Treina Aronson, Psychotherapist in Seattle, 98107

Treina Aronson, LMHC

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Counseling, Mental Health Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMHC - LH 00011348

My Approach to Helping

I create an environment of safety and trust where people can build upon their current strengths to gain awareness of self-limiting beliefs and empowerment to increase self-efficacy. My approach is aimed at assisting others in moving through uncertainty and doubt into a world of expanded possibilities.
Because I believe effective therapy consists of gaining insight as well as making practical changes, my approach is grounded in Existentialism blended with Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) therapies. Existentialism is concerned with making meaning. CBT is concerned with changing un-healthy thoughts and behaviors.
In working with couples this therapeutic combination may emerge as exploring the hidden interests/meanings beneath relationship dissatisfaction then developing communication skills to change an attack into a request for connection.
In working with individuals this may emerge as discovering why a struggle is a struggle, why does it matter, what does it mean to you? Then examining and countering negative self-talk which keeps the struggle in place and holds you back from your potential.

More Info About My Practice

I welcome you to visit my website for additional information. When you are ready to take the next step, I am available for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

“You can’t teach old dog new tricks.” Those who believe this adage would be right to question my vocational choice. However, it is not true. While change is often difficult and painful, people can and do change. I am inspired by humanity’s resilience and fortitude to overcome adversity. My clients are the catalyst for this inspiration. Their willingness to take risks despite their fears in order to create a better life for themselves and those close to them is the very definition of courage. This is a great privilege to witness. “Practice what you preach” It is one of the compelling reasons I changed careers to become a therapist. In addition to wanting work that was meaningful and for which I could feel I was making a contribution, I wanted a career that would require me to stay awake and to not forget. Not in the literal sense (although this is true as well) but in the mindfulness sense of these sentiments. It is about not forgetting to take care of myself and to stay awake to who I am and to my impact on the world and those around me. I encourage the same for my clients. “Hope springs eternal” Sometimes when I first meet a client their hope is dim. It is my job to hold onto hope for them until they are ready to take it for themselves. Being a carrier of hope is a wonderful perk. How can there not be a positive residual effect?

My Guiding Ethical Principles

A temporary guide: Empower clients to gain resiliency in standing alone. From the moment I say hello I am preparing for the goodbye. The psyche best heals the psyche: The client holds more wisdom about himself or herself than I do. Be flexible in thought: My analysis, observations, diagnoses and suggestions are educated guesses. If these do not match the client’s experience they are not correct and need to be released. Maintain curiosity: Despite familiar situations and typical patterns each client brings with them a unique way of being. Hope: Not to have hope for the client, but to hold onto hope until they are ready to take it for themselves Avoid collusion: Be willing at times to hold a light state of tension as it can be a facilitator of powerful change. Be aware of client’s strengths as well as their weaknesses: Hold the paradox that strength can be found in weakness and dysfunction can be functional. Help clients see what they have already accomplished in addition to focusing on their desires for change. Shared environment: Be conscientious that my office is a place for my clients as well as me. Provide a safe, welcoming and professional space Promote acceptance: Of self, others and life Avoid hypocrisy: Take care of myself as well as I take care of my clients. If I challenge my clients to take risks, I must also take risks.