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
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
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 pending approval
State of Washington # MC60945651
Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC
Gwen Sipes, MA, AAC - PhD Clinical Psychology Candidate
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, LSWAIC, AAC
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 Social Work Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC)
State of Washington
Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC
State of Washington
Addi Daisley, MA, LMHCA, SUDP-T
My Background
Hello, my name is Addi Daisley. I am a licensed mental health counseling associate who also holds a substance use disorder credential. As a co-occuring disorders clinician, I can treat mental health and substance use disorders together.
I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University. My experience includes counseling individuals and couples. I specialize in treating the issues that arise from unresolved trauma or difficult childhood experiences, especially when it shows up in substance use issues, low self-esteem, or relationship conflict.
My Approach to Therapy
My personal style is down to earth and direct, yet compassionate and caring. My approach to counseling centers around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I’m also influenced by person-centered and psychodynamic traditions, which means that I am particularly interested in how you are making meaning of your experiences.
We all have painful experiences. I believe it’s what we do with these difficulties that determines not only the extent of our suffering, but how we are able to transform our pain and loss into strength, power, and growth.
I do this work because I strongly believe that everyone deserves a skilled, fierce ally to support them when life gets tough. I aim to create a warm and inviting space, free from judgment or expectation. I hope to bring a sense of authenticity and curiosity as we commit to discovering your process of healing together.
Specialties
Substance Use/Addiction
Depression
Couples
Anxiety
Crisis
Coping Skills
Trauma/PTSD
Family Dynamics
Identity Development
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Seattle University
Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Psychology, Washington State University
Licensure and Registration
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate, Credential # MC60987567
Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee, Credential # 60987394
Carie McCoy, MACP Candidate Bastyr University
My Background
Hello! I am Carie McCoy and my pronouns are she/her. I am a clinical intern at Balanced Living Therapy and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology candidate at Bastyr University. I am also a Usui Reiki Master with a background in crisis counseling and have 10+ years of experience helping folx - from youth to elders - reach their health and wellness goals. I enjoy nature in all her glory and engaging in creative endeavors like pottery and writing. I have been befriended by two lions in house-cat bodies.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe therapy is a deeply personal and collaborative process of healing and transformation. My goal as a counselor is to listen and support you and your process in a way that works for you. There are a lot of right ways to do things. We each have an innate capacity to heal as well as transcend challenging experiences.
I value integrating the mind, body, and spirit for whole person healing so that we can show up as our authentic selves, increase our vitality, and foster supportive interpersonal connections. I am mindful of how our personal intersectionality and environment influence our experiences. I am a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental, client-centered therapist orienting to somatic, depth, and multicultural-feminist therapeutic approaches.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I utilize evidence-based methods, creative expression, mind-body practices, and third wave behavioral techniques like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help you identify and align with your personal values. I would be honored to walk with you on this journey.
Specialties
ACT
Crisis
Grief
Coping
Anxiety
Identity
Depression
Empowerment
Life Transitions
Self-Appreciation
Mind-Body Techniques
Existence and Transcendence
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth
Education & Training
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology candidate, Bastyr University
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, University of Washington
Crisis Assessment and Emotional Support, Crisis Connections
Reiki Master, Usui Tradition Natural Healing
Licensure and Registration
MACP clinical intern at Bastyr University
Sheri Love Earnshaw, MACP Candidate Bastyr University
My Background
Hello, my name is Sheri Love Earnshaw and my pronouns are she/ her/ they /them. I am a clinical intern with Balanced Living Therapy and a graduate student in the Counseling and Psychology program at Bastyr University. I am an ecologist, an educator, an artist, an activist, sound healer, and qi-gong practitioner.
I am deeply committed to service in the world. I value creatively working with people to foster wellness, connect them to nature, and their wholeness. I am grateful for opportunities to deepen my empathy and compassion in the world while healing individuals to heal our human community. I am committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural humility as reflected in my work with many different communities and within varying capacities. I wish to support wellness for the people I serve as well as to advocate for equal access to wellness for all.
My Approach to Therapy
“The problem is the problem. The person is not the problem”- White
Fundamentally, I believe people are the experts on themselves. I approach each person with an earnest curiosity, humility, and belief in their goodness. I see each individual as a rich tapestry of experience and potential. Through empathy, positive regard, and authenticity, I hope to accompany people on their journey to wellbeing primarily from a person-centered orientation. I value collaboration with clients as together, we begin to weave the threads of their lives into congruency and wholeness.
My goal is to create a safe and therapeutic environment where all aspects of a person feel deeply welcome. I wish to foster growth and healing through deconstructing unhelpful thought patterns and assist in identifying/removing obstacles. For each individual, my therapeutic process is tailored to their unique needs. My approach integrates mindfulness-based stress reduction, narrative therapy, somatic therapy, and third wave behavioral therapies such as ACT. I work from a multi-cultural-feminist and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and liberation psychology perspective.
I strive for the integration of mind, body and spirit as part of a wellness model. All domains of your lives will be considered. The root of the word consider literally means “to observe the stars”. When sitting with your considerations, it is my hope that we can be with the stars and find insights that will help liberate you from suffering.
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
TF-CBT
Developmental Trauma
Grief and Loss
CBT
ACT
Mind body techniques
Existentialism
Narrative Therapy
Nature-based therapies
Education and Training
Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology Candidate, Bastyr University
Bachelor of Science In Arts and Letters with a mInor in Environmental Science, Portland State University
Certificate in TR-CBT
Licensure and Registration
MACP clinical intern at Bastyr University