Ara Christensen, LMFT
425-610-8676
You are the sky. Everything else is just weather.
~Pema Chodron
A Little Bit About Me…
When you come to therapy you are asked to share intimate details about yourself and your life. It is my job to help you to feel safe and supported in sharing such information. Part of the way I go about doing this is by letting you know you also have the right to know a little bit about me. You have the right to know what makes me a good choice for joining you on your therapeutic journey.
Education: I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. I also hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Both of these degrees were attained at Regis University. I have completed EMDR basic and advanced training.
Credentials: I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Colorado (MFT.0001759), and A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Washington (LF 61123107).
I invite you to keep reading as I’ve shared a little bit about my experience below.
My Experience
My life journey has encouraged me to develop the skill of empathy. I decided at a young age I wanted to utilize this empathy to join with and support others. I started as a peer counselor, volunteered along the way, became a relational trainer in corporate America, and finally became a therapist. I opened a private practice, that I still operate, beginning in November of 2016.
I have been a generalist and therefore have worked with, and am qualified to work with, people from many walks of life. Although this is true, I do specialize as well. People seeking trauma recovery, relief from issues regarding dependence or codependency, and those that have a desire to positively shift maladaptive relational patterns are a best fit for me. Whatever your walk of life, I aspire to connect with, hold space, and invite relief for your struggles.
While you’re waiting….
Here’s what you can expect
Yes, therapy is about sharing. You can expect a safe space for whatever you may be feeling or experiencing. When a therapeutic relationship can offer validation, positive regard, healthy structure, and resources for your life’s experiences the benefits of therapy are many. Let’s explore a few examples…
The Benefit of Therapy
A few examples
Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy seeks to release stuck emotions. You know, those emotions that go around and around in your mind that you just can’t think your way out of?! Trauma therapy seeks to release these which can result in deep relief. Anxieties, fears, and depressions can let go of you.
Individual Therapy
This is all about you…what you think, how you feel, and what you want. The therapeutic relationship gives you a space to know your world as only you know it; to explore and grieve what is not working; to heal old wounds; and to discover your new way forward.
Couples, Families, Relationships
As we embrace relational work you may discover the benefit of experiential change. You may begin to encounter your loved ones in a new light, and also to be encountered in ways you long to be seen. The hope is to feel a release from blame and shame, and find a sense of belonging.
Child Therapy with a Family Perspective
We can teach children how to identify their feelings, express their feelings, and then to choose what to do with them. This provides relief, not only for the children, but also for parents. What a relief to know our kids are capable and therefore are okay!
Interested in learning more about the services I offer? Get in touch with me today to set up an initial consultation.
