Mindful Therapy Group Mountlake Terrace

Reviews 5

MA

Mary Palmer

In the summer of 2010 my husband committed suicide. About a month or so later I was looking at a Seattle crisis hotline website and, on a whim, I emailed a therapist. I wasn’t even sure I was ready for therapy at that time although I knew I would need some eventually. It just so happened that it was Derek who called me after he received my email. We chatted a bit on the phone and decided that I should probably come in. I went to my first appointment with Derek and I instantly knew that I had met him for a reason. Over the next year I met with him on a regular basis to deal with my grief and loss. I still drove up to Mountlake Terrace after I moved to West Seattle just so I could have him help me. I’m glad I moved back up north so now MTG is closer, however! I still see Derek occasionally when I need his straightforward way of thinking. With me, he takes a no-nonsense and practical approach which I highly appreciate. A couple of months after I started seeing Derek I knew I needed to bring my son in. Having lost his dad at a crucial age (he was just about to turn 11), I knew he needed to see someone. Derek suggested that he meet with Yurika. My son immediately loved her and she was very good at not only helping him with his grief after losing his dad but even every day issues like school and peers. He felt very comfortable talking to her. Finally, my daughter has come to see Yurika. My daughter was pretty young when it happened so she didn’t need counseling right away. Yurika explained that children process grief and loss in chunks to make it manageable for their particular developmental stage and that as they reach a new stage they may need some assistance in processing again, even though it seems like they may have already been through it before. My daughter has taken a break from seeing Yurika before and then has come back. When she has come back it is like she never left. The feeling of trust and comfort she has with Yurika is reassuring to me as a parent. It makes me feel very good knowing I have my kids in capable hands should they need some help with processing the death of their father. As far as practical matters go, their office is highly convenient to get to, either by I-5 or 99. Parking is plentiful and free. Their office is comfortable with tea and water available. The reception staff is amazingly welcoming. They have done a fantastic job with their growth and have found people who are consistent with the comforting vibe they put forth. The therapists’ offices are comfortable and not sterile at all. I would – and have – recommend Mindful Therapy Group to anyone who needs either crisis counseling as we did or every day “work on your issues” type of therapy. I, personally, have done both here and I can confidently tell you that I would not be the person I am today without their help. My children would not be as well adjusted as they are despite going through what they have gone through had they not come here. This place is incredible.

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AP

April Butler

I started seeing my counselor, Anne Grisham-pleas, last June 2012 after I re-located to Seattle. I am a recovering addict and new that Id need additional counseling after my inpatient treatment. Its not easy for me to deal with the stress everyday life seems to bring, especially without the coping tools (drugs) that Id been using for years. I was unsure what I needed or expected from counseling, but I new I couldnt keep "trouble shooting" my life on my own. Each week that I see Anne, I find that I feel comforted about whatever may be troubling me mentally. Anne has a way of helping me reason out situations that cause me stress. Mostly, she helps remind me that I need to continue to take care of myself and do what I need to do to remain safe and happy, which Ive discovered has been my ultimate goal. I trust Anne to listen to all the details of my life without judgement and feel assured that whatever problems come up she will help me to deal with. Accepting reality on my own is a very hard thing for me and having a friendly, trust-worthy ear to listen to me has made all the difference over the months Ive seen her. She helps me see my part in my problems, how ever minor or major a role I may have. Shes helped me find words to deal with people I live with, work with, and one of the best things is shes given me ways to deal with the mental pressures I put on myself.

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PA

Pam Ferkingstad

I have had the pleasure of seeing Derek Crain for several months for treatment of life stress including job, marriage and childhood issues. I find him very easy to talk to, very kind, compassionate and caring. These days I am feeling much better equipped to deal with all the everyday stress life throws my way. I am much calmer, more relaxed and not so hypervigilant. One of the most important things Derek has taught me to do is to start taking better care of myself!! Imagine that...This turns out to be one of the most important life lessons he has taught me and I know now that I am worth it!! I love his compassion and tranquillity, he has taught me a little meditation and I have built on that. It helps me sleep better at night by clearing my mind of all the clutter. Derek also has many great connections throughout the community which he is willing to share with you. My journey with MTG and Derek Crain is just beginning and I know I am on the right path and will continue my care with this wonderful group of dedicated caring professionals.

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VL

Vladei Kamensky

Standing at the brink of divorce, I followed my wifes suggestion to visit a specialist. After my first individual meeting with Derek, the first thing he suggested for me was to attend Co-dependent Anonymous, and then - Alcoholic Anonymous (while we had nothing to do with either). And already during my second meeting, Derek suggested a divorce. When we had a joint meeting with my wife and him, Derek almost directly blamed me in our situation, and again suggested a divorce. I dont believe it is a right thing for a "doctor" to come up with such suggestions in the first place. Second, I did not feel helped, assisted or even being correctly "diagnosed", if this is the thing a doctor is supposed to do. And the last small thing: today Ive received a bill from the Clinic, that states that my "balance is 31-60 days past due". It would be really great to get bills on time! I am never late with paying my bills, and take this case as an offense. Overall, I have not got a feeling that I was treated professionally in this clinic.

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KY

Kyle Kushman

Saw a marriage counselor here for nearly 3 months and never even got past the intake! I have never heard of a counseling style that required couples to do a yes/no answer form aloud in a therapy session when we could just take it home and write in our answers and then use the therapy session to try and resolve our issues. Seems like a waste of time to be using our 1 hour per week of couples counseling going over an intake we could do ourselves in our free time. Also, with the exception of the black lady, the admin staff at this office are extremely rude, aggressive and unprofessional. I had a particular problem with Christina(sp?). She has extremely poor communication and deescalation skills and should not be working in a therapeutic setting. Lastly, the cancellation policy is pretty harsh. They can cancel on you for "staff meetings" but if you have an emergency you get charged, even if it is an isolated incident. There are a lot better options for family counseling out there, you just have to look.

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