Ilsa Spreiter, MA, LMHC
Spiritual Psychotherapist
In our demanding world, we often learn to silence ourselves, to shut out our unique thoughts, dreams and beliefs in favor of what think we should do or who we think we should be. In this way, we learn a pattern of self-denial that can leave us feeling afraid, anxious, confused, depressed, ashamed and lonely.
My clients come to me because they are looking to rediscover themselves, to find their passions and to heal the wounds that prevent them from living their most authentic lives. Often they are focused around the needs and concerns of others to the degree that they forget or even have difficulty recognizing their own.
Utilizing an integrative "psycho-spiritual" approach, energetic and body-centered techniques, I help my clients get in touch with who they are and what they want. I help them find and honor their own voices as well as all the different parts of themselves that are longing to be loved and given a place.
This often means helping my clients access their "felt sense," or intuitive knowing, which is the language of the heart and soul. In doing this, they not only come to know themselves and their story better, but they also have the opportunity to connect with something larger and the spiritual truths and stories that frame their lives.
I offer a sliding fee scale for those who meet the criteria and am happy to provide a receipt for insurance reimbursement.
Education/Training
MA, Psychology, Seattle University
MA, Cultural Studies/Film, University of Oregon
BA, English Literature, Willamette University
I also have special training in Focusing, Meditation/Mindfulness and various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Sufism and paganism/shamanism.
Bio
Becoming a psychotherapist represents the culmination of a lifelong interest in and compassion for the human condition, which I believe is naturally both beautiful and painful. I have explored this interest through involvement in the arts, including writing/reading, music, dance and film. These continue to bring me joy, insight and fulfillment as did my work in a variety of non-profit and social services organizations, including YWCA, CASA of WA, Portland Women's Crisis Line and Navos. These experiences have strengthened my skills as a therapist and broadened my knowledge of human experience and suffering.
In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially my 10-year-old niece; engaging in spiritual practice and rousing philosophical debates; reading literature; making pottery; watching movies; and journaling. I often record and work with my dreams, which can yield powerful results. I am fascinated and awed by nature and compelled to seek and foster connection, so that we can all feel a stronger sense of safety, community and belonging.
Memberships
Program Committee Co-Chair, Seattle Counselor's Association
Conference Committee Member, Women of Wisdom
Member, Gaia's Temple
Counselor in Training, The Soldier's Project
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, Venmo, PayPal
Hours:Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
License:LH60830959
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Online / Teletherapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Psychoanalysis
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Body Image Issues
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Relationship Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Religious Counseling
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Family Conflict
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Grief and Loss
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Stress Management
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Group Therapy
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Trauma and PTSD
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Women's Issues
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Life Transitions
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Work and Career Issues
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Loneliness
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (State)
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Psychotherapy (MA)
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