MENURachel Kazangian, Graduate Intern
Rachel Kazangian’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
I believe that our relationships are the most powerful and influential part of our lives. Whether those relationships are with our friends, family members, co-workers, or even with ourselves, they have a profound impact on our wellbeing.
Our connections can be a source of great joy and growth. They can also be the source of pain, anger, disappointment, and sorrow. As our relationships change throughout our lives it’s often helpful to have a safe space to process those experiences and feelings. My goal as a therapist is to ensure you have an open, accepting, and supportive setting to share and heal.
Sometimes the circumstances of our lives bring us to realizations about past trauma, relational wounds, self-esteem and identity issues, or other challenges that impact our mental health. Taking the time to process and gain a deeper understanding of your internal world is a vital part of caring for yourself.
It’s key that you find a therapist you trust and connect with. I always appreciate feedback from my clients and view you as the expert on your own life and experiences. I feel it is a true privilege to get to know your story, witness your growth, and share in the nuances of the human experience with you.
Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I urge you to be proud of yourself for taking this step and choosing to take action for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your relationships. You are deserving of peace, love, and meaningful connection.
I am currently in the process of earning a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. As I work towards licensure in Washington state I look forward to continued growth in my knowledge and skills to better serve my clients.
In my free time I enjoy hiking (Mt. Rainier National Park is my favorite), doing yoga, skiing or playing tennis, reading in cozy coffee shops, and listening to music. I love to travel and try new restaurants with my husband. The thing I cherish most is making memories with friends and family.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Men, Women, and Teens (13+)
- Marriage/Couples
- Relationship Issues
- Infidelity/Betrayal
- Anxiety/Stress
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem
- Identity
- Trauma
Q&A with Rachel
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
My approach will vary depending on your goals and desires. Some issues require immediate solutions and some warrant a curious exploration of the root cause. I generally tend to think it’s helpful to consider how our past has shaped our present but that isn’t always the top priority when we’re working through certain life experiences.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I believe in shaping my approach to meet each client and their needs. That means sometimes I’ll lead the session and sometimes you’ll lead the session. Ultimately, the direction we go in therapy and the topics we address are up to you. My role is to partner with you and adjust depending on what’s going on in your life and what we’re working through together.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
I can connect with others easily and believe everyone’s experiences are valuable. I genuinely want to hear your story and understand how it’s formed who you are. I’m good at finding the balance between seriousness and the laughter that is necessary to process some of life’s challenges.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be able to communicate with animals. The idea of being able to hear about my pet’s perspective or listen to the stories of wild animals is so intriguing!
5.) What makes you laugh?
I’m lucky to have a great group of friends who make me laugh often. I love a silly animal video, a well-timed meme, and making light of difficult situations with silliness. I also enjoy feel-good comedy shows like Schitt’s Creek and Ted Lasso.
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
I’d love to be able to share a meal with all of my grandparents. I was never able to meet two of them and it would be incredible to learn about their experiences and hear their stories of my parents when they were young.
