My approach focuses on identifying and healing subconscious patterns and protective responses shaped by trauma and early life experiences. I help clients reconnect with their sense of safety and self-trust.

Functioning isn't the same as fulfilled. From the outside, your life probably looks fine — maybe even impressive. But somewhere along the way, holding it together became the only way you knew how to be, and you're tired. Strategies like overthinking, overextending, and pushing through made sense once. They kept you safe, connected, or helped you succeed. But now the part of you that learned to be fine is overriding the part of you that actually wants to be known. I work with clients who can see their patterns but still feel stuck.

We are human. I believe we all encounter circumstances--internal, external and relational--in which we feel stuck, overwhelmed, helpless or unsure of how to move forward. As a therapist, I am committed to helping individual adults, children and youth, couples and families identify patterns of thoughts, behavior and interactions that inhibit fulfillment. I work together with people to identify goals and to evaluate our work in therapy. Ideally, therapy is a temporary commitment, a place to bolster internal resources and identify more effective tools and ways of interacting and coping. As a family therapist, I believe our families, friends, peer groups, colleagues influence our lives in powerful ways. Therefore, incorporating partners, family members and/or other relevant peers into therapy (when appropriate) can be valuable.

MindRoot Institute is led by Dr. Krystel Salandanan, a licensed neuropsychologist with specialized training in neurodevelopmental assessment and complex psychological presentations. We serve individuals across the lifespan navigating ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, learning differences, executive functioning challenges, and other neurodevelopmental profiles, while also assessing social, emotional, and personality functioning. Services are offered in person in our Seattle office. Intake and feedback appointments are conducted through our secure remote platform. At MindRoot Institute, every mind is a good mind. Our mission is to help individuals understand how their brains work, empowering insight, growth, and well-being. MindRoot Institute recognizes that each mind is dynamic, shaped by lived experience, relationships, culture, and the systems that surround it. This philosophy guides every evaluation and interaction. MindRoot Institute’s approach is deeply integrated and grounded in global and multicultural perspectives. Identity is understood as inseparable from cognition, development, and functioning. Assessments synthesize cognitive, academic, executive, and emotional data into cohesive, personalized reports that translate findings into clear, practical recommendations for home, school, and broader life contexts. MindRoot Institute is committed to delivering fully integrated, actionable reports within two weeks because meaningful clarity should not have to wait.

I enjoy helping my clients to soar and be all that they wish to be. Each person has their own inner wisdom to lead them on life's path, but sometimes the wisdom and the path seem blocked. When working with you, I'm honored to be a guide or midwife to explore your path and any blocks or wounding that may have obscured it. I believe that the whole person, mind, body and spirit, must be the focus of our time together. We look at both the conscious, rational side of your psyche and the unconscious, imaginative side, so that we may have a deeper knowedge and understanding of who you truly are as a unique person. To do this we may only talk, or look at dreams, use some creative modalities, or energy work as seems appropriate. If you feel unhappy, have suffered deeply, have eating issues, or just don't know what to do, I'd welcome the opportunity to see if we can bring you to the life you wish for and deserve. I also offer "Artist's Way" groups and Authentic Movement. I have a broad range of experience in private practice and community mental health.

If you’re someone who prioritizes other people's needs over your own, if you question your deservingness and worth, if you feel sensitive and overwhelmed by an intense world, if your perfectionism won’t let you relax, or if your physical and mental health are impacting your relationships and quality of life, I am really glad you are here. Many of these issues can leave you feeling isolated, lost, directionless or lacking a sense of identity and purpose. I use a holistic approach help my clients discover and change their patterns of behavior formed by being othered in their day to day life, chronic stress, chronic illness, family dysfunction and trauma. My clients tend to be those who experience oppression, people in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, highly sensitive people, those with chronic illness, and those who work high stress jobs sometimes including secondary trauma. I welcome all walks of life to this space and strive to help you feel safe enough to unravel the complexity of who you are, with me as your witness. The therapy I provide asks you to be brave enough to go into deeper and more vulnerable places where you can unearth how you truly feel and experience the world. Therapy with me will help you move you towards living more authentically, recover your sense of purpose, awe and meaning, and hopefully live a more peaceful life. I use Internal Family Systems, EMDR, strengths-based, relational healing and somatic awareness therapies to help you heal your traumas, phobias, negative beliefs, etc. I offer a free 20-minute consultation and look forward to hearing more about what brings you to therapy.

Now more than ever, in the COVID-19 crisis, therapy can help you to cope with heightened anxiety, depression, loneliness, and lack of purpose. With online video conferencing, I can provide regular therapy without you coming into the office. Therapy provides a safe place to ask the questions that scare us, to find connection and healing, to feel good and be authentic, and take charge of our lives. I support clients' efforts to gain insight into the sources of their challenges and pain, find connection, make positive changes in relationships, identify strengths and resources, cope with personal history, and take charge of their life. I help children, teens, and adults cope with stress, express themselves honestly, and explore personal meaning and purpose. I have experience working with children as a school counselor and in the child welfare system, and working with children, teens, and adults in private practice. I use relational psychodynamic methods, with insights from CBT and other modalities. My approach as a therapist is to provide warm and attentive listening, unconditional positive regard, gentle honesty and encouragement, as I join with you in the project of telling and understanding your story, and feeling your best. I am an MDiv and am open to your religious experience. I am also available for teletherapy from the privacy of your own home.

No matter what you are going through, know that I am here to listen, support you, and help you figure it all out! Welcome to the newest generation of self-care and mental health- this is easy, accessible, no-stress, stigma-free help for whatever you are going through. Feel free to wear your sweatpants, sit on the couch, and have a session on your phone or laptop. Prefer in person? No problem, we can take a walk outdoors, meet in a coffee shop, or meet in my Eastlake or Fremont Office spaces. Clients have told me I provide a compassionate, empathetic, and truthful perspective. I look into patterns throughout your life to help you understand why you might be feeling or acting a certain way. I work to alleviate your symptoms and fix the root of the issue-think of this like not only putting on a Band-Aid but also healing the wound! I truly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. I am originally from San Diego, and then I spent some time experiencing life in the vast and often snow-filled states in the great Midwest before finally settling down in the crisp air and flannel-loving state of Washington. I love being a therapist because I love connecting with and helping people :)

As a therapist, I work to develop a relationship of collaboration and attunement to support clients in realizing the change they seek in their lives. I have extensive experience with adults and teens working through trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as family and other relational issues, work stress and life transitions. I use a variety of practical, skills-based techniques nested in larger life-contexts of family and culture, to explore solutions and rediscover hope. I take an active approach giving feedback, suggesting actions, and assigning homework. I will work with you to develop more kindness and compassion for yourself in your journey towards self-discovery and wellness.

Does any of this sound like you?: - I'm too busy and under too much stress. I never have enough time to get things done. - My relationship is not nearly as good as it should be. I'm not even sure I want to be married anymore. - I have a strong faith in God, or at least I thought I did....If God loves me, why is He letting me go through all this? - I want more from my life and my career. I want is a job that is meaningful, and not just a way to pay the bills. I challenge every man and woman I meet with to break free of shame, family dysfunction, fear, and worry. We will work together to help you gain the ability and skills you need to have a life of freedom, happiness, love, and purpose. The struggles you must cope with aren't easy, and you are growing and changing each and every day. I will not define you by your weaknesses, and I will never judge you for your mistakes. I'll get to know you as an individual and will help you understand your unique gifts, dreams, and hopes. Together we'll help you achieve them.