Balanced Living Therapy, LLC

Balanced Living Therapy, LLCBalanced Living Therapy, LLCBalanced Living Therapy, LLC

Balanced Living Therapy, LLC

Balanced Living Therapy, LLCBalanced Living Therapy, LLCBalanced Living Therapy, LLC
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Who Are We?

Gigi Ishaq, MS, LMHC, SUDP, CCS

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” David Richo

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