About & Approach
About
Dominique Walmsley, PhD, LMHC
Life’s everyday details often demand so much from us that we are unable to attend to our complete selves. I enjoy helping my clients fulfill their goals by accessing their philosophical, spiritual, and physical selves. When they find a meaningful way to be in the world, they feel complete and fulfilled.
I am a curious person, interested in philosophy, belief systems, people, and how life works. I constantly observe my own experiences with nutrition, exercise, and philosophy to learn more about what these feel like. I gather all of this information about life so I can share it with my clients.
I’ve learned through existentialism, that we humans are vulnerable, but our relationships with others can make us feel grounded and secure. Relationships, together with an understanding of life and how it manifests itself, help us make wiser choices.
I work with families to help them understand and care for these important relationships in marriage, divorce, and parenting.
Credentials
PhD, Psychology, Saybrook University
Master of Arts in Psychology in the Existential-Phenomenological Psychotherapy Program, Seattle University
Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Washington
Certified in Complex Trauma and the Healing Process
Certified in Existential Humanistic Psychotherapy Certified Collaborative Law Practitioner
Certified Mediator, including divorce
Couples Counselor in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Lifespan Integration, certified
Certified Clinical Sexologist, American Board of Sexology
Specialized Education & Focuses
King County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Volunteer-Advocate for children in courts
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) Completed sex therapy education
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention Therapist
Member of King County Collaborative Law
EMDR, a therapy for trauma and PTSD
Approach
As an experiential therapist, I put significant emphasis on the work that happens during our sessions in my office. I focus on the movements of your inner life, as well as your relationships, which could be called your “outer life.” Individuals, couples, and families, all have inner and outer lives.
I work collaboratively with you, aiming for the results that we determine together. I focus on your expressed needs, tracking your progress, history, and the journey that is taking place. The process may be short and problem-based, or it might require longer, deeper exploration. We work together to determine the length of your therapy.
Using what I have learned from existentialism and phenomenology, I will strive to help you understand your place in the world and find a meaningful existence.
Using analogy and narrative, I will illustrate and suggest ways of finding value in your everyday experiences.
Through mindfulness, I will help you harness your innate intuition so you can sense what is best for you in a very practical way.
I also use relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral techniques, and exploration of childhood experiences as appropriate for your goals.
I share philosophical or spiritual frameworks you can use to ensure that your changes are strong and enduring.
Along the way to health, some changes temporarily bring discomfort. This is normal for any growth process, and even for life itself. In therapy, we can address these consequences, ensuring that our work supports your long-term wellbeing.
Given the many variables of this healing process, and of the life of any individual, we cannot precisely predict outcomes. I periodically assess your progress and discuss future treatment with you. If it is necessary, I will refer you to another professional.
“But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn, through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own...”