Locations: Telehealth, Smokey Point
My name is Rachel Mathis, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). I grew up in Washington state but am new to the greater Seattle area. I enjoy singing, art, and the outdoors.
My Background and Experience
Before becoming an LMHCA, I worked in public accounting in San Francisco, but I quickly realized I was not passionate about it like I am about counseling. I then spent two years teaching English to non-native English speakers in Berlin, where I gained experience communicating across cultural differences. I returned home to pursue a degree in counseling and work as a middle school paraeducator. Spending time in educational roles taught me how to create a supportive environment and adapt my approach to meet each individual where they are.
After getting a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Minnesota State University Moorhead, I worked in a community mental health setting doing outpatient therapy with low-income adults in Olympia. I have worked with clients who have:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
I also have co-facilitated Mindful Self-Compassion and Autism Narratives groups.
My Approach
I would describe my therapeutic approach as genuine, collaborative, self-compassionate, and
nonjudgmental. I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds. I aim to help you feel safe, respected, supported, and heard. I have an integrative theoretical orientation, which means I draw from various treatment approaches to meet your unique needs, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Person-centered therapy
- Feminist therapy
- Solution-focused therapy
- Narrative therapy
I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional. Other training I have done include:
- CBT for Psychosis
- Historical Trauma
- Psychological First Aid
- Trauma-Focused CBT
I love learning and am committed to continuing to educate myself to support my clients. Currently, I am working on an Intensive Trauma Training to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Next on my list is training for somatic and expressive art therapies, as I am drawn to more creative approaches.