Tumwater Wing

Works with ages: 18yrs+

Specialties & Interests: anxiety,

depression, grief, and neurodivergence (ADHD, the autism spectrum, and AUDHD). LBGTQIA+ and kink community. 

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My name is Lahela (she/her). I am married and have two children (one neurodivergent,

and one neurotypical). I have been in Olympia since 2014 and love the Pacific

Northwest!

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. My parents are Italian, and I grew up

speaking Italian at home. I have lived in Europe and across the United States. I have a

master’s degree in French Language and another in French Literature, and I taught

foreign languages in higher education for many years. I have also worked for

Washington State non-profits supporting learning, art, and the neurodivergent

community.

I completed my practicum and internship at Northwest Therapy Group (2024) and am

very excited and grateful to be back as a permanent provider.

I love and value therapy because it offers a safe, open, and non-judgmental space

where we can learn to explore and nurture self-expression, self-discovery, self-

acceptance, and healing in order to engage our lives more authentically and

meaningfully. I believe we can still find meaning and purpose in our lives (and thus

fulfillment), even in the face of challenges, pain, grief, and suffering, which are

inescapable to our shared human experience. It is an honor and privilege to accompany

any individual on that personal and unique journey of self-discovery and healing.

I resonate with psychodynamic, Existential, and Person-Centered therapy and the

following modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal family

systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy. I currently work in the areas of anxiety,

depression, grief, and neurodivergence (ADHD, the autism spectrum, and AUDHD). I

am deeply committed to working with the LBGTQIA+ and kink community. As a child of

immigrants, I am also deeply committed to supporting clients from different cultures, and

clients struggling to integrate several cultures.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking walks, walking our dogs, reading,

painting, singing, playing guitar, being in nature, learning new things (and languages),

traveling, and practicing yoga and meditation.

Works with ages: Teens 18yrs+

Specialties & Interests: LGBTQ Adults, Gender Affirming Care, Trans Teens 14 and up, Trans Adults.

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My name is Sam (he/him, they/them), and I am a graduate of Saint Martin’s University from the MAC (Masters of Arts in Counseling) program. I am a queer and transmasc person who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and found that I loved the environment so much I’ve stuck around my whole life. I even love the rain!

I am interested in working with many different communities and different people, especially LGBTQ+ people as my own journey was what led me back towards my interest in mental health and wellbeing. I received my undergraduate degree from The Evergreen State College with a concentration in Psychology and my Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Saint Martin’s University, where I also began my journey into understanding the ways in which creativity can be used to express internal worlds.

I love animals and share my space with my dog, cat, small parrot, and gecko. Hobby writing is something that I have enjoyed and continue to love during my spare time. Reading and gaming have also informed a lot of my life and continue to be big hobbies of mine. I find that sometimes seeing even a piece of yourself or your story in a character or world can open up your ability to talk about new and difficult topics.

Whether it is movies, TV, books, video games, music, etc., creative narratives are extremely important to me and I strongly believe that we can find ourselves in stories, characters, and worlds no matter how fantastical. Creativity is an amazing way to express ourselves, and to be able to find community with others. It can also give people the means to process in a way that fits them as an individual and give language to what may be difficult to express otherwise. 

Therapy is a place where you can explore and build an understanding of your internal world in a safe space. Engaging with creativity has always been an important part of my life, and informs a lot of my work with clients. The therapeutic relationship is very important to me and I am inspired by Existential theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy also known as ACT, Person-Centered therapy, as well as the intersection of queer and therapeutic theories. I approach therapy through the lens that individual emotions are not good or bad, and that it is the intensity level of which they are experienced that can be disruptive to many aspects of your life.

I look forward to meeting you where you are and hearing your story.

Works with Ages: 13+ and adults across the lifespan

Specialties & Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, LGBTQ+ community, adjustment to

life changes, journeys to meaning and purpose.

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During the pandemic I watched my children and their friends struggle to bloom and

explore their identities under the constraints, fear and grief of lock-down. I was grateful

they were both willing to seek support in therapy and I also benefited from the

empathetic help of a counselor. I believe we all have strength and beauty in us; I will

bring my curiosity and desire to learn about you to every session. Sometimes, we just

need someone else on our team to offer a fresh perspective and assist us in

reconnecting with our lives. I look forward to listening to you.

I like to be among lakes, woods, books, friends and family and a good cake.

Works with: 18yrs+
Special Interests: Support during pre and postpartum periods,  mothers and parents, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and life transitions.

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Hi, I’m Emily! I’m currently a Clinical Mental Health Master’s student  at Seattle University, graduating in 2026. My approach to therapy is  person-centered and integrative, blending practical, solution-focused  work with narrative therapy techniques. What does  that mean for you? I’m here to help you get clear on what’s bringing  you to therapy, work alongside you to find meaningful solutions, and  support you in intentionally deciding how you want to live your  life. Our relationship is at the heart of this process,  and I aim to build it with authenticity, warmth, and respect. I’m also passionate about increasing access to care for postpartum  depression and am involved in research focused on addressing disparities  in care. Outside of therapy, I live in Olympia with my husband, daughter, dog,  and ancient cat (she's nearly 20!). When I’m not working or spending  time with family, I love exploring new coffee shops, hunting for good  books, and going on weekend adventures around the  sound!

Works with: 13yrs+
Special Interests:  Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, and Infertility.

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Hi, I’m Samantha Forster. As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student specializing in trauma at Grand Canyon University, I’ve dedicated myself to helping people navigate the heavy stuff, like trauma and grief.

I believe that true healing can only begin when your mind and body finally feel safe enough to take a deep breath in a safe place. My goal is to create that space for you; a place where you feel truly heard, never judged, and fully empowered to take the next step. Originally from Canada, I bring an inclusive, culturally sensitive lens to every session. I don’t believe in "cookie-cutter" therapy; instead, we’ll work collaboratively to find what supports you best.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you can usually find me on the soccer field, writing music, or spending time with my husband and our two corgis.

Works with: 13yrs+
Special Interests:  Adolescents/teens, adults, ADHD, couples.

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My name is Megan (she/her) and I am a graduate student at Saint Martin's University.  I approach therapy from a systemic, integrative, and trauma informed lens. I'm interested in the intersection of mental health, relationships, the social and cultural contexts that shape our lives, and the innate grounding and connection we can access in the natural world. I also employ tools from narrative therapy, psychodynamic and attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness approaches, and existential therapy. I enjoy bringing laughter and playfulness into the therapeutic process, am queer identified, and gender affirming. I look forward to meeting you! 

Works with: 18yrs+
Special Interests:  Anxiety, depression, trauma and CBT.

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My name is Matt Waltrip, and I am a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Counseling Program at Saint Martin’s University. I grew up in Olympia, Washington, and earned my undergraduate degree in Emergency Medical Services from Central Washington University.

After more than 30 years of service as a firefighter and paramedic, I recently retired from a career dedicated to helping others. Throughout my time in fire and EMS, I witnessed firsthand how trauma and mental health challenges can affect not only the individuals and families in our communities, but also the women and men who dedicate their lives to serving others. These experiences deepened my passion for supporting people through difficult seasons of life and continue to shape the counselor I am becoming.

I use a collaborative, integrative approach grounded in Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe clients are the experts in their own lives and that a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship provides the foundation for meaningful change. My approach emphasizes client strengths while considering the interconnected biological, psychological, and social aspects of overall wellness.

My areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, and depression, and I work with adult clients 18 and older. I strive to create a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop new perspectives and coping strategies, and build on their existing strengths. I look forward to collaborating with clients as they navigate challenges, pursue personal growth, and work toward greater well-being.