Brian Pendergast, Counselor in Seattle, 98109

Brian Pendergast, MA, LMHCA

Profession(s):
Counseling Psychology, Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Licensed mental health counselor associate - MC 60113688

My Approach to Helping

I believe it takes a lot of courage to seek out therapeutic help, as it involves building a trusting relationship in order to better understand the struggles that are hindering life. My approach leans in the direction of seeking to understand the past, and how relationships have left emotional scars that keep us from being able to truly be ourselves and love ourselves and therefore, love others. In knowing the past more deeply, we can know how to be more present and whole, experiencing peace and fullness in life.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

Being a therapist allows me the wonderful privilege of walking alongside really brave people as they navigate their past and its profound impact in their lives today. It gives me the inspiration to believe in change, and to embrace the challenges that we all face. I believe mental health to be one of the major underrated struggles in our world, as our mental health is directly related to how we have been treated and how we treat people; our basic dignity and brokenness are often not held the way they need to be: with truth and kindness in relationship.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

I believe a client has to feel like their therapist understands that therapy is relationship, and though it is indeed professional, it affects the client (and hopefully the therapist as well) in deeply personal and life-changing ways. The most important factor in choosing a therapist is finding one that the client can feel comfortable building a therapeutic alliance with, and feel comfortable walking through difficult truths and vulnerable moments.