Lauren Pallay,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
She/Her/Hers. I recognize that I hold the privileges of being a white, cis, heterosexual, neurotypical, average bodied, and non-disabled person, which impacts my experiences in this world. I practice on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish people and would like to express gratitude for the land and the people who have steward it throughout generations.
My style:
My style has been described as down to earth, open-minded, empathetic, and relational. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the most important aspect in counseling. And as therapy requires transparency from you as a client, I believe you deserve transparency from me as well.
I am client centered, meaning I believe that you possesses your own internal wisdom and the power to change, and that it is my role to help you become aware of that wisdom and learn to utilize that power.
I am a systems therapist, which means I consider how many factors in your life- including biology, psychology, social systems, history, and spirituality - influence your struggles and experiences. It’s an expansive, holistic view.
While there are times for clinicians to just listen, affirm, and hold space for clients, I also see a huge part of my role as a seeker, and a reflective listener, there to ask questions and offer curiosity in order for you to explore your feelings and experiences. And ultimately make the progress you desire.
I strive to be an advocate for healing, wholeness, and emotional freedom. I sincerely want people to feel good about themselves and enjoy their lives.
I enjoy space for creativity, somatic interventions, and humor to help aid in the healing process.
I am passionate about ethics in therapy as well as my personal role to uphold the code of ethics I abide by.
I am a firm believer that different resources, books, podcasts, and handouts (etc) are supportive tools outside of the therapy space, they help clients “take therapy home” with them, and therefore I frequently offer them.
Theoretical lenses:
As a licensed MFT, I am specialized in general systems theory which (as mentioned above) is an integrative approach, considering how different parts contribute to the whole. This to say, how many aspects, and the relationships between them, contribute to the problems we face.
I primarily use techniques of Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Grief Therapy.
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and was trained through EMDRIA. Click here for more information on EMDR.
I am trauma informed as well as strengths based - utilizing your particular skills and abilities to aid the healing and growth process.
Because your time in counseling is an investment and a collaborative experience, I welcome feedback to what approaches, and methods you find most useful. I always want to know what I can do to be more supportive of you and my ultimate goal is that you make progress and feel good about your life.
Credentials and training:
Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Hope International University with an emphasis in counseling (2008)
Master of Science in Marriage and Family from Seattle Pacific University (2016)
Washington State Department of Health, Marriage and Family Therapist License LF 60918330 (LMFT)
Washington State Department of Health Mental Health Professional (MHP)
Grief Therapy Certified (GC-C)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
EMDR Level 1
Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator
Gottman Method Level 1 Trained
Prepare and Enrich Certification
Other areas of training include but are not limited to: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Yoga and Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Clinical Trauma Professional Training, Body Image, and Suicide Prevention.
Professional Memberships: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and Washington Mental Health Counselors Association.
Other experience:
I have vast experience with children, adolescents, adults, individuals, couples and families from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and religious backgrounds and identities.
In-depth understanding of symptom management for a multitude of presenting problems as well as in crisis intervention.
My professional history includes working in a private practice, serving low income inner city youth, as well as practicing within a Native American community.
Before becoming an LMFT, I spent time volunteering in 7 different countries and currently volunteer in the foster care system.
A little about me: I am incredibly grateful to have been born and raised in the PNW! I became a therapist because therapy had and continues to be an impactful, life changing tool in my own life and I wanted to be a part of helping others in the same way. I am an INFJ, an HSP, and a feminist to the core. In my free time I love being outdoors with my family, reading, creating and making all kinds of things, or lifting weights. I always have a podcast on and I am not ashamed to admit that I watch garbage television.