered Therapy
Trauma-Informed Care
Motivational Interviewing
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (In Progress), Antioch University, Seattle (Expected Graduation: Summer 2027)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Evergreen State College, 2022
Ann Bredin, MA-CMHC Intern, Seattle University
My Background
Welcome! My name is Ann (she/her). I am a graduate student at Seattle University and am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My journey to becoming a counselor was not linear; before pursuing this role, I worked for over ten years in a variety of workplace settings. Taking this unconventional path has allowed me to develop unique insights into the issues that impact my clients. Through my experiences and research, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges clients face in navigating work with life's transitions and setbacks.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe everyone possesses innate wisdom and resiliency to transform their life. At certain points in life, we may lose our connection to ourselves and our alignment with our purpose. Taking the steps to attend counseling can create a meaningful impact on our lives and those around us. This is why I take a person-centered approach to counseling, where you are in charge of your process and pace, while I hold the container for you to safely explore yourself.
In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative interaction where I work to ensure you feel seen and understood in your experience. I offer a non-judgmental space for you to process, where no thought or feeling is too big for us to discuss. Together, we will integrate all aspects of yourself into our sessions, your unique traits and beliefs, as well as your relationships and cultural background.
I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Multicultural Counseling, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) as theoretical foundations for my work. Together, these frameworks allow us to explore all contexts that are impacting you, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, cultural, societal, and structural.
Areas of Interest
Stress and Burnout
Anxiety and Depression
Career and Life Transitions
Workplace Challenges and Bullying
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Meaning and Purpose
Grief and Loss Neurodivergence
Trauma and PTSD
Relational Dynamics
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Seattle University (In Progress)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, St. Joseph’s University (2017)
University of Central Florida Counseling Conference on Trauma-Informed Care (2026)
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Training (2026)
Josephine Edmondson, MA-CMHC Intern, Seattle University
My Background
Hi, I'm Josephine (she/her). I believe healing happens in a space that's free of judgment, where someone can be fully honest and feel heard, and where the body is part of that process, not just the mind. My training in somatic work taught me to notice what's happening beneath the words, in tension, breath, and posture, and to work with those signals alongside whatever is being spoken. I've also spent almost 20 years teaching trauma informed yoga, breathwork, and Reiki, and I still do this work today. Over the years, that work has taken me into prisons, juvenile detention centers, and eating disorder treatment programs, and has included survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. I'm now a graduate student at Seattle University, working toward becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and I bring all of it into the therapy room: attention to the body, a non-judgmental presence, and two decades of hands-on trauma-informed work.
My Approach to Therapy
My work draws on a few key frameworks:
· Relational and Attachment-Focused. Early relationships shape how we connect with ourselves and others. I work with you to notice these patterns and build a stronger sense of security.
· Emotion-Focused and Somatic. I draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy alongside body awareness, since emotion and physical sensation are closely linked.
· Person-Centered. You are the expert on your own life. I offer curiosity and presence rather than a fixed agenda.
· Culturally Responsive. Your identity and lived experience shape how you move through the world, and that context matters in our work together.
I work with individuals, families, couples, and adolescents.
Areas of Interest
Attachment and relational patterns
Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation
Identity and multicultural experience
Life transitions
Self-esteem and self-worth
Secondary trauma
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-accredited), Seattle University (In Progress)
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art Education (Museum & Community Studies), University of Arizona (2008)
2000+ hours of yoga teacher training and continuing education in trauma-informed practices, breathwork facilitation, and nervous system regulation (2009-Present)
Joshua Forman, MA-CMHC Intern, Seattle University
My Background
Hey there! My name is Josh, and I'm a CMHC Intern at Balanced Living Therapy. I
hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in Neuroscience from Colorado
State University, and I am currently completing my master's degree in Mental Health
Counseling at Seattle University. I am also a certified Neurodynamic Breathwork
Facilitator
My Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic orientation is an integrative blend of Person-Centered, Gestalt, and
Existential Therapy. I also take a somatic and neuroscience-informed approach to the
counseling process. I believe healing happens not just through talking, but through
reconnecting with the language of the body and the psyche's innate capacity for
regulation and growth. I strive to create a warm, curious, and nonjudgmental space
where clients feel safe to explore their present-moment experience, build self-awareness, and move toward greater wholeness, while also exploring the deeper
questions of life such as meaning, purpose, and connection.
I am especially drawn to working with individuals facing loneliness, career transitions,
low self-worth, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, terminal illness, and trauma. I have
a particular interest in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and adult men in their
healing journeys. I also offer support for psychedelic integration, helping clients
process and make meaning of their experiences as part of their broader healing.
Areas of Interest
Breathwork & Meditation
Nature Therapy
Expressive Art Therapy
Grief & Loss
Coping with Illness & Diagnosis
Spiritually Informed Counseling
Anxiety & Depression
Loneliness & Isolation
Trauma
LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Men's Mental Health
Somatic & Body-Based Counseling
Existential Therapy
Education & Training
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (in progress) – Seattle
University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Colorado State University
Research Assistant – CSU Cognitive Neuroscience Program
Licensure and Training:
Certified Neurodynamic Breathwork Facilitator
Certified Lethal Means Reduction Counselor