Frequently Asked Questions

This practice does not provide emergency, crisis, or after-hours services.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, are in immediate danger, or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please seek immediate support by contacting one of the following resources:

• Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
• Washington Recovery Help Line — Call 1-866-789-1511 for substance use, mental health, and problem gambling support
• Go to your nearest emergency department

If you are already a client of this practice, please note that messaging, voicemail, or email should not be used for urgent or emergency situations.

Engaging in services with Empowering Life Journeys PLLC means understanding and agreeing that crisis services are provided through appropriate emergency and community resources, not through this practice.

The cost of counseling services at Empowering Life Journeys PLLC  varies depending on the type of service you need. Please contact Seattle Serenity Therapy directly or click here for more information.

Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s brings unique emotional challenges—grief, uncertainty, role changes, and exhaustion. Many caregivers feel invisible while carrying an immense responsibility.

This practice offers a supportive space to:

• Process ongoing and anticipatory grief
• Learn emotional regulation and grounding skills
• Develop realistic expectations and boundaries
• Reduce burnout and isolation
• Feel seen, supported, and validated

You do not have to be in crisis to seek support. Ongoing care for caregivers is an act of strength—not selfishness.

During your consultation, we will collaboratively determine which service best aligns with your needs, goals, and current level of support. You will always be informed about the scope of services you are receiving.

Therapy - Many clients wonder whether therapy or coaching is the right fit—and sometimes, the answer is both.

Clinical mental health therapy is appropriate if you are experiencing emotional distress, mental health symptoms, trauma-related concerns, or need diagnostic-level support. Therapy focuses on healing, processing, and symptom reduction.

Coaching- Non-clinical and focus on present-day functioning, skill-building, accountability, and maintenance. Coaching is often helpful for individuals in stable recovery or caregivers seeking ongoing support without intensive clinical treatment.

If your needs shift over time, services can be adjusted accordingly.

Clinical mental health therapy services are provided by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP), practicing under approved clinical supervision in accordance with the Washington State Department of Health.

Therapy services are governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 18.225) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-809).

Clinical therapy services may include:

• Mental health assessment and diagnosis (when clinically appropriate)
• Treatment planning and documentation
• Trauma-informed psychotherapy
• Treatment of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
• Co-occurring substance use and mental health treatment

Therapy is a clinical service intended to address mental health symptoms, emotional distress, and psychological healing. Therapy sessions may become part of the clinical record and are subject to confidentiality laws and professional standards.

Coaching services offered through this practice are non-clinical and not psychotherapy. Coaching does not involve diagnosis, treatment of mental disorders, or medical/mental health assessment as defined under Washington State law.

Coaching services may include:

• Recovery maintenance support
• Caregiver support and burnout prevention
• Stress management and emotional regulation skills
• Boundary-setting and communication tools
• Goal-setting, accountability, and life planning

Coaching services are educational and supportive in nature and are not covered by insurance. Coaching services do not create a therapist-client relationship under Washington State law.

During your initial consultation, we will collaboratively determine whether clinical mental health therapy or non-clinical coaching is most appropriate based on your goals, symptoms, and level of support needed.

You will be informed in writing of the type of service you are receiving. If your needs change over time, services may transition between therapy and coaching with your informed consent.

The frequency of counseling sessions with Empowering Life Journeys PLLC  will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some clients may benefit from weekly sessions, while others may attend bi-weekly or monthly.

For therapy services, confidentiality is governed by Washington State law (RCW 70.02) and HIPAA regulations. Information shared in therapy is confidential, with the following legal exceptions:

• If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or vulnerable adult
• Court orders or lawful subpoenas
• Professional consultation and supervision

For coaching services, confidentiality is respected; however, coaching is not governed by HIPAA or clinical confidentiality statutes. Limits to confidentiality will be clearly discussed prior to beginning services.

Empowering Life Journeys PLLC  can help you with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, addiction support, stress management, caregiver support, and more. Our therapists will work with you to develop a treatment plan or goals that meets your unique needs and goals.

Currently, we are not offering groups at this time. Please check back later.