Taylor Yaws, LMFTA

Taylor Yaws’ Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)

As humans, I believe we are designed and wired for relationship. We long for connection and to be seen, validated, andaffirmed. We never really know what life could throw our way or what we may experience but my goal as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate is to help guide you, empower you, and process the things you may be going through. As humans, we all have a story to be told and we all have a journey. And what a privilege it is to hear your story and even more of a gift to be a part of your journey. It is a beautiful and messy thing to be human.

I recognize engaging in therapy can be a daunting thing to do as well as trusting a new person which I don’t take lightly. My goal is to provide an atmosphere that feels safe, and comfortable and help you recognize that this process is all on your own timeline, and help you understand that you are not alone. I believe you hold all the inner strengths towards healing and growth. My hope is to help you see that within yourself. Whether you are coming to therapy due to loss, grief, suffering, anxiety, depression, or whatever the reason may be, I want to commend you on making such a courageous step that is not always an easy one. I invite you to show up as your most genuine and authentic self no matter how you feel, and we can work together towards a path of healing and growth.

My approach to counseling is rooted in relational psychotherapy and I conduct therapy through a systemic lens. I believe that healing involves awareness, acceptance, compassion, security, and compassion towards the self and others. Additionally, attachment plays a significant role in individuals how individuals connect throughout their various systems. I integrate attachment work with techniques from various theoretical models, including but not limited to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Bowenian Therapy, Structural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Gottman Method.

My style is collaborative. I want you to get the most from therapy sessions so I show up with authenticity, empathy, and when appropriate, humor. I want to empower my clients to help them feel their best selves as they are the expert in their own life.

I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family therapy from Whitworth University. In addition, I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology with a minor in communications from Eastern Washington University. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist associate in the State of Washington. Yearly, I participate in continuing education in specialized areas to be able to provide quality treatment for my clients and as a condition of my licensure in the state of Washington.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going on walks with my dog, reading a good book, watching an entertaining tv show, embarking on a good hike, and staying active. I also really enjoy any time I get to travel and see something new.

Specialties and areas of focus

Teens
Families
Kids (5+)
Depression
Anxiety
Self-Esteem
Relationship Issues
Couples
Abuse
Communication
Life Transitions

Q&A with Taylor

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

I believe in most scenarios being able to address the deeper issue will then lead to addressing the immediate problem. More often than not when we address the deeper issues of what we are feeling, clients are able to gather a better understanding of their emotions and what is happening.

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

I view therapy as a collaborative process. Some sessions may be more client-led, while others might feel more guided by the therapists’ insights and questions. I want to help my clients in the best ways possible, so this can differ on the client’s needs and what they might be feeling that day.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

I show up to my sessions with authenticity. Therapy can be a very daunting thing and I want my clients to know that they are seen and are being cared for in a nonjudgmental space that provides a sense of comfort. I try to show up to help make them feel that I am right there with them and they are not alone while still being my genuine, empathetic, and authentic self.

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

I love to travel so being able to teleport anywhere at any time would be a dream.

5.) What makes you laugh?

Thinking of funny memories that made me laugh uncontrollably and being surrounded by people who make me laugh. As well as a good Tik Tok.

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

I would include my favorite celebrities: Taylor Swift, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and Tom Hanks.