Our team

My Background

Hello, I'm Maggie "Gigi" Ishaq, the owner and a practicing therapist at Balanced Living Therapy LLC. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in substance use counseling, both from Seattle Pacific University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Substance Use Disorder Professional, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC).

I bring over 23 years of clinical experience helping clients heal from trauma, navigate grief and loss, address substance use concerns, and strengthen emotional health. I have extensive experience supporting first responders and their families, providing culturally competent, trauma-informed care tailored to the unique challenges of high-stress professions.

My Approach to Therapy

My therapeutic style is person-centered, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s individual needs. I believe that meaningful change happens when we honor your story, work together to challenge unhelpful patterns, and build new pathways toward resilience and emotional regulation.

I integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Whether you are seeking to heal from trauma, strengthen your relationships, rebuild after loss, or reconnect with your identity, I aim to create a safe, compassionate space where your goals are prioritized and supported.

Specialties and Areas of Interest

• First Responder & Family Therapy
• Trauma & PTSD (including EMDR)
• Grief & Loss
• Self-Esteem & Identity Work
• Eating Disorders
• Attachment & Relational Challenges
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Substance Use Counseling
• Marriage/Couples and Individual Therapy

Education

• Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy – Seattle Pacific University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Professional Studies) – Seattle Pacific University
• Associate of Technical Arts in Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counseling – Edmonds College
• Research Therapist – Behavioral Research & Therapy Clinics (BRTC), University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital

Licensure and Training:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – WA Credential # LH60200522
• Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) – WA Credential # CP00005296
• Certified Clinical Supervisor – WA DOH
• Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) – Cultural Competency First Responder Program
• EMDR Trained Clinician