Ian Albright, LMHCA
The story of my path into the field of mental health reads like so many others. Through grappling with my own childhood wounds, I came to have empathy for others struggling with their own issues. As a young adult, I determined that I would use my own journey of healing to inform how I might be able to help others experience healing for themselves. This intention led me along an introspective path, exploring aspects of myself through a variety of spiritual, philosophical, artistic, and scientific lenses. Ultimately, I came to learn how important relationships are to the healing process, and that being regarded with kindness and compassion–no matter how we feel about ourselves, and no matter what we’ve done to ourselves or to others–gives a tremendous boost to the healing faculties of the mind and body. The challenge, however, begins when our early childhood relationships involve interactions that are abusive and lack proper attunement. As children, we naturally internalize these interactions, and our inner world learns to regard ourselves with these same qualities, leaving us feeling angry, lost, and confused. The turbulence that results from this further compounds our issues, and we can feel overwhelmed, and desperate for something to change.
But life doesn’t have to be this way. The power to heal is inherent in being human. Our mind and body naturally move toward wholeness, as long as we learn how to get out of our own way. Of course this isn’t easy, yet when we learn to deepen our relationship with ourselves, attune to our own nervous system, and learn the power of self-compassion, the conditions for self-transformation grows. Our mind is like a garden, and when we learn to pull the weeds (and learn how weeds propagate), till the soil, plant vibrant seeds, and water it appropriately, we begin to see a transformation that is incredibly gratifying.
Professionally, I have an MA in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling that I earned from Naropa University, and in my undergrad I focused on Spiritual Psychology and Development. In my practice I assist adults with issues of anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, and spiritual emergency. I use a trauma-informed, person-centered approach, while incorporating aspects of Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Jungian Dreamwork, Clinical Hypnosis, and Buddhist Psychology to help uncover underlying needs and move towards wholeness. I am also currently training in EMDR. I will always meet you where you’re at internally, and will honor whatever worldview and spirituality you embody.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, doing yoga and spending time at the gym, hiking for viewpoints of Mt. Rainier, reading strange fiction and mythology, watching a movie, and drawing or painting.
Deciding to see a counselor can be a difficult choice. It involves having the courage to let your vulnerabilities be seen, while also leaning into difficult feelings and experiences. I get how hard this is, and I understand the risks this involves. There’s fear of being judged, of not being taken seriously, of being invalidated or not being seen. Having witnessed healing first hand, I know that change is possible, and if I am fortunate enough, I would be honored to assist in this process.
You are ready for change!
Call or text me at (253) 468-7899 or complete the contact form below, and we will schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation.