There’s long been a stigma associated with therapy and mental health. Many still think therapy is only for struggling people, but that couldn’t be more false. At Thrive Counseling Center, we believe anyone can benefit from counseling––children, teens, and adults.
You don’t have to have a specific problem to seek therapy; therapy provides people with the support needed to become their best selves while improving their relationships and mental health.
Just like people go to the gym to exercise their bodies, therapy is a way to exercise your awareness and mental well-being. Therapy can give us the time and space to process our feelings and experiences and help us learn how to navigate stress and interpersonal relationships in healthy ways.
No two therapists or clients are the same, so it’s important to speak with a counselor who you connect with and who can personalize a program based on your needs and goals.
What Types of Therapy Do You Offer?
Thrive Counseling Center counselors offer various forms of therapy, such as:
- LGBTQ+ counseling
- Individual counseling
- Couples counseling
- Child and teen counseling
- Family counseling and parenting support
- Online counseling
- Supporting neurodiversity: adults
- Supporting neurodiversity: kids and teens
You can count on our kind and experienced team of therapists for guidance.
Areas of Focus at Our Federal Way Practice
Thrive Counseling Center uses evidence-based therapy methods, and we help clients of all ages and during all stages of life.
Some of our areas of focus include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Managing emotions and behaviors
- ADHD, ADD, and other disorders
- Grief and loss
- Accepting change
- Anger management
- Behavioral concerns
- Neurodivergent-related issues
- Financial struggles
- Family and relationships
- Addiction
Our team specializes in several types of therapy, such as:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – focuses on accepting life experiences without trying to change or evaluate them
- Attachment-Focused Therapy – explores how one’s past or childhood has impacted their lives and relationships
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – addresses thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Gottman-Informed Couples Therapy – approach to increase intimacy, respect, and affection
- Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy – short-term approach to understanding and improving emotional disconnection and insecure attachment
- Solution-Focused Therapy – a goal-directed, collaborative approach
Different Types of Therapist Licenses
The providers at Thrive Counseling Center have either a Master’s or Doctoral degree and hold a license in the state of Washington. Our counselors also have additional certifications, training, and post-doctoral experience.
Here are some of the different types of therapist licenses:
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) – Counselors with master’s degrees are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups to treat emotional, behavioral, and mental concerns and disorders.
- Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) – LMHCs study individual psychology and human development, specializing in individual therapy.
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) – LMFTs are trained in understanding relationship dynamics and focus on couples, marriage, relationships, and family counseling.
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) – LCSWs specialize in the social contexts that affect mental health, such as how law, policy, and society affect mental health on a large scale.
- Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs) – Psychologists specialize in testing, applied psychology, and social science research.
- Psychiatrists (MDs or DOs) – Psychiatrists have medical degrees and approach mental health from a medical standpoint, specifically how the brain works. They can also prescribe medication.
How to Prepare for a Therapy Consultation?
The initial therapy consultation is much like a meet-and-greet, and it’s the perfect time for you and the therapist to ask each other questions. Before your consultation, try brainstorming or listing some questions for the therapist. For example, you may want to ask how they approach therapy sessions, their background and experience, and more.
What to Ask in a Therapy Consultation?
During your consultation, you might want to ask some of the following questions:
- Do you accept insurance?
- How long are therapy sessions?
- How often do you see clients?
- How do you approach therapy?
- How do you determine counseling goals?
- How do you measure a client’s progress?
- What licenses and certifications do you have?
- What should I expect during a typical session?
Again, we encourage you to create a list of questions to ask your therapist for your initial consultation. 
What Happens at the Initial Therapy Consultation?
Your initial therapy consultation is a chance to meet a counselor and get to know each other. It’s also how we learn why you’re seeking counseling and how your current situation impacts your life, therapy goals, and background.
Because therapy is personal, it relies on mutual respect, trust, and communication. Ultimately, our goal is to help you thrive in your life. Arranging a consultation will give us a better idea about how we can help you and see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Can You Switch Therapists?
We aim to ensure you find a therapist who best fits your personality, needs, and goals. Switching counselors is reasonably standard and doesn’t have to be an unpleasant or negative experience. The key is to have open communication and make your needs known. We will help you find a therapist you can connect with and trust. For example, some clients might need a therapist with a specific background or who specializes in a particular type of therapy.
Contact Us About Counseling in Federal Way
Our trained and compassionate team at Thrive Counseling Center wants what is best for your mental health and well-being-. We welcome patients from Federal Way, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, and the surrounding areas. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to welcoming you to our therapy office!