About

Hi, I’m Chelsea (she/her). I currently reside in the vast Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., but was born and raised in the down-to-earth Midwest. I’m a Filipino-American and the daughter of a technologist & architect/baker. Some things that make me feel alive include exploring new cities & learning about new cultures, journaling in coffee shops, spending quality time with friends & family, and diving into new hobbies.

I believe healing one’s mental health takes a ‘quiet strength’ — courage and action that often go unnoticed (not all wounds are visible, after all). My mission as a therapist is to help guide and encourage the quiet strength in each person I have the privilege of working with. Through this work, my hope is to help folks live with a greater sense of self and purpose. To be witnessed without shame. To relate to themselves and the world in new and beautiful ways. To feel, not that life is perfect, but that there can be inner peace.

That’s all, for now, about me. I look forward to getting to know you better in our work together!

  • WA License: MHCA.MC.70012828 | NPI: 1538997473

  • M.A. Counseling Psychology, The Chicago School

  • B.S. Psychology, Illinois Tech

License & Education

  • Currently under direct & group supervision

  • EMDRIA-approved basic training (in progress)

Training & Continuing Education

  • American Counseling Association (active member)

  • Association for Humanistic Counseling (active member)

Professional Affiliations

A stack of books on a wooden table with a blue wall background, including titles such as 'Radical Compassion', 'What My Bones Know', 'The Deepest Well', 'Good Energy', 'Break the Cycle', 'The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook', 'No Bad Parts', 'The Complex PTSD Workbook', and 'The Myth of Normal'.
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Common Questions

A ceramic cup with a speckled design sits on top of a closed book titled 'WABI SABI' on a wooden table, with a plain light background.

  • Yes. At the time of session, clients must be located in the state in which the therapist is licensed (in this case, the Evergreen State).

  • With nearly a decade of experience in corporate tech and having been a former collegiate athlete, I’m equipped — both personally and clinically — to support folks navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and more.

    My passion, though, is helping people heal from complex trauma/C-PTSD and I continue to pursue training in trauma-informed care.

  • Typically, your first session (intake) will feel a bit more formal than regular sessions - we’ll unpack what brings you into therapy, learn more about your background, and dive into your goals for therapy. Sessions moving forward should feel more organic.

    Especially if it’s your first time in therapy, know that things might feel “bad” at first before they feel better. This is totally expected and okay, especially if it’s your first time going to therapy. It can be a lot to unravel certain thoughts or feelings. I’m here to support you through it all — we’ll be sure to move safely, at your pace.

    If at any point the therapeutic relationship doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, I welcome that feedback and I can support you in exploring other options if that feels right. Fit is important in therapy!

  • The therapy room isn’t a place where I expect you to prepare, perform, or perfect — simply show up each session as you are and we’ll go from there.

    You might be thinking about growth metrics or outcomes, which is reasonable, and we’ll certainly work towards therapeutic goals. However, know that deep mental and emotional healing takes time and care, and that healing isn’t always linear. In therapy, I encourage you to prioritize being present and showing up as authentically as possible.

  • Simply reach out to chelsea@quietstrengththerapy.com for a free 15-min phone consultation or to set up an intake session.

    Starting (or re-starting) therapy isn’t always easy but I intend to make the process as smooth as possible for you. Huge props to you for taking this step!