About David
I am a mental health therapist (LMHCA) based in Seattle, WA. I hold an M.A. in Psychology from Seattle University where I focused on Existential Phenomenological (EP) therapy. I have a passion for working with existential concerns of meaning, life purpose, and connection. I also strive to see the best in each person and engage others with a radically open-minded and non-judgemental stance.
My primary approach to therapy is EP which is a subset of the humanist tradition that aims to look at the complete individual. I also incorporate a variety of other styles. I am trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy).
A principle of the humanistic approach to therapy is each person needs unconditional acceptance. The existential philosopher Emmanuel Levinas points out that within each person is an infinity; an irreducable depth of knowledge, beliefs, and experiences. I am passionate about exploring the depths within each person and coming to understand what makes them who they are.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in tech, first as a software engineer and later as a data engineer. I studied English in my undergraduate degree where I was exposed to queer theory and postmodernism. Being young, queer, and non-monogamous myself, I found voice for my experience in the world.
I also love to create and am passionate about the arts and their ability to express ourselves in ways words cannot convey. I am an amateur filmmaker and can often be found hiking on a mountain trail or floating in a kayak.
About Our Work Together
Philosophical
Philosophy informs much of my work and I aim to explore ideas in depth with you. We will move beyond the simple and mundane, and at times use philosophy and the arts to express extraordinary ideas.
Insight Driven
Some manualized treatments focus on teaching skills to respond to challenges. In our work together, we will cover skills for emotional regulation and challenging intrusive thoughts, but the constant aim is for you to develop a deeper understanding of the self and gain the ability to think and respond to the world differently.
Solutions Focused
Providing support for your frustrations and emotional pain is important for processing feelings. We will work to keep the process moving by identifying needed supports and solutions in order to devote our time to depth work.
Culturally and Spiritually Responsive
Your cultural and spiritual beliefs deeply inform your values and your way in the world. I aim to remain responsive to your cultural and spiritual needs and respect your values as you see them for yourself; I also come with my own set of values and worldviews. I recognize you may have specific needs and I work best when we can investigate the ways your values fall into the larger social system with a spirit of flexibility and exploration.