Carrie Ancel

Hi! Finding a new counselor/therapist is never an easy task. It is rife with worry, fear, and a desire to find the right fit with someone. Thank you for taking that first step and considering me as someone to help you navigate your mental health journey.

My theoretical approaches integrate existential therapy, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory. This means that I look at how you answer the big questions in life, how you relate to others, and what has affected you and your body, all through a trauma lens. I operate from an inclusionary, compassionate, strengths-based approach that is body positive, sex positive, anti-racist, and anti-oppression. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and offer that to clients. 

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I use humor regularly in therapy. While it's serious business, that does not necessitate it being somber. Laughter is healing, and can help with relieving stress. I especially love using geeky or gaming terms that engage your creative side to help you level up or face that boss. I view therapy as a collaborative effort. You are the expert on your life. My job is to be a helper and guide on that path as we walk together to aid you in navigating the world you inhabit. I will help you learn new tools for your mental health toolbox, and co-create ways of using them that may not be obvious. I work a lot with metaphor and analogies, tailoring them to each person to help convey meaning, and to make sure we have similar understandings of what is being discussed.

I have training and experience in attachment theory, polyvagal theory, healing within oppressive systems, working with different forms of trauma, CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I greatly enjoy working with over 21, LGBTQIA+ folx, those in any of the types of relationships under the umbrella term of consensual non-monogamy, gender identity exploration, sexual identity exploration, kink and kink dynamics, sex workers, differently abled (neurodiverse, physical disability, & chronically ill/spoonies), and any or all intersections of the above. I work with individuals, couples, and moresomes (on an as needed basis). I love helping clients to find feelings of safety in their bodies, and enhance or develop the ability to thrive. Not all clients may desire this, which is completely okay!

While I specialize in working with the above populations, you do not need to be a member of any of those identities to seek counseling from me. 

My identities include being queer, Jewish, disabled, neurodiverse, nonmonogamous, pansexual, and genderfluid. In my personal life I love spending time with my pup, taking care of my home, gardens, and many many plants, spending time with my partners, metas, and friends, playing D&D, board games, or video games, partner dancing, travel (when it is safe), and cooking a myriad of tasty treats.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor  (License # LH61337756) in the State of Washington.  I completed a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate in Sex Therapy from Antioch University Seattle. I am also a Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists). You can find out more about what that means and why that is important to my work here. 

Branching Out Wellbeing does not work with insurance companies at this time. You can find more information about why that is on our website here. I do provide Superbills so that you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance company. Costs per session are $150 for individuals and $180 for couples. I do offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those who can't afford the full fee.

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I offer sessions Tuesday 10am-6pm (Last appointment at 5) , Wednesday 11am-7pm (Last appointment at 6), Thursday 11am-7pm (Last appointment at 6), and Friday on an as needed basis. 

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Cancellation Policy

Must cancel or reschedule 24 hours before the appointment to avoid cancellation fee.

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Telehealth Policy

Currently, all counseling is available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and some Fridays through Telehealth only. Clients will receive care through HIPAA compliant versions of either TherapyNotes or Zoom. 

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FREE CONSULTATION

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To set up your no-cost, no-obligation consultation please call me at 

206-603-5223 or email at carrie@branchingoutwellbeing.com

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