Counseling - Ampersand Counseling Collective

Introducing Jake Johnson

Ann and I are thrilled to announce our newest member of the Ampersand Counseling Collective: Jake Johnson! We met Jake through our therapist training at the Seattle School and are excited to continue working together ‘out in the real world.’ In light of our “Why Your Therapist Matters” series, we’ve asked Jake to introduce…
Why Your Therapist Matters – Part III

Last week, Maggie shared about her therapeutic orientation, building on my post from two weeks ago that explained what a therapeutic alliance is and why it’s important. This week, I’ll share about my own orientation and how it guides the work I do. Radical Self-Love in Therapy: How I Approach Healing and Growth At…
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…
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…
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…
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…