Alissa Swank, MA, LMHC
My background as a health educator, wilderness guide, and birth doula has led me to become a therapist, where I continue to enjoy walking alongside people through various thresholds and seasons of life.
Professional Highlights:
Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
I’m trained in the specific areas of trauma and abuse, psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, and object relations theory.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (#LH60901996)
Member of Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA) and Northwest Behavioral Health IPA
Licensed Be Body Positive Facilitator
Working toward Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C)
If you’re thinking about working with me, here are some things to know.
I hold space.
Like Mary Oliver says, I believe my work is to pay attention. With a practice of patience and presence, I offer a place for you to come as you are without judgement. I aim to offer compassion and to help you do the same with yourself. Sometimes we may encounter silence in our time together and we can explore what this brings up.
I am curious.
As a 9 on the Enneagram, I am someone who tries to see all sides to situations and people. I seek to understand by asking questions, which often leads to greater empathy and acceptance. I also like to grapple with those questions that don’t seem to have simple answers, with no rush to find them.
I am a seeker.
In all aspects of my life, what brings me the most satisfaction is finding a sense of connection with people, nature, and beauty. I believe that we all want to feel connected — with ourselves, others, and perhaps something greater. I like to invite moments of pause to find that sense of connectedness. For those who are also seeking, I love to explore aspects of spirituality and faith.
When I am not working with clients, I am a mother of two, married to a musician, loving the outdoors, making things out of clay, whipping up meals with love, and doing what I can to live a slow and meaningful life.