Background
My name is Aimee Schiefelbein. I am a white, fat, queer, Autistic person and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I have strong clinical skill in supporting people from a trauma informed perspective. I have a Master of Arts in Existential Phenomenological Psychology from Seattle University and I have been working as a therapist in the field since 2010. I have worked for community agencies as a therapist, case manager, and as a crisis response supervisor.
I believe therapy is a process of unfolding, learning, and growth towards a full version of who you have always been but may have lost sight of through life’s challenges. We are all just doing the best we can with the skills and resources we have, at any given time. I also believe we have the skills and resources to bring a sense of clarity, care, and compassion to those parts of our inner world where we struggle.
It is essential to me that trust and safety are earned and built within the therapeutic relationship. I operate under the premise that you are the expert on your own life and I am a guide to support you on your journey. I will strive to work with you from a place of compassion and connection and I’m dedicated to maintaining awareness of the power imbalance that exists between therapist and client. I am committed to helping people recognize that desired potential by holding space to explore the various parts (beliefs, ideas, attitudes) that emerge through harmful or traumatic experiences. I find that as people are compassionate and curious toward themselves, they become embodied and empowered in their preferred way of being in the world.
Clients have described me as gentle, direct, interactive, compassionate, and at times humorous. I am able to hold the thread of our work to allow you to explore ideas, beliefs, and attitudes you may be carrying from harmful and traumatic experiences. Sometimes we face parts of ourselves we do not like, unresolved trauma, and painful aspects of our life that need attention and care. I believe facing in to these hurts is what it means to be human and to learn and grow.
In my personal life I love gardening, spending time outdoors, and artistic projects. I’m an animal lover and love learning about new concepts or ideas. I’m usually in some kind of training or self-development at all times. I am also a trained Evidential Psychic Medium, having completed a three year training program in ethical spiritual mediumistic work at Oakbridge Institute. Though I do not do this particular work with therapy clients, I am open-minded to the various ways spirituality intersects with our life experiences.