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.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Credential # LH60200522 

Substance Use Disorder Professional Certification # CP00005296  

(State of WA)

Marriage and Family Therapist  

Certified Clinical Supervisor  DOH-State of WA

Hello, my name is Tara Mounts. I am a licensed mental health counselor, 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 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. 

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

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Washington 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Credential #  LH61199359

Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee, Credential # CO60908366

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.

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.

Depression 

Anxiety

Eating Disorders

Life Transitions

Trauma/PTSD

Family Dynamics

Master of Social Work, Eastern Washington University  

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Washington State University

MODALITIES: 

Narrative Therapy

Mindfulness & Meditation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy; DBT

Cognitive Behavior Therapy; CBT 

Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) # SC60205490  

State of Washington

Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC # CG60153970 

State of Washington

Hello! I am Carie McCoy and my pronouns are she/her. I am a mental health counselor at Balanced Living Therapy and have my Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from  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.

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.

ACT

Crisis

Grief

Coping

Anxiety

Identity

Depression

Empowerment

Life Transitions

Self-Appreciation

Mind-Body Techniques

Existence and Transcendence

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth 

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, University of Washington

Crisis Assessment and Emotional Support, Crisis Connections

Reiki Master, Usui Tradition Natural Healing

Certified Trauma Professional (CTP)

Mental Health Counselor Associate License # MC61331567 

Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC #  CG61197670 

State of Washington

Hello, my name is Sheri Love Earnshaw and my pronouns are she/ her/ they /them. I am a mental health counselor with Balanced Living Therapy and a recent graduate 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.

“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. 

Anxiety 

Depression

Coping Skills

Family Conflict 

TF-CBT

Developmental Trauma 

Grief and Loss

CBT

ACT 

Mind body techniques

Existentialism

Narrative Therapy

Nature-based therapies

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University

Bachelor of Science In Arts and Letters with a mInor in Environmental Science, Portland State University

Certificate in TR-CBT

Mental Health Counselor Associate License # MC61320986 

Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC Credential # CG61200346  

State of Washington, DOH

Hello! My name is Natalie Temple and my pronouns are she/her. I am a mental health counselor with Balanced Living Therapy and have a Masters degree in Counseling and Psychology from Bastyr University. I have a background in trauma-informed therapeutic care where I worked with diverse populations presenting a wide array of clinical needs and focuses. I believe in treating the whole person and my educational path has been focused on holistic healing modalities through integration of the mind and body. 

First and foremost, my intention in therapy is to meet a client where they are at with unconditional positive regard, tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each individual. Through building a therapeutic alliance with my clients, we foster a sense of mutual trust and respect, from which we can identify and target obstacles that stand in the way of the client’s innate ability to heal. 

My practice is largely based on the tenets of Person-Centered therapy. Each person is the expert on their own life and inner world. I strive to approach every therapeutic relationship in a way that honors individual uniqueness with a sense of empathy and acceptance. It is also my goal to instill these values of self-compassion into each client; understanding that acceptance is often the foundation of healing. 

My approach is dynamic and flexible; I incorporate approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, exposure therapy, family-systems therapy, mind-body techniques, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am LGTBQIA+ affirming and trauma-informed. I would be honored to begin a therapeutic journey with you. 

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Mind-Body Techniques

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth 

Developmental Trauma

Existentialism

Coping Skills

Grief and Loss

Family Dynamics

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology, University of Puget Sound

Mental Health Counselor Associate License # MC61336611 

Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC # CG61328556  

State of Washington

Hi there. I’m Dylan (she/her). I am a mental health counselor at Balanced Living Therapy.  I have my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University and have 10+ years of experience connecting with people of all ages, encouraging and empowering them to explore their authentic selves with curiosity and enthusiasm through movement. I have experience as a clinical counselor at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, as well as in crisis intervention. 

“Every stranger is a world waiting to be explored, an invitation to a journey.”  

-Sam Keen, To Love and Be Loved 

I am passionate about people and I believe that every person has an epic story. I am here to make sure that your story is heard. I can hold your darkness and pain with you because my heart has seen its fair share. With you, I can hold your confusions, contradictions, hopes, and disappointments; your love, doubts, ups, and downs, because I understand that all of this is part of our messy, yet meaningful, lives. I love to laugh, travel, and dance. My relationships are important to me, as is good food, and spending time in nature. 

“In pursuance of blooming, there must be rain.” -Alex Elle, After the Rain 

Coming from an insight-oriented, person-centered approach, the core of my work is to collaborate with you-- the expert of your own story-- to explore your inner world in search of self-awareness, understanding, and self-knowledge. When we get to know ourselves deeply, we can move through the world with more clarity and intention. When we seek to understand the rich complexities of who we are and what matters to us, we can use this awareness to make decisions that are aligned with our values. When we are connected to ourselves, we can connect with others. 

What I provide is a warm, safe place for you to explore what’s holding you back from living fully, make meaningful change, and discover your innate inner guidance. While change can often be uncomfortable, I believe in the idea that beauty lives and thrives even in life’s most painful moments if we have the curiosity to look for it and the courage to accept it. 

Without judgment or expectations, I’m here to support you on your journey towards clarity, acceptance, and healing- whatever that may look like for you. I’ll be here to remind you that it is not a linear process; but an adventure with peaks and valleys, rivers and canyons, darkness and light. 

Let's explore. 

Grief/Loss 

Depression  

Anxiety 

Crisis  

Trauma/PTSD 

Family Dynamics 

Self-Esteem 

Life Transitions 

Substance Abuse 

Chronic and Terminal Illness 

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University 

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Washington 

Crisis Assessment and Emotional Support, Crisis Connections 

Certificate in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) 

Mental Health Counselor Associate License # MC61327070  

Agency Affiliated Counselor; AAC # CG61337374  

State of Washington

Hello, my name is Piper Wilson and I use she/her pronouns. I am a graduate student at Bastyr University in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program, and a clinical intern here at Balanced Living Therapy. I find my joy in nature, cooking meals for loved ones, moving my body and in small moments of everyday beauty. I have always been drawn to holistic, person to person care and I have a decade of experience working with folks of many ages and backgrounds, striving towards many different wellness goals. I look forward to meeting you where you’re at and developing a plan to address what brings you into counseling together.

Fundamentally, I believe our minds and bodies are often trying to communicate our unheard needs, and therapy is a space where we can tap into our intuition and learn how to care for ourselves in new ways. For different folks, this can look very differently. I see my role as collaborating with you to find what works for you as an individual, whether that be verbal processing, expressive arts exercises, soothing the body, or simply a safe place and an empathetic ear.  

I practice from a strengths-based, values-driven approach, where you are the expert on the direction, you’d like to go based on what is important to you and how you would like to live your life. Some skills I may use if it feels right to you are identifying values, family dynamics, CBT techniques and community building.  I recognize the pressures placed upon us by an inequitable society and believe it is essential to use a contextual view of each person’s unique identities and challenges. My practice is trauma-informed and multiculturally conscientious.    

Therapy is an exceptionally personal journey and can be daunting to step into. I would be honored to offer a welcoming and safe space where together we can appreciate the beautiful gift of care and acknowledgment that you are giving yourself through this process.

Depression  

Anxiety  

PTSD & Trauma Processing 

Relational Conflict

Life Transitions 

Adlerian Therapy

ACT

Internal Family Systems Therapy

Mind Body Approach 

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology candidate, Bastyr University Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Western Washington University Certificate in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

MACP clinical intern at Bastyr University