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Why Your Therapist Matters – Part II
Last week, Ann wrote about the therapeutic alliance and why it is important to have a strong relationship of trust and safety in order for psychotherapy to be successful. Building on this “relational fit,” I want to continue the conversation on why your therapist matters by looking at your therapist’s training and theoretical orientation…
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Why Your Therapist Matters
Every time I meet with a prospective patient, I share a critical piece of information: Our relational “fit” is critical to the success of their therapy. Therapeutic Alliance We call this the therapeutic alliance, and it is essential for good psychotherapy. This “fit” or “alliance” isn’t just about getting along with each other, it’s…
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Resource Round Up
This week Ann and I wanted to share some of our favorite resources for the various areas of focus we work in within our counseling practice: What are some of your favorite resources? Drop them in the comments!
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What is Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse?
Experiences of religious or spiritual trauma/abuse/harm can be hard to succinctly describe, which is evidenced by the fact that it doesn’t yet have one universal name or description. The Religious Trauma Institute uses the term religious trauma and describes it as “the physical, emotional, or psychological response to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that…
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Healing Through Story
The Importance of Story in Healing Work It was often said during my training at the Allender Center that “we do not heal in generalities, but in the particularities of our story.” Simply put, our stories matter; the details of our experiences of harm and heartache are the pathway towards healing. Our stories of…
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Why Kids Have Meltdowns: The Brain Science Behind Big Emotions.
If you’ve ever watched your child completely lose it and felt totally helpless, you’re not alone, but did you know that there’s actually a reason this happens? Why It’s Hard to Regulate Big Feelings Becoming a parent is a life changing experience. It’s full of love and joyful moments, and it’s also really difficult…
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Psychoanalytic Theory through Board Games
We’re excited to share that this month Maggie had an essay published in the Board Game Academics online journal Victory Points! In her essay titled Something More: Nested Realities & Desire in Veiled Fate, Maggie explored Lacanian psychoanalytic theory around desire and ‘nested realities’ through her time playing a game of Veiled Fate. Here’s…
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Why Psychotherapy?
We are often asked: What’s the difference between counseling and psychotherapy? Counseling is often short-term and solutions focused around particular issue or issues. These are things that can be “resolved” within a few weeks or months. The work of psychotherapy is deeper and longer, taking many months and even years. Psychotherapy looks at what’s…
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Meet the Team
Hello! We are excited to introduce our current team of psychotherapists: Meet Ann and Maggie. Described as steady, engaged, and insight-oriented by her patients, Ann helps others feel understood while encouraging deeper self-exploration. Her areas of focus include: spiritual issues, life transitions, child-centered play therapy and parental support. Ann is currently accepting new patients…
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What is the Ampersand Counseling Collective?
We are the Ampersand Counseling Collective, a compassionate space offering in-person and online psychotherapy across Washington State—from Issaquah to Bainbridge Island. Rooted in depth-oriented psychodynamic care, we help individuals, couples, and families with curiosity, openness and intention. Here you can feel supported, seen, and held in your journey toward healing and authentic connection. We…
