You are inherently worthy of connection.
Meet Sally Whalen,
Therapist for Couples & Individuals in Seattle, WA
You yearn for that deep sense of confidence, belonging, and ease that arises when you can be your real self with the people who matter to you. But this isn’t so easy to do.
Whether you want to improve your connection with yourself, your partner, your friends, or your family, I want to help you build relationships that thrive. I know from experience that when we can relax into authentic connection with the people around us, life is just easier. We’re more equipped to do what’s hard, to venture into the unknown, to be our true selves, to explore our creativity, to have fun, and to love and live fully. In therapy, we will explore whatever it is that is getting in your way of experiencing the kind of connection and fulfillment that you want, while working toward new ways of showing up in your life and relationships.
Therapy is a place where you get to be you.
I strive to offer a nonjudgmental space that embraces imperfections, encourages curiosity, and supports your capacity to take steps toward connection and growth.
A core assumption of mine is that we are all doing our best at any given moment, so whether you show up to therapy in the middle of a fight with your partner or feeling down on yourself because your inner critic is raging, I will approach you with the unwavering belief that you belong, that your challenges make exquisite sense, and that you are inherently capable of genuine, courageous, and secure connection.
I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that my role is to support you as you explore and discover more about who you are and what you need, and as you take steps that align with those discoveries.
My approach is informed by an anti-oppression, Health at Every Size (HAES), neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens. This means that I am committed to understanding and honoring your unique experiences, strengths, and needs across various dimensions of identity, including race, ethnicity, body size, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and family-of-origin.
What are sessions with me like?
My style
My approach is direct, collaborative, and conversational. I will spend time getting to know you and your story, your wants and your needs, what works for you and what doesn’t. I will help you put words to your emotions, map and understand the patterns you get caught in, and support you in trying out new ways of approaching your feelings and interactions with others. My clients appreciate the energy, excitement, and curiosity I bring to our work, as well my ability to challenge them with gentleness, warmth, and even humor. I don't merely observe from the sidelines; instead, I roll up my sleeves and actively engage in sessions, viewing therapy as collaborative and dynamic work that we do as a connected team.
SPECIALTIES
Credentials
Education & Licensure
I earned my Master’s in Marriage & Family Counseling from Gonzaga University, after attending both Columbia University and Whitworth University for my undergraduate studies. I am credentialed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington (License# LH61470425).
Trainings & Certifications
Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Level 1: Attachment-Based Interventions to Treat Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Pain Reprocessing Therapy Certification
Discernment Counseling for Couples Considering Divorce
Professional Affiliations
International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
Washington EFT Therapists (WAEFT)
Seattle Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy
Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho Emotionally Focused Therapy (EWNIEFT)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA)