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, 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

Hello! My name is Alisa, and my pronouns are she/her. 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. Drawn to deep self-discovery, seeking answers to the meaning of life and the meaning of suffering, I have developed a strong spiritual practice in my life led by love and compassion. 

In my yearning to ease people’s pain and to support their healing journeys I have worked as a massage therapist, a yoga teacher, and recently became a Usui Reiki Master. I am a lifelong dancer and artist: movement and creative pursuits is how I ground and center myself. I am passionate about understanding people on a deep level, and I am passionate about life itself, with all its complexities and mysteries. I'm a plant mom and a kid at heart and can often be a huge goof! 

People from all walks of life deserve support in living, and in unearthing their whole, centered, and grounded selves.

I believe that everyone has within them all the answers, and it is a matter of uncovering what is getting in the way of accessing those answers. I strive to keep an open mind in order to see you just as you are. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment to facilitate your self-discovery and empowerment. 

My approach to counseling is rooted in whole person healing, acknowledging the interrelatedness of body, mind, spirit, and any other subtle dimension you may be acknowledging within yourself. I also believe that our social and cultural context matters and therefore I strive to be culturally conscious, and trauma informed. I keep my approach flexible based on client needs and tend to be most influenced by mindfulness, somatic, Existential theory, as well as strength and values-based theories.

Anxiety

Depression

Loss/Grief

Life Transitions

Adolescents

Gender Identity

End of Life

Terminal Illness

Spirituality

Existentialism

Mind Body Approach

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA

Bachelor of Arts in Dance- University of Washington, Seattle WA

Hello, my name is William Spengler, and I am a clinical intern here at Balanced Living Therapy. 

I have been working and volunteering in the counseling field for several years now and am currently completing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in addiction studies at Antioch University Seattle.  

As a classically trained musician, I also value the role that music and other creative arts can have in cultivating inspiration, connection, and mental well-being. I look forward to learning about your own journey in life and supporting you in this healing process. 

My approach to counseling is grounded in existential theory, but I also draw on key elements of attachment theory, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. Oftentimes, I find that the deep, below-the-surface questions and challenges that bring us to counseling are problems of existence itself: Am I alone in this world? Is this all there is to life? Will my life really matter when it is all said and done? The absence of immediate answers to these questions can be destabilizing and leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and numb. 

My goal is to help you find a renewed purpose in life and rekindle an inner sense of freedom, balance, and vitality. This often requires enhancing our sense of curiosity, cultivating an ability for open awareness, and tapping into an intuitive wisdom about what is right for you in this living moment. It is an honor to sit beside clients as we tackle some of life’s toughest dilemmas, and it brings me lasting joy to help clients remove the obstacles that keep them from leading intentional, satisfying lives. 
 

Depression
Anxiety
Family Dynamics
LGBTQIA+
Loss/Grief
Trauma/PTSD
Addiction
Attachment
ACT
Life Transitions
Existentialism

Mindfulness

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (in progress) – Antioch University Seattle

Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, University of Colorado Boulder