lIAHONA cOUNSELING bLOG

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Therapist

Choosing the right therapist can feel like a daunting task, but asking the right questions upfront can make a big difference in finding someone who is a good fit for you. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful counseling, so it’s worth taking the time to learn about a therapist’s approach, experience, and style before committing to sessions. Knowing what to ask can help you feel confident that your therapy experience will be safe, supportive, and effective.

Some important questions to consider include: What type of therapy does the therapist use, and is it evidence-based? Do they have experience working with the specific issues you want help with, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, or relationship stress? How do they integrate your values or faith into therapy, if that is important to you? You might also ask about logistics: session length, frequency, fees, insurance acceptance, and whether telehealth options are available. Feeling comfortable with the therapist’s communication style, approach, and expectations is essential for a productive therapeutic relationship.

At Liahona Counseling, I prioritize creating a safe and supportive space for adults navigating life stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I focus on helping you develop practical skills to handle difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward the life you want to live. If you’re ready to take the next step in finding the right therapist for your needs, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward greater clarity and well-being.

Help for Depression and Anxiety

Living with depression or anxiety can make everyday life feel overwhelming. You might find yourself constantly worrying, feeling exhausted, struggling to stay motivated, or feeling stuck in negative thought patterns. These experiences can affect relationships, work, sleep, and your overall sense of well-being. The good news is that depression and anxiety are highly treatable, and therapy can provide effective tools to help you regain a sense of balance and control.

A good therapist helps you understand the patterns that keep depression and anxiety going while also teaching practical skills to respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions. Evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) help people develop mindfulness skills, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with what matters most in their lives. Instead of feeling trapped by anxious thoughts or low mood, therapy can help you learn how to take meaningful steps forward—even when things feel hard.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy is designed to help adults develop practical skills for managing depression, anxiety, stress, and self-criticism. Using proven approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, counseling focuses on helping you handle difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward a life guided by your values. If you’re looking for help with depression and anxiety, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and start feeling better.

Find an ACT Therapist

Looking for an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) therapist? ACT is a modern, evidence-based approach to counseling that helps people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions so they can move toward the life they truly want. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings altogether, ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility—the ability to make space for thoughts and emotions while still choosing actions that reflect your values. Many people find ACT helpful for concerns like anxiety, self-criticism, stress, and feeling stuck.

A good ACT therapist focuses on practical skills you can apply in everyday life. They will help you learn tools such as mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and values clarification so you can respond to challenges with greater flexibility and intention. ACT therapists often use exercises, metaphors, and real-life practice to help you step back from unhelpful thought patterns and take meaningful steps toward what matters most to you—whether that’s improving relationships, building confidence, or creating a more balanced life.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and tailored to help adults navigate anxiety, life stress, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. The goal is to help you develop practical skills that allow you to handle difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward a life guided by your values. If you’ve been searching for an ACT therapist, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and begin building a more flexible, meaningful life.

Therapy for Perfectionism

Struggling with perfectionism can be exhausting. While striving to do well can be healthy, perfectionism often creates constant pressure to perform, fear of making mistakes, and harsh self-criticism. Many people who experience perfectionism feel like nothing they do is ever quite good enough, even when others see their accomplishments clearly. Over time, this pattern can contribute to anxiety, burnout, procrastination, and difficulty enjoying life or feeling satisfied with your efforts.

Therapy can help you understand the patterns that drive perfectionism and learn healthier ways to respond to them. A skilled therapist helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns, develop greater self-compassion, and build flexibility in how you approach goals and expectations. Evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focus on helping you step back from critical thoughts and reconnect with your values—so your life is guided by what truly matters, rather than by constant pressure to be perfect.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy helps adults who feel stuck in cycles of perfectionism, anxiety, and self-criticism develop practical skills for greater balance and resilience. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, counseling focuses on helping you respond differently to difficult thoughts while taking meaningful steps toward the life you want to live. If you’re looking for help with perfectionism, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and start building a healthier relationship with yourself.

Best Therapist

Searching for the best therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with stress, anxiety, or difficult life situations. The truth is that the best therapist isn’t just someone with impressive credentials—it’s someone who is a good fit for you. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. When you feel comfortable, understood, and respected, it becomes much easier to talk openly and work through the challenges you’re facing.

When evaluating therapists, look for qualities that support both trust and growth. The best therapists combine professional training with empathy, good listening skills, and practical tools that help you make real progress. They should provide a space where you can talk honestly about things like anxiety, relationship stress, self-criticism, or life transitions without fear of judgment. It’s also helpful when a therapist uses evidence-based approaches and focuses on helping you build skills you can use outside of therapy.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy focuses on helping adults develop practical skills to navigate anxiety, life stress, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the goal is to help you handle difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward the life you want to live. If you’ve been searching for the best therapist for your needs, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward meaningful change.

Therapy for Faith Crisis

Experiencing a faith crisis can feel confusing, isolating, and emotionally overwhelming. Questions about beliefs, identity, and community can bring up deep emotions such as grief, fear, anger, or uncertainty. Many people going through a faith transition worry about how their questions might affect their relationships, family dynamics, or sense of purpose. Therapy can provide a safe and respectful space to explore these concerns, helping you process what you’re experiencing without pressure to reach a particular conclusion.

A therapist who works well with faith-related concerns understands that spirituality and belief are deeply personal. Rather than telling you what to believe, a good therapist helps you explore your thoughts and emotions with curiosity and compassion. Therapy can help you make space for difficult feelings, clarify your values, and navigate conversations with loved ones during times of change. Many people find that working through a faith crisis in therapy helps them develop greater clarity, resilience, and self-understanding.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy provides a supportive space to explore questions about faith, identity, and life direction. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), counseling can help you navigate uncertainty while staying grounded in what matters most to you. If you’re struggling with a faith crisis or faith transition, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and begin finding clarity and direction.

Find a Therapist in Washington

Finding the right therapist in Washington can feel overwhelming, but the process becomes easier when you know what to look for. A good starting point is identifying the type of support you need—such as help with anxiety, depression, relationship stress, or personal growth. Many people begin their search using online therapist directories, insurance provider lists, or referrals from trusted professionals. These resources allow you to search by location, specialty, and treatment approach to find licensed counselors and psychologists who practice in Washington.

When choosing a therapist, focus on qualities that help create a strong therapeutic relationship. Look for someone with the appropriate license (such as LICSW, LMHC, or psychologist), training in evidence-based approaches, and experience with the concerns you want to address. It’s also important that you feel comfortable with the therapist’s style and approach. Many therapists offer an initial consultation so you can ask questions about their methods, scheduling, and whether they are a good fit for your goals. Telehealth therapy is also widely available in Washington, allowing you to meet with a licensed therapist anywhere in the state from the comfort of your home.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy is designed to help adults in Washington develop practical skills for navigating anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and life challenges. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), counseling focuses on helping you handle difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward the life you want to live. If you’re looking to find a therapist in Washington, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward meaningful change.

Counseling for Stress

Feeling overwhelmed by stress is something many people experience, especially when juggling work, family responsibilities, relationships, and the many demands of daily life. While some stress is a normal part of living, ongoing or intense stress can begin to affect your mood, sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. When stress builds up over time, it can leave you feeling constantly on edge, exhausted, or unable to relax. Counseling can help you better understand the sources of your stress and develop healthier ways to respond to it.

In therapy, you can learn practical tools to manage stress more effectively. A skilled therapist helps you recognize patterns that keep stress going, such as overcommitment, perfectionism, or constant worry. Evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focus on building mindfulness skills, increasing emotional flexibility, and helping you take meaningful actions that align with your values—even when life feels demanding. Many people find that learning these skills helps them feel calmer, more focused, and better able to handle challenges.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy helps adults develop practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and life pressures. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, counseling focuses on helping you respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while building a life that reflects what matters most to you. If you’re looking for counseling for stress, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and start feeling more balanced and in control.

Telehealth: Therapy from Home (Video Call, Phone Call)

Telehealth therapy makes it easier than ever to get professional support without leaving your home. With secure video calls or phone sessions, you can connect with a licensed therapist from a comfortable and private space that works for you. Telehealth eliminates travel time, reduces scheduling stress, and allows you to attend sessions even when life is busy. Many people find that meeting from home helps them feel more relaxed and open during therapy.

Therapy by video call or phone offers the same professional support and evidence-based treatment as in-person counseling. During sessions, you can talk through concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, or personal growth goals while learning practical skills to manage difficult thoughts and emotions. Telehealth also provides greater flexibility, making it easier to schedule appointments during the workday, during breaks, or from wherever you feel most comfortable.

At Liahona Counseling, telehealth therapy allows adults across Washington and Idaho to receive professional counseling through secure video or phone sessions. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), counseling focuses on helping you develop practical skills for handling life’s challenges while moving toward what matters most to you. If you’re interested in therapy from home, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule your telehealth appointment.

Find a Therapist for Relationship Issues

Struggling with relationship issues can be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining experiences people face. Conflict, communication problems, unmet expectations, or feeling disconnected from a partner can create frustration and hurt over time. Relationship stress can also affect other areas of life, including work, family relationships, and emotional well-being. Counseling can provide a supportive space to talk openly about these challenges and begin understanding the patterns that may be contributing to them.

Therapy can help you develop healthier ways to communicate, set boundaries, and respond to conflict. A skilled therapist helps you explore the thoughts, emotions, and habits that show up in relationships, while also teaching practical tools for navigating difficult conversations and strengthening connection. Even when only one partner attends therapy, many people find that improving their own communication skills, emotional awareness, and clarity about values can positively influence their relationships.

At Liahona Counseling, therapy helps adults work through relationship stress, communication challenges, and emotional conflict. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), counseling focuses on helping you respond more effectively to difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward healthier, more meaningful relationships. If you’re looking for help with relationship issues, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and begin building stronger connections.

LDS Therapist Near Me

Finding a therapist who understands your faith can make a meaningful difference in the counseling process. For members of the LDS faith, working with a therapist who respects gospel principles and understands the cultural and spiritual context of your life can help therapy feel safer and more aligned with your values. An LDS therapist is often familiar with concepts like personal revelation, repentance, service, and the importance of family and covenants. This shared understanding can help conversations move more naturally toward solutions that strengthen both emotional health and spiritual well-being.
 
When looking for an LDS therapist, it helps to look for a few key qualities. A good LDS therapist balances strong clinical training with humility and respect for your personal beliefs. They should be able to integrate evidence-based therapy approaches while also honoring the role that faith, scripture study, prayer, and church community may play in your life. Equally important, they create a space where you can talk openly about challenges such as anxiety, relationship stress, perfectionism, or life transitions without feeling judged. The goal is not just symptom relief, but helping you live more fully in alignment with your values, exploring what changes you want to make.
 
At Liahona Counseling, the goal is to provide thoughtful, professional therapy that respects both psychological science and the spiritual values that matter to many LDS clients. If you’re looking for support with anxiety, self-criticism, relationship challenges, or life stress, counseling can help you develop practical skills while staying grounded in what matters most to you. If you’ve been searching for an LDS therapist near you, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward greater clarity, peace, and direction.

Counseling for Adults Facing Life Stress and Depression

Life stress and depression can feel overwhelming, leaving many adults struggling to keep up with work, family, and personal responsibilities. Persistent stress can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, while depression can create feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation. These challenges often impact not only mental and emotional health but also relationships, sleep, and overall quality of life. Counseling provides a safe, supportive space to explore these struggles, helping you better understand the factors contributing to stress and depression while learning ways to cope more effectively.

Therapy for adults facing life stress and depression focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, building emotional resilience, and developing practical strategies to navigate daily challenges. Evidence-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), teach skills like mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and values-guided action. These tools help you respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings, reduce the intensity of stress, and create space for more positive experiences and meaningful progress in life.

At Liahona Counseling, I work with adults to develop practical strategies for managing life stress and depression while supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Using approaches like ACT, counseling focuses on helping you handle difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward a life that reflects your values. If you’re looking for guidance and support during challenging times, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward greater balance and emotional health.

How to Get Past Trauma

Healing from trauma can feel overwhelming, and many adults struggle to know where to start. Trauma can affect your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors long after the event has passed, leading to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or a sense of being “stuck.” The first step in getting past trauma is recognizing that seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous step toward reclaiming your life and well-being. Counseling provides a safe and structured space to process these experiences at your own pace.

Therapy for trauma often involves learning tools to manage distressing thoughts, memories, and emotions. Evidence-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help individuals create distance from painful memories, reduce avoidance behaviors, and focus on living a meaningful life despite past experiences. Trauma-informed therapy emphasizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration, ensuring that each session respects your boundaries while guiding you toward emotional healing. Over time, these skills can help you regain a sense of control, calm, and connection in your daily life.

At Liahona Counseling, I work with adults to navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and life stress using approaches like ACT. Counseling focuses on practical strategies to manage difficult thoughts and emotions while helping you move toward a life aligned with your values and goals. If you’re ready to start healing from trauma, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery and renewed emotional well-being.

Learn ACT Skills (Hexaflex)

The Hexaflex model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a visual framework that illustrates the six interconnected processes that help people develop psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is the ability to fully experience thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them, while still taking meaningful action toward the life you value. The six processes of the Hexaflex—acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action—work together to support mental well-being and resilience.
 
Acceptance involves making room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting or avoiding them, while cognitive defusion helps you step back from unhelpful thoughts so they have less control over your behavior. Present-moment awareness encourages paying attention to your current experience rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Self-as-context refers to connecting with a sense of yourself that is constant and observing, rather than identifying only with your thoughts and emotions. Values help clarify what truly matters to you, and committed action involves taking steps in alignment with those values, even when challenges or discomfort arise.
 
By working with the Hexaflex model, therapy helps people respond more flexibly to life’s challenges, reduce suffering, and create a life guided by purpose and meaning. At Liahona Counseling, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the Hexaflex framework to help adults develop practical skills for managing anxiety, stress, self-criticism, and life transitions. If you’re ready to build psychological flexibility and live in alignment with your values, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward meaningful change.

Video and Phone Therapy Options in Washington

In today’s fast-paced world, many adults in Washington are looking for therapy options that fit into their busy schedules. Video and phone therapy provide flexible ways to receive counseling without needing to leave your home or office. These options are especially helpful for people balancing work, family responsibilities, or mobility limitations, making professional mental health support more accessible than ever. Whether you prefer seeing your therapist face-to-face on a screen or speaking by phone, these options allow you to receive the guidance you need while staying in a comfortable environment.

Video and phone therapy sessions work just like traditional in-person counseling. Licensed therapists guide you through evidence-based approaches, help you explore challenging emotions, and provide practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship concerns. Many people find that the convenience of connecting from home reduces the barriers that often prevent consistent therapy, helping them stay on track with their mental health goals. These sessions are also private and secure, ensuring your confidentiality is protected.

At Liahona Counseling, I offer video and phone therapy options throughout Washington to help adults navigate life stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. Using evidence-based methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I focus on helping you respond to difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful steps toward your values and goals. If you’re interested in video or phone therapy in Washington or Idaho, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and begin therapy on your terms.

Faith-Based Counseling in Washington: What to Expect

Facing life challenges while navigating questions of faith can feel isolating and overwhelming. Faith-based counseling provides a space where your spiritual beliefs are respected and integrated into the therapy process. Whether you are experiencing a faith transition, a spiritual crisis, or simply want your counseling to align with your values, working with a therapist who understands your beliefs can help you feel understood and supported. This approach allows you to explore emotional, relational, and life challenges without feeling pressured to compromise your spiritual perspective.

In faith-based counseling, therapists combine professional, evidence-based techniques with an awareness of your spiritual framework. You can expect to discuss practical coping strategies for stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties while also exploring how your beliefs, values, and practices influence your decisions and emotional well-being. Therapists may incorporate discussions of scripture, prayer, service, or values clarification, depending on your preferences, while keeping the focus on actionable skills and personal growth. The goal is not to dictate your faith but to support your mental health in a way that honors it.

At Liahona Counseling, I provide faith-informed therapy for adults in Washington, helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and spiritual concerns. Using evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help you build practical skills to manage difficult thoughts and emotions while living in alignment with your values. If you’re seeking faith-based counseling in Washington or Idaho, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward clarity, peace, and purposeful living.

Why Self-Criticism Holds You Back—and How Therapy Can Help

Constant self-criticism can feel like an unrelenting inner voice that judges everything you do, making it hard to feel satisfied or confident in your abilities. While self-reflection can sometimes motivate growth, harsh self-criticism often leads to stress, anxiety, depression, procrastination, and even physical exhaustion. It can hold you back from pursuing goals, building healthy relationships, and fully enjoying your life because fear of failure or judgment keeps you stuck in patterns of avoidance or overwork.

Therapy can help you break the cycle of self-criticism by teaching practical skills to respond to negative thoughts in healthier ways. Approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourage you to notice self-critical thoughts without letting them control your behavior. You’ll learn techniques such as cognitive defusion, mindfulness, and values-based action to step back from judgmental thinking and focus on what truly matters to you. Over time, therapy can help you cultivate self-compassion, resilience, and greater confidence, allowing you to take meaningful steps forward even in the presence of challenging thoughts.

At Liahona Counseling, I help adults address self-criticism, anxiety, perfectionism, and stress using evidence-based methods like ACT. Counseling focuses on building practical tools to manage difficult thoughts and emotions while guiding you toward a life aligned with your values. If self-criticism is holding you back, call Liahona Counseling today to schedule an appointment and start moving toward greater self-compassion and personal growth.