Debbie Parnell

Welcome! Are you experiencing difficulties in your marriage or intimate partner relationship? Perhaps communication is no longer as effective as it once was, and attempts to discuss issues often lead to unresolved arguments. Or maybe life may threw some unexpected challenges your way that strained your relationship over the years, leaving you uncertain about how to move forward. In some cases, betrayal may have shattered trust and intimacy, leaving couples unsure how or if they can move forward. These are just some of the struggles my clients bring to the therapy room. Intimate partner relationships are a vital aspect of the human experience, offering both profound love and intimacy as well as deep emotional wounds. While we spend significant time preparing for careers or education, we often devote little attention to learning how to build and maintain a healthy partnership. Factor in that many people don’t want to replicate the parenting experience they’ve had or don’t feel like they’ve seen healthy partner relationships, and it is not surprising that many couples find themselves feeling unsure how to change their relationship. Compounding stresses—such as grief, raising children, health concerns, mental health challenges, and caring for aging parents—can intensify the disconnection. In therapy, I work with couples to restore intimacy and trust, improve communication, and promote healing and growth tailored to their unique goals. My approach incorporates various modalities, with an emphasis on Gottman and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, which have proven effective in helping couples break free from entrenched patterns and experience meaningful change. If this resonates with you, let’s connect. What to Expect from Therapy: I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University. I have completed Level 2 Gottman therapist training. As a systemic therapist, I understand that the challenges clients bring to therapy are shaped by the systems they belong to, including family, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and other identities. I view relationships through the lens of interconnected patterns rather than isolated problems, recognizing that therapy can help clients break free from cycles that no longer serve them. I aim to create a safe, non-blaming, and non-pathologizing environment for clients to explore their goals and chart a path towards growth and freedom from their challenges. Together, we will establish goals based on your priorities and work collaboratively from there. Sessions are usually held weekly or bi-weekly, continuing until clients feel their goals have been met. Marathon sessions are available when scheduling permits. Additional Services Provided I offer Prepare and Enrich Premarital therapy to engaged or pre-engaged clients, providing an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for your relationship. This process helps identify potential blind spots early, preventing future frustration and surprises. Sessions are typically structured as one clinical hour per week over eight weeks or as four two-hour sessions. These sessions can also be gifted. My practice includes a limited number of slots for individual clients. Individual therapy focuses on teen anxiety and the challenges associated with job loss and/or work interruptions. I provide Behavioral Health Intervention (BHI) and Mental Health visits for clients with open claims in Washington's Worker's Compensation system. If you are seeking services for this purpose, please visit Great Northern Therapy Associates (https://greatnortherntherapy.com/) to begin. Having worked in this field previously, I am familiar with the difficulties work interruptions pose for injured workers and their families, and I am thrilled to be able offer additional support through BHI/MH sessions. About Me: I have been married for more than 18 years and have two wonderful teenagers. As an avid reader and lifelong learner, I cherish time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, whether in the saltwater, the mountains, or even in the rain. My counseling experience is diverse, including work with teens, individuals affected by job-related injuries within Washington’s Worker’s Compensation system, and counseling Native American/Alaska Native families. Getting Started: You can contact me by email or book a free 15-minute consultation. I see clients in-person or virtually through Compassion Wellness. Please note, most insurances do not cover couples counseling and I do not accept insurance. A Superbill may be available if documented as an individual client. In this case, I would be an out-of-network provider. For coverage questions, contact your insurance company.