Child and Family therapy
We work with children birth-18 years old across the developmental spectrum and our work is grounded in child development research. We are trained to use play therapy, art techniques, yoga for kids, EMDR & TF CBT Therapy and other interventions to help children heal. We also incorporate trauma informed parent coaching and parenting skills in our work with families.
Services for children include therapy for ADHD, Neurodiversity, grief/loss, developmental trauma, depression/anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, school issues, self-esteem/body image issues, bullying, peer issues, adjusting from divorce, and much more!
In our work together, our Therapists believe in the importance of creating a safe place for kids and families to tell their story, be seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Pursuing therapy is a courageous step for families and children to take, and we will be there for you every step of the way, helping you navigate challenging life circumstances, as well as celebrating your victories, successes, and accomplishments along the way!
Services Offered:
Children and families, ages 0-18 yrs
Eating disorders, Body-Image issues
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Adjustment disorders
ADD/ADHD
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)/ Neurodiversity
Behavior challenges
School issues
Beneficial for:
Individual Counseling
Tailored one-on-one sessions to help children and teens express themselves, manage emotions, and build resilience.
Play Therapy
A child-friendly approach that uses play and creative activities to address emotional and behavioral issues in a non-threatening way.
Family Counseling
Supporting families in improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening bonds.
Intern Therapy
At VWS we are proud to support our community by providing reduced fee services for clients seeking mental health. We offer a clinical training program for graduate-level intern therapists. As part of this program, we offer low-cost counseling with fees of $90 for Individuals and $115.00 for Couples + Family therapy.
Our Intern Therapists start at different times throughout the year, most often in January or April, and see clients during their internship for up to 10-18 months. After that time, clients can continue with their therapist once they become a VWS employee, or be transitioned to another VWS therapist to continue their care. Learn more about our Intern Therapists below!
Meet Our Providers
KATLYNN FEAGANS, LSWAIC
Katlynn is a Licensed Independent clinical social worker associate, child mental health specialist, and EMDR Therapist with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in different capacities, such as school settings, nonprofit organizations, daycare centers, and outpatient mental health centers.
Katlynn specializes in infant/early childhood mental health, is a 95 hour registered children's yoga teacher, 200 hour registered yoga teacher, Incredible years parent group leader, and triple p parent program provider. Katlynn is passionate about helping children and families who suffer from: PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and has specialized training in working with children/teens with eating disorders. Katlynn's work is client-centered, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused. In therapy sessions, you can expect Katlynn to utilize many creative interventions that involve movement, mindfulness, and play. She is a trained EMDR therapist through Emdria, and is currently working towards trauma focused CBT certification and CBT+ certification.
Katlynn works with children and teens ages 0-14, parents and families. Katlynn also sees adults for EMDR Trauma Therapy.
RAQUEL RAMIREZ, LMHC
Raquel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and EMDR Therapist who provides a container, a safe and compassionate space, to explore the areas you seek to shift or expand. Her style is warm, intuitive, authentic, compassionate, and direct. Raquel naturally uses a trauma-informed lens, and leans towards a Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Person-Centered approach to get a big picture of you and your experience. She believes we are better able to shed layers and get into deeper truths when we feel seen, safe, and heard, from a supportive non judgemental person. Bringing the unconscious to light to become empowered and capable of making the choices needed to live the life you desire. Raquel works with adult individuals and teens 15+, as well as couples.
KELIE BRYSON, LMHCA
Kelie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) who provides a safe and nurturing space to explore the journey of your life’s story. She uses a trauma informed lens to help those she works with build their stories into strength and resilience. Her early career of working in the medical field plus lived experience of chronic illness have cultivated a passion for her to work with populations who struggle with chronic illness, medical trauma, and navigating a new medical diagnosis. She uses a person-centered lens that focuses on human connection and utilizes techniques from Narrative, Psychodynamic, EMDR, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Kelie works with teens ages 12-18, adults, couples, and families.
Sarah Ruhl, LCSW
Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both WA and OR with 40 years of experience. She is an expert in working with Trauma using EMDR and other modalities, and can work with all ages including kids (ages 3+), teens, adults, and families.
Sarah believes that we are all born with the ability to attach and to love, to be curious and playful and to be wired to learn and grow, as long as not much gets in the way or blocks these natural/innate processes from occurring. It’s these blocks that tend to create anxiety and depression, and they are in fact clues that something has occurred that we did not have the skills, or adequate support, guidance or protection to navigate through the challenge on our own.
Sarah uses her training, intuition and warmth to help with creating enough safety to plot a path that is individual to you, your history and your goals. Together, through a collaborative plan, there is hope and optimism towards alleviating concerns that brought you to seek services. Sarah works together with you to regain and develop the internal skills and external resources that will help you to increase your internal self-support and emotional regulation, improve relationships, and ideally experience joy and well-being.
When not working Sarah spends time with her family and two silly cats, as well as gardening, Zumba, reading and singing to help maintain balance in her life.