"You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world—that is something you are free to do and it accords with your nature—but perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid."

Thank you for considering me as a potential therapist. By way of introduction, I have chosen this quote because, with one sentence, Kafka’s words embody a very important reality quite unpopular in our culture—that suffering and pain are both an inevitable reality and necessary in order to live a fulfilling life and relate deeply with one another.

Often we assume when we are hurting that there is something wrong with us, and we attempt to hide our pain both from ourselves and from others. Typically our efforts to circumvent that hurt only increase the pain and isolation. Left unaddressed, this pain can take on a life of its own, manifesting itself in numerous ways—depression, anxiety, addiction, and relational difficulties to name a few. Therapy provides an avenue not by which you can live a life without pain, but rather how to step into the pain of your life and the lives of others in meaningful, life-giving ways.

Over the course of therapy, our purpose will be to gain a greater understanding of you, your past, and your hopes for the future. Many of the clients I see have come to therapy to address some of the following:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Loneliness
• Self-esteem issues
• Addictions (internet, sex, drugs, etc.)
• Marital difficulties / Men's issues
• Eating disorders
• Chronic pain
• Sexual abuse recovery
• Trauma

I work primarily with older adolescents and adults from a psychodynamic and relational approach. I am currently accepting new clients.

I commend your courage to consider entering therapy. I do believe that a more honest and fulfilling life is available to each of us, and I look forward to the possibility of working together. Please contact me at 206.890.1214 or ken@lakeunioncounseling.com to schedule an appointment.

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology from Taylor University in Upland, IN. After working in the field of outdoor education in Colorado, I shifted directions and moved to Seattle to pursue a Master of Arts in Counseling from Mars Hill Graduate School. Following a counseling internship at Seattle Pacific University and working as a Marriage and Family Therapist at Stone Gate Resources in Larkspur, CO, I returned to the Seattle area and began working in private practice.

I also work as Adjunct Faculty for Seattle Pacific University for the School of Education, co-teaching the Group Counseling and the Theory and Technique classes. At Mars Hill Graduate School I have served as a Practicum Facilitator for therapists and clergy in training. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington (LC#00010879) and a member of the NWAPS (Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study).

I reside in Seattle and become friends with my neighbors. I enjoy listening to music, reading by a fire, wading in cool mountain streams, and moving long distances on my own two feet.

50-minute session (individual):	$90
100-minute session (with family):	$180
Group therapy session:	$45