Philosophy of Care
I am a student of the Carl Jung school of thought, which is to say that I believe all people have the ability and knowledge necessary to heal themselves and create positive patterns for self-actualization. I see myself as a guide who walks alongside those I serve to gently guide and reassure them along their own journey while respecting the individual's right to self-determination. I care for those I serve by approaching therapy from a non-judgmental strengths based perspective and utilizing a harm reduction model when appropriate. I am a patient, flexible, and adaptable person and therefore your recovery and healing will always be in your own time, at your own pace. Recovery is not linear, meaning that one will often stumble somewhere along their journey and starting anew may be necessary. When re-committing to your journey is necessary however, if the approaches we have utilized in the past are no longer serving you we can adjust to your needs in the moment.
I am trained as a clinical social worker, and therefore I approach therapy from the perspective that we as people exist in an environment and simultaneously affect and are affected by our environments. Therefore, one's symptoms only tell part of that person's story as their environment can influence them in ways they may not be aware of, and consequently exacerbate their dissonance. From this theoretical lens, I 'see' those I serve holistically and consider their own biopsychosocial coordinates at the intersection of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, culture, community, and spiritual/religious beliefs. I utilize this knowledge to empower the self and assist those I serve with improving their self-confidence and seeking justice in their own lives.
In my practice, I utilize mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy principles to emphasize and facilitate a greater understanding of the self. This deeper self knowledge reveals the direction of one's journey and the goals one wants to accomplish along the way. I enjoy working with people who have values and cultures which may be distinct from my own and I approach those who are different from me with genuine curiosity and humility. I believe that I have just as much to learn from those I serve as they do from me.
Education and Licensure
LICSWA Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work Associate, 2021
MSW, University of Washington, 2021
BA in Psychology, University of Puget Sound 2017
Specialties
Personality disorders
Depression
Suicidal Ideation
Interpersonal and Marital
Trauma
Grief
Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders
Spiritual
Modalities
Mindfulness Meditation
Feminist
Existential
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Exposure/Immersion Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Clientele:
Ages-
Teens
Young Adults
Adults
Sexual Orientation-
LGBTQIA+, Heterosexual
To get an appointment scheduled with Carlos Castanon, please call us at (425) 242-6267.