Tami Ammerman, LMHC

I don’t believe therapy is about fixing people. I believe it’s about helping people recognize their own strengths, understand their experiences with greater compassion, and move toward the life they want to build.  I believe that every person has a story worth understanding.

Whether I am working with a young child, a teenager, an adult, an older adult, or a family, my goal is to create a space where people feel safe enough to be open, curious about themselves, and hopeful about change. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about exploring life’s challenges together, developing new perspectives, and discovering strengths and skills that may have been difficult to see during hard times.

I bring more than 20 years of experience working in community mental health and public education, supporting individuals and families through a wide range of emotional and life challenges. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University in 2004 and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State in 2014.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in meaningful change. Together we identify goals, build on existing strengths, develop new skills, and create a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and values.

My clinical work is influenced by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Art therapy, and other approaches that support growth, resilience, and lasting change.  Rather than relying on one approach for everyone, I believe therapy should be flexible and individualized because every person’s experiences and strengths are different.

Throughout my career I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and stress related to school, work, and family life.

Above all, I strive to meet people where they are, with curiosity instead of judgment, compassion alongside accountability, and hope when hope feels difficult to find. My goal is to walk alongside my clients as they build confidence, resilience, healthier relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves.

 

Specialties and Areas of Focus

• Children, Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults & Families
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Emotional Regulation
• Life Transitions
• Grief & Loss
• Trauma
• Self-Esteem & Identity
• ADHD & Executive Functioning
• School, College, Workplace and Retirement Stress
• Parenting Support
• Family Relationships
• Coping Skills
• Goal Setting
• Structured problem solving
• LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
• Mindfulness & Stress Management

 

Q&A

Q. Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem,  while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
I am comfortable with both. Therapy is a collaborative process and I work together with my client to determine the best therapeutic approach.

Q. Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

I believe strongly in client voice and autonomy. I see this as a collaborative process and believe that you know yourself and are the best author of your story. I also know that therapy can be overwhelming and there will be times when I need to lead, providing education and guidance. In the beginning, we explore different approaches and find what works best for you.

Q. What are your strengths as a therapist? 

I believe one of my greatest strengths is creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and accepted. I work hard to understand each person’s unique story rather than making assumptions or focusing only on a diagnosis. My approach balances compassion with gentle accountability, helping clients recognize their strengths while also encouraging meaningful growth. I enjoy collaborating with clients to find practical strategies that fit their lives, and when someone has trouble believing change is possible, I’m willing to hold onto hope until they are able to hold it for themselves.

Q. If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

The power to fly. I don’t enjoy riding in planes and having this superpower would give me the ability to travel all over the world and explore other cultures.

Q. What makes you laugh?

I love humor. It is one of my strongest coping strategies. I love silly jokes, funny stories, baby belly laughs, and silly animal videos. I love spending time with others, laughing about life.

Q. Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

One of my favorite people growing up was my great grandmother. She was always full of stories. I would love to have the chance to have another dinner with her.