Background
My name is Aimee Schiefelbein and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I have a Master of Arts in Existential Phenomenological Psychology from Seattle University and I have been working in the field since 2011. In my early career I worked for community agencies as a therapist, case manager, a crisis response evaluator in hospitals, and as a supervisor for the crisis line. Prior to that I worked in the corporate world in accounting and had some interesting odd jobs in the service and manufacturing world. My varied experiences have allowed me to see many facets of humanity and have shaped who I am as a person and a therapist. It’s an honor to do this work and accompany people in deep transformation.
I am white, fat, queer, non-binary (she/they pronouns), late identified Autistic person. 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. Clients have described me as gentle, direct, interactive, compassionate, and at times goofy/humorous when a lightened mood is called for. 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 and loving ourselves through it is what it means to be human and to learn and grow.
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. In my own life I have felt deep pain and incredible healing and do my own inner healing work in order to support others.
I am also a trained Evidential Psychic Medium, having completed a three year training program in ethical psychic/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 healing. Often, my intuition helps me in therapy work by connecting me to some nuanced facets of your experience. However, it’s important to me that you define your own path and connect to your own inner knowing. Knowing the difference between intuition and unhealed material can take discernment and practice. I have found this learning has helped me guide others to their own Self-knowledge.