Chris Paredes

MA, LMHC

Welcome! If you’ve landed on this page, you might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or confused about your relationships. Maybe you find yourself trapped in the same frustrating cycles, whether with your partner, family, or even within yourself. It’s not uncommon to feel this way, and it can be emotionally exhausting. But the good news is, you don’t have to face these challenges alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck in those patterns forever.

You might be wondering why these struggles keep happening, even when you’re trying your best to communicate, connect, or move forward. Often, these patterns stem from deep-seated emotional needs, behaviors, or responses that once served a purpose but are no longer helping you. Our emotional systems are wired to seek safety, connection, and understanding, but sometimes, they lead us into unhealthy cycles that can feel difficult to break.

I am here to help you navigate those tough emotions and patterns, working together to create change. Whether you’re dealing with relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, grief, or a life transition, my goal is to help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey toward healing and growth.

I believe that therapy is most effective when it’s collaborative and rooted in trust. My role as your therapist is to offer a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. You are the expert in your own life, and together, we can uncover the underlying factors that may be contributing to your struggles.

From our first session, I will work with you to understand what’s going on beneath the surface—why certain triggers cause you stress, why some patterns of behavior repeat, and how we can start shifting those patterns to lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Whether you choose in-person sessions in my Eastlake office or prefer the flexibility of Telehealth, I’m here to offer the support and guidance you need.

The Power of Relationships and Attachment

A lot of my work is focused on relationships, not just between you and others but also the relationship you have with yourself. As human beings, we are deeply relational creatures, and much of our emotional well-being is tied to how we feel connected to those around us. Understanding and transforming how you engage in your relationships can create profound shifts, not only in your personal life but in how you move through the world.

Through my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, I’ve learned how to help couples and individuals reconnect and strengthen their bonds. EFT is based on attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of secure emotional connections. I also use Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) to support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma in finding emotional security within themselves.

These approaches help us dig deeper into the emotions that drive your behaviors and reactions. We focus on understanding your core emotional needs and learning new ways to express and fulfill them. With this deeper understanding, we can start to unravel old patterns and build healthier, more secure connections.

Evidence-Based Tools to Support You

I use a blend of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to tailor our work to your unique needs. Some of the main approaches I integrate into our sessions include:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Focused on attachment and emotional connection, EFT helps to reshape the bonds between partners and create more secure relationships.
Gottman Method: This structured couples therapy approach enhances communication, resolves conflict, and builds lasting relationships.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This powerful method is particularly effective for trauma, helping clients process difficult experiences and reduce emotional distress.
Psychodynamic Therapy: A deeper exploration of the past and how it shapes present behaviors, helping you gain insight into unconscious patterns that affect your life today.
Relational Therapy: Focusing on how relationships shape your emotional experience and working to heal relational wounds.

Together, we will explore the emotional, relational, and psychological factors contributing to the challenges you face, and find tools that can help you navigate them more effectively.

Working Through Life’s Tough Transitions

Whether you’re grappling with the complexities of infidelity, the heartbreak of divorce, or the stress of a major life transition, it’s important to have someone in your corner who can help you process these changes. As someone who has worked with many individuals and couples through difficult life transitions, I understand the pain, confusion, and emotional toll these experiences can take. I’m here to help you not only survive these challenges but also find ways to grow and thrive through them.

Premarital and Couples Counseling

If you’re engaged or considering marriage, premarital counseling is a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship from the start. In our sessions, we’ll address common areas of conflict, communication styles, and how to create a shared vision for your future together. By working on these things before they become issues, you can build a stronger foundation for your marriage.

For couples experiencing conflict or seeking to improve their relationship, couples therapy offers a safe space to navigate difficult conversations, rebuild trust, and develop healthier ways of connecting.

You Are Not Alone

In therapy, it’s essential to feel understood, and that’s what I aim to offer you. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or relational issues, you’re not alone. So many people go through similar struggles, and with the right support, these challenges can become opportunities for growth and transformation. I’m committed to walking alongside you, supporting you, and empowering you as you work through whatever is holding you back.

Let’s Get Started

If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. You can schedule an initial consultation with me directly through the link below, or feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions. I’m here to support you in creating the change you’re looking for, and I look forward to working with you.

Scheduling and Contact

To schedule a consultation or therapy session, visit seattletherapyandcounseling.sessionshealth.com. If you have trouble finding a time that works for you or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to email me at chris@seattletherapyandcounseling.com. I’m available Monday through Thursday for in-person sessions in Eastlake or virtual Telehealth appointments.