Who Are We?

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.

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.

Eating Disorders

Grief and Loss

Past Trauma

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Marriage Therapy

Career exploration and life skills building

Individual Therapy

Attachment Disorders

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.

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

Hello, my name is Mayra Sanchez. I believe that therapy is a vehicle for change and I am honored to be a part of the journey as each individual learns new ways of thinking, doing, and being. I am bilingual: speaking Spanish and English. My personal and academic experience has given me the knowledge needed to become an ethical and effective therapist that encompasses diversity and inclusion. I look forward to helping my clients through compassion, authenticity, empowerment, validation, respect, and acceptance. 

I  provide therapy to individuals and couples using a systems-oriented and culturally sensitive approach to help each individual achieve their goals, develop strong relationships, create deeper meaningful connections, and interrupt unhelpful patterns.  I have experience working with individuals and couples from a variety of backgrounds, including pregnant and postpartum women, Spanish-speaking clients, teens, and adults.  I am committed to maintaining a brave space for individuals to feel heard, seen, and understood by dedicating my attention to understanding each personal narrative and working collaboratively towards individual goals so that productive change prevails.  

Depression & Anxiety

Relationship Issues

Life Transitions

Maternal Mental Health

Self-esteem

Women’s Issues

Emerging Adulthood

Trauma

Cultural Challenges

Identity Issues

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy,  Pacific Lutheran University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Washington

Training in Best Practices in Prevention, Identification, and Treatment of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, June 2019 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate 

State of Washington # MC61027794

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. 

 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. 

Anxiety 

Depression 

Eating Disorders 

Personality Disorders 

Self-esteem issues 

Relationship issues 

Sex & Intimacy issues 

Marital and Premarital 

Life transitions 

Trauma

Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Seattle Pacific University

Master's Candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Seattle Pacific University

Marriage and Family Therapist Intern

Seattle Pacific University Internship Program

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.

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.

Anxiety 

Depression

Coping Skills

Couples 

Family Conflict

Financial Counseling

Marital and Premarital 

Life transitions

Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

Relationships

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 

Marriage and Family Therapist Intern

Seattle Pacific University Internship Program