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Loryann Nichols
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Our families are our first social environment and consequently, powerful in the ways in which they shape our behavior. There is nothing like a romantic relationship to put us in touch with the attachment wounds, negative patterns or roles with which we grew up. In fact, Imago theory posits that we will actually choose a mate that is exquisitely designed to push our buttons! The idea of course is to propel us to grow and change. Often, however, I find that this is the gridlock in which couples find themselves when they present to therapy. But wait! Isn’t my mate supposed to love me unconditionally?
Some people ask why I became a therapist, and my response is usually “I was born a therapist.” Being a middle child in a large family, you quickly learn to sink or swim. I am a swimmer and congruency is the key: 39 years of my own personal growth allow me to “be the change” others seek and can model after. |
My expertise comes into play in holding the space for clients to examine themselves and their relationships in such a way as to enlarge their view and their capacity for change. My experience, education and intuition allow me a razor sharp focus to see and interrupt negative patterns of interaction and collaboratively move them in a more healthful direction. In order to accomplish this, I utilize therapy approaches such as:
- John Gottman’s Art & Science of Love, a research-based approach
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (“EFT”) (Dr. Susan Johnson)
- Bowen Family of Origin Therapy (Dr. Murray Bowen)
- Family Systems Theory (cybernetics and circular causality)
- Imago Theory (Dr. Harville Hendrix)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)
- Mindfulness
- Humor (the most important of theories!)
Along the way, I assist clients in identifying how their trauma history (or attachment wounds) impact their everyday life and especially with their partners or nuclear family (family of choice). I am very interested in the neurological reactions folks are having to their situations and what, if anything, is in their history to bolster those reactions. My work takes into account neural plasticity while helping clients attune to their own inner world with a mindful and compassionate presence and letting go of the maladaptive or ineffective behaviors/skills from the past. My ability to hold each person with tenderness and creativity while we move toward your goals is transformative in the therapeutic process. You have already accomplished what is sometimes the most difficult part of therapy which is to reach out for help!
Since 1988, I have been serving the Kirkland area in various mental health capacities counseling folks on issues including:
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Couples, Individual and Family Counseling -- my extensive experience working with 12-step recovery programs (Al-Anon, Adult Children Anonymous and Codependents Anonymous offers me great insight into addiction and the effects thereof.
- Washington State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University
- MFT certificate from Presbyterian Counseling Service
- Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Washington
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT); Approved Supervisor 2005 to present; Clinical Fellow 1994 to present
- Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT); Clinical Fellow 2001 to present; At-Large Board Member 2010 to 2012; Program Committee Chair 2002-2006; Membership/Referral Committee 2000 to 2002
- Certified Clinician with EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) 2005 to present
- Seattle Counselors Association; Member 1999 to present; Board of Directors as Secretary from 2006 to 2010
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“Hope” is the Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson “Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm - I’ve heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. |
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In my spare time, I enjoy running, hiking, travelling, skiing, landscaping, gardening, reading, writing and spending time with my cats and other feathery kids. |
Emily Dickinson, "'Hope' is the Thing with Feathers" from The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by Thomas H. Johnson. Copyright 1945, 1951, 8 1955, 1979, 1983 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. Reprinted with the permission of The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. |
What Clients Say about Loryann
"It’s changed my life. Thank you so much for helping me along in my journey in life."
"Loryann is always “present” in session , has a soothing manner and seems “meant” for this kind of work. I have recommended her to many."
"I am truly lucky to work with Loryann who is not only a coworker, but a teacher. Her commitment to learning, compassion for the people she works with, creativity and sense of humor make her an excellent therapist. Her enthusiasm for helping people to form healthy relationships is something I recognize and have always valued as most important." ~ Chrysta Rose
"Loryann gave us the strength & trust in ourselves to connect with each other. Without her, we would have lost the love that brought us together." ~ JK
"That I can take care of myself, my fears, my past…and in fact already have. I just needed to make the move and become aware of my own inner strength and power." ~ TP
"Loryann’s insightful, intuitive approach combined with logical steps & self growth really impacted my life in a positi8ve lasting way. Of all the counselors I’ve seen, Loryann made the connection I had been seeking. Here’s to health & self fulfillment!" ~ SC
"It’s changed my life. Thank you so much for helping me along in my journey in life."
"Loryann is always “present” in session , has a soothing manner and seems “meant” for this kind of work. I have recommended her to many."
"I am truly lucky to work with Loryann who is not only a coworker, but a teacher. Her commitment to learning, compassion for the people she works with, creativity and sense of humor make her an excellent therapist. Her enthusiasm for helping people to form healthy relationships is something I recognize and have always valued as most important." ~ Chrysta Rose
"Loryann gave us the strength & trust in ourselves to connect with each other. Without her, we would have lost the love that brought us together." ~ JK
"That I can take care of myself, my fears, my past…and in fact already have. I just needed to make the move and become aware of my own inner strength and power." ~ TP
"Loryann’s insightful, intuitive approach combined with logical steps & self growth really impacted my life in a positi8ve lasting way. Of all the counselors I’ve seen, Loryann made the connection I had been seeking. Here’s to health & self fulfillment!" ~ SC
"I never imagined that seeking therapy could have such a positive impact on my life, but it has. My whole life is that much better. I knew it would be hard work, but you made it easier by knowing you would be there to provide support & guidance. My experience was enjoyable & I learned a great deal about myself. Loryann made it worth my effort and time. Plus she made it less daunting than I had imagined it would be. Her use of humor and her caring attitude made it easier for me to open up and actually work through issues. If I had to do it all again, I would in a heartbeat—but only with Loryann there to help with my journey." ~ MS
"Loryann is simply an amazing therapist! She is a master healer, with over 2 decades of clinical prowess. I have had the awesome pleasure of being mentored and held by her in a supportive supervision and consultation role. Loryann has the ability to get to the heart of the matter in a sincere and compassionate way. She is congruent, transparent and extremely creative. In fact, her creativity often leaves me surprised and captivated. It is no wonder that every encounter with Loryann fills me with a sense of awe, inspiration, and hope. The world is a better place and I am a better person and counselor because of the work that Loryann has committed her life to. Lucky is the client who will be touched, moved, and forever changed because of her genius and willingness to share and care." ~ Melanie Vallee, MA, LMHCA, CDPT
"Loryann’s exceptional abilities as a therapist, teacher and mentor continually inspire those who have had the opportunity to work with her. Although she has been in the field for twenty five years she has never ceased to continually examine, reach, grow and learn. In the time I have known her I have seen her challenge herself many times and all in the service of helping and supporting her clients and colleagues. It is an honor to be asked to join Loryann and the team at the Center for Couples and Family Healing." ~ Kathryn Richards, M.A., LMFTA
"Loryann helped me change the course of my life forever. She gave me new communication and awareness tools which I use in my daily life, at work, and with family and friends. She helped me understand and process out my trauma and lingering pain through EMDR treatment. She got me unstuck from continuous spirals. She helped me do the work so I could enjoy life and experience relationships like never before. I am incredibly grateful for the path I'm on now and I owe much of where I am thanks to Loryann's practice. If you are ready to do the work, want to better yourself and improve your relationships, and/or learn new tools, I highly recommend contacting Loryann for an appointment." ~ JQ
"Loryann is simply an amazing therapist! She is a master healer, with over 2 decades of clinical prowess. I have had the awesome pleasure of being mentored and held by her in a supportive supervision and consultation role. Loryann has the ability to get to the heart of the matter in a sincere and compassionate way. She is congruent, transparent and extremely creative. In fact, her creativity often leaves me surprised and captivated. It is no wonder that every encounter with Loryann fills me with a sense of awe, inspiration, and hope. The world is a better place and I am a better person and counselor because of the work that Loryann has committed her life to. Lucky is the client who will be touched, moved, and forever changed because of her genius and willingness to share and care." ~ Melanie Vallee, MA, LMHCA, CDPT
"Loryann’s exceptional abilities as a therapist, teacher and mentor continually inspire those who have had the opportunity to work with her. Although she has been in the field for twenty five years she has never ceased to continually examine, reach, grow and learn. In the time I have known her I have seen her challenge herself many times and all in the service of helping and supporting her clients and colleagues. It is an honor to be asked to join Loryann and the team at the Center for Couples and Family Healing." ~ Kathryn Richards, M.A., LMFTA
"Loryann helped me change the course of my life forever. She gave me new communication and awareness tools which I use in my daily life, at work, and with family and friends. She helped me understand and process out my trauma and lingering pain through EMDR treatment. She got me unstuck from continuous spirals. She helped me do the work so I could enjoy life and experience relationships like never before. I am incredibly grateful for the path I'm on now and I owe much of where I am thanks to Loryann's practice. If you are ready to do the work, want to better yourself and improve your relationships, and/or learn new tools, I highly recommend contacting Loryann for an appointment." ~ JQ