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ABOUT ME

Greetings
Thank you for taking your time to look through my website. I hope this gives you a sense of my work before we meet.  I recognize finding the right therapist can be difficult and personalities are sometimes not an easy fit. I encourage open discussion about this, and I do not shy away from giving or receiving honest feedback. Whomever you choose, it's important you like and respect them, as well as feel liked and respected by them, so you can speak freely.

My Therapeutic Approach
My goal is to create holistic and enduring change in individuals, couples and family systems. With compassion, I help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. I want my clients to find their most authentic place and acquire the tools to help them stand there, regardless of what life throws at them.

My theoretical approach is based on Family Systems Theory and Gestalt Therapy, supported by researched modalities such as EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and certification I received through the Gottman Institute.  I encourage clients to speak and think about their wants and needs and notice where they struggle with "difference" (of opinions, values, belief systems, etc.). It is in this difference that it's possible to connect with who we really are and be most present in our relationships. 

Training & Experience

  • Bachelors of Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham - 2001

  • Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Seattle - 2006 

  • Pongo Publishing, Mentoring Poetic Processing Techniques - 2006-2014

  • Trauma-Focused CBT (Basic & Advanced) - 2007-2009

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, In Washington - 2008 

  • Gestalt Associates Training of Los Angeles, Seattle-based training group - 2008-2019

  • American Association of Marriage and Family Therapist, Approved Supervisor designation - 2012

  • Certified Gottman Therapist designation - 2018

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, In Maine - 2018

  • EMDR, live weekend training - 2020

  • Polyvagal Theory (Basic & Advanced) - 2021

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Adrienne J Bentsen 
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT)
AAMFT Approved Supervisor

I have lived on both the east and west coasts for many years. Humor and creativity are strong components of my personality and often show up in my therapy practice.  I use she/her pronouns and consider myself and advocate for inclusivity, equity and equality.

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