Zoe Vais, LMHCA (she/her)
“So is life: the very problems you must overcome also support you and make you stronger in overcoming them.” - George Yeoman Pocock
Life is full of ups and downs, some that feel manageable, and some that leave you feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and unsure what direction to go next. Perhaps you are feeling misunderstood by those around you, or frustrated by the way your relationships are going, or a constant pressure to succeed or meet certain expectations. No matter what is on your plate, counseling can be a tremendous resource for navigating both daily challenges and life’s biggest hurdles.
My approach to therapy
I take a strengths-based approach to counseling, in which you are the expert of your own story, and I am a support to help you look at things from a new perspective, navigate challenges, or encourage you toward your goals. I will work diligently to understand your life, experiences, sense of humor, and culture. Together, we will collaborate on creating a safe space for you to be your full self and explore your past, present and future. Through it all, we will practice skills to help you feel more capable to navigate tough moments, communicate your needs to others, and break out of old patterns.
I offer both in person and virtual sessions. I love working with teens (13+) and young adults, and also welcome all ages to come work with me. With a background in youth sports and coaching, I may be a good fit for you if you are looking for support in navigating a competitive environment (sports, academics, etc.).
What to expect in the counseling room with me: I believe that the relationship between the counselor and the client is instrumental to the counseling process, so I aim to be warm and bring my authentic self to session. Humor and laughter are welcome in session, offering an important insight into how we manage stress, build relationships, and relieve pain.
Areas of focus
Perfectionism
Grief
Life Transitions and identity exploration
LGBTQIA+ experiences
Motivation and Accountability
Education and training
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Seattle University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, Minor in Art History, University of Washington
Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification, Up2Us Sports
Credentials
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (#MC61602755)