About Us
Mara Applebaum, PhD, LMHC
My practice draws from psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory, family systems theory, and the mind-body connection. I believe that one must feel deeply understood before thinking and introspection can evolve. I listen as closely as I can to you, reflect what I hear, and offer a trained perspective that can be helpful.
One of the most important aspects of what I offer is to address what is being expressed both explicitly and implicitly (between the lines). The depth of this work often has significant effect and includes a myriad of emotions. People often experience relief in having the help and the capacity to navigate their thoughts and feelings. Because my approach is inclusive and paced to fit the needs of each individual, many people feel a greater sense of personal freedom, intimacy, and creativity over time. Session frequency is one to five times per week, depending on your needs and the acuity of your symptoms.
I work with older adolescents and adults. Issues I often address with patients include (but are not limited to):
Depression and general/social anxiety
Perfectionism, overachievement, control issues, workaholism
Life transitions (new job/job loss, move, engagement, divorce/breakup, perinatal/parenthood, empty nest, retirement, etc.)
Personal identity, existential questions (“Who am I? Why am I here?”)
Adult autism, including late diagnosis
Chronic illness, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/POTS/MCAS
I have a master’s degree in applied behavioral science from Bastyr University and a master's and doctorate in mythology and depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. I am licensed by the state of Washington as a mental health counselor and currently a senior candidate at the Northwestern Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
Since 2002, my experiences as a psychotherapist, community-agency counselor, and hospital clinician have connected me with people from diverse cultures, races, classes, religions, and sexual orientations. I’ve spoken as a clinical expert for many organizations, including Shepherd’s Counseling Service, Swedish Hospital, Seattle University, La Leche League, and Postpartum Support International of Washington. My affiliations include the International Psychoanalytical Association, International Psychoanalytical Studies Organization, and the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study.
Jason Goldstein, MA, MSW, LMHC
I consider myself a psychoanalytic psychotherapist working from a relational and developmental model. My working fundamental assumption is that there is a basic tendency toward development and growth in every person. I believe that how a person feels and functions is, in large part, dependent on both current and past experience of relatedness with significant others. Our capacity for relatedness is influenced by the social environments we grow up on and help shape the development of our sense of self. There can be disruptions to the development of self from various kinds and degrees of deficiencies in a person’s relationally-based emotional environment. My job is to be responsive to my patients developmental and emotional needs which are essential for psychological well-bei
I see the work as a collaborative, trusting partnership with the patient to determine treatment goals. It is in the therapeutic relationship where difficulties are expressed and worked through. My focus is on the quality ofthe communication in our relationship and our aability to experience, reflect, and think together. My aim is to create a safe atmosphere for patients to develop insight and awareness, explore and express emotions, discover deeper meaning and make possible the opportunity for new experiences. Ultimately, the goal in our work together is to move the patient in the direction of becoming more of themselves.
I work with older adolescents and adults with issues commonly described as anxiety or depression that often include some of the following features:
Feelings of inferiority, unworthiness, incompetence, low self-esteem.
Insecurity and dissatisfaction in interpersonal relationships
Absence of emotion or blocked emotional expression.
Fears of being a disappointment. Needs for approval. Valuing oneself.
Feeling misunderstood. Hunger for recognition. Taking up space.
Fears of being oneself, fear of not being accepted, rejected, or abandoned.
I hold masters degrees in Clinical Psychology and Social Work, from the Washington School of Professional Psychology and Columbia University, respectively. I have been licensed by the State of Washington as a mental health counselor since 2009, and my clinical training has included working with a variety of populations and contexts such as community mental health centers, child development agencies, and psychiatric hospitals. I am a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study and the Modern Analytic Group Psychotherapy training program. I adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association.