Calm Counseling, PLLC began with Renee Calm in 2013. With training in supervision, the need to grow and expand to include a small team of Interns & Associates, began in 2021. Working with clients as they learn, as well as working with clinicians in the training process is a wonderful way to grow and give back to the Shoreline & surrounding communities.
My training has been in systems therapy, which examines how
the many facets of our lives interact. What most interests me is the way our surrounding relationships and past experiences effect our current beliefs and values.
My goal is to assist clients in building on the resources and strengths I believe can be found within. I hope our work together will carry into my client's daily living and empower their perception of self. Ultimately, this can support the confidence needed in making life decisions.
I was interested in the field of psychology at a young age and later in life this interest led me to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). While receiving my MFT training at Seattle Pacific University, I chose to specialize in Experiential theory and the style of therapy which involves considering one's emotions and impressions and how they might effect their present day issues and interests. I work with several other theories as well, drawing from Solution-Focused theory, Bowen theory and a multitude of others used in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Please ask at any time if you would like any information or reading materials about these theories.
I have found the MFT career choice and related successes have been influenced and impacted by my own life experience. The many lessons I've learned from two decades of marriage, my roles as a mother, a daughter, a sister and member of the community, have all had an influence over my interests in the field and the skills I bring to the therapeutic relationship. Some of my areas of interest are listed below.
I have an extensive interest in working with a broad range of couples who are searching for preparation for marriage, are struggling with relationship issues or are hoping to find ways to connect on a deeper level. I have and continue to enjoy working with adolescents and their families, drawing from an extensive amount of experience in various settings in this area. I've found working with and giving back to first responders is an area of need and supporting them through the therapy journey is one way to support our community and the individuals who serve us. Another passion of mine is working with people of all ages who struggle with alcohol, drug addiction and other process addictions. Further areas of interest I have are working with those who were institutionalized as children, adolescents or young adults and are hoping to work through any lasting issues around this experience. Finally, some form of grief and loss impact all of our lives at one point or another, but we do not all process these losses in the same way. I have a passion for working through the mix of emotions and numbness that can come with grief. I believe there is strength to be found in the support which comes from therapy and the support from the systems around us.
All of these areas are influenced and impacted by our culture, diversity of communities, and individual family background. Our identity can be a source of profound strength and can help one understand who and how they show up in the world. This awareness of culture, identity and self can be powerful part of one's growth. I believe knowledge and reflection in these areas can help individuals get through what might be the most difficult of times.
I have faith in this field and this practice and I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who make the sometimes challenging decision to pursue the support and strength of therapy. My areas of special interest might not be the best fit for everyone, but I will always do my best to go over any questions you may have to learn what a good fit may be. If you find that you are interested in therapy, but find my areas of expertise aren't quite what you're looking for, I am always happy to give you a referral or a few names of therapists that might specialize in the areas you are seeking.
Below is my disclosure statement which contains further information. You are able to view the document in the link directly below. I always give each client a copy of my disclosure statement to keep at the first session.
the many facets of our lives interact. What most interests me is the way our surrounding relationships and past experiences effect our current beliefs and values.
My goal is to assist clients in building on the resources and strengths I believe can be found within. I hope our work together will carry into my client's daily living and empower their perception of self. Ultimately, this can support the confidence needed in making life decisions.
I was interested in the field of psychology at a young age and later in life this interest led me to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). While receiving my MFT training at Seattle Pacific University, I chose to specialize in Experiential theory and the style of therapy which involves considering one's emotions and impressions and how they might effect their present day issues and interests. I work with several other theories as well, drawing from Solution-Focused theory, Bowen theory and a multitude of others used in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Please ask at any time if you would like any information or reading materials about these theories.
I have found the MFT career choice and related successes have been influenced and impacted by my own life experience. The many lessons I've learned from two decades of marriage, my roles as a mother, a daughter, a sister and member of the community, have all had an influence over my interests in the field and the skills I bring to the therapeutic relationship. Some of my areas of interest are listed below.
I have an extensive interest in working with a broad range of couples who are searching for preparation for marriage, are struggling with relationship issues or are hoping to find ways to connect on a deeper level. I have and continue to enjoy working with adolescents and their families, drawing from an extensive amount of experience in various settings in this area. I've found working with and giving back to first responders is an area of need and supporting them through the therapy journey is one way to support our community and the individuals who serve us. Another passion of mine is working with people of all ages who struggle with alcohol, drug addiction and other process addictions. Further areas of interest I have are working with those who were institutionalized as children, adolescents or young adults and are hoping to work through any lasting issues around this experience. Finally, some form of grief and loss impact all of our lives at one point or another, but we do not all process these losses in the same way. I have a passion for working through the mix of emotions and numbness that can come with grief. I believe there is strength to be found in the support which comes from therapy and the support from the systems around us.
All of these areas are influenced and impacted by our culture, diversity of communities, and individual family background. Our identity can be a source of profound strength and can help one understand who and how they show up in the world. This awareness of culture, identity and self can be powerful part of one's growth. I believe knowledge and reflection in these areas can help individuals get through what might be the most difficult of times.
I have faith in this field and this practice and I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who make the sometimes challenging decision to pursue the support and strength of therapy. My areas of special interest might not be the best fit for everyone, but I will always do my best to go over any questions you may have to learn what a good fit may be. If you find that you are interested in therapy, but find my areas of expertise aren't quite what you're looking for, I am always happy to give you a referral or a few names of therapists that might specialize in the areas you are seeking.
Below is my disclosure statement which contains further information. You are able to view the document in the link directly below. I always give each client a copy of my disclosure statement to keep at the first session.
Please see the 'Services' page to read more about the counseling services we offer.
Education and TrainingsIf you would like more information on the education & trainings listed below, please inquire. There are multiple trainings not yet posted to this list. More will be updated.
Olympic Community College 1998-2000 Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences Seattle Pacific University 2000-2002 Bachelors of Art in Psychology Seattle Pacific University 2010-2013 Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy University of Washington Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Clinic and Training 2004 Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator 2012 Training in Group Facilitation 2011 Led by Dave Lutz, LMFT Training in Greif and Loss 2012 Led by Steven Maybell, PhD, LMFT Extensive training and Certification in Alfred Adler Theory and Techniques 2013 Led by Steven Maybell, PhD, LMFT Training in sexual assault and reporting 2013 Led by (will be added) Sexual and Relationship Recovery WAMFT Annual Conference 2013 Led by Patrick Carnes, PhD Raising Vibrant Children AAMFT National Conference 2013 Various Leaders Brief Therapy 2013 Led by Dave Lutz, LMFT Secrets, Cybersex, Affairs, Addiction & Forgiveness WAMFT Annual Conference 2014 |
Employment ExperiencePlease feel free to ask me if you are interested in learning more information about any listed experience.
Kitsap County Support Serv. 11/1998-06/2000 Working with youth & families having recently immigrated to US, after school program offered by the YMCA offering support & coordinating trauma care Fremont Housing Authority 09/2000-06/2001 Working with elderly, mentally ill and disabled housing clients in a variety of roles and services, leading classes, groups & community building events. Youth Care 11/2003-08/2004 Position working with adolescents as residential floor counselor, leading group support & care, working with youth support services in community Seattle Children's Home 03/2001-03/2012 Duties included and ranged between Residential Counselor, Case Manager, emergency and crisis care and intervention, interviewing incoming staff, and duties with the Nursing Department. Employment as Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT Intern, AMFT & LMFT) **Intern, Associate, Licensed & Clinical Fellow** Seattle Pacific University 09/2011-01/2015 Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, Extern and employee working with Undergraduate students individually as well as with significant others and/or families. Seattle University 09/2012-06/2013 Working with couples doing premarital work through the FOCUS Inventory (a Catholic based premarital tool). Edmonds Community College 12/2013-05/15 Working with students and community members dealing with issues and challenges by using systems therapy and techniques. Calm Counseling, PLLC 06/2013-Present Seeing clients, specializing in Individuals, Couples & Adolescents. See Services Tab for more information Experience as an educator in the field of Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy Seattle Pacific University 09/2022-Present Marriage and Family Therapist Adjunct Faculty leading Practicum Supervision with Master's of Science, MFT Graduate students. Adjunct Professor Faculty teaching Adolescent Development and Psychological Disorders to Undergraduate students. |
Organizations and Memberships
WAMFT - Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Member since 2011
AAMFT - American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Member since 2011
CAFETY - Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth
Member since 2008
ASTART - Alliance for the Safe and Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment
Member since 2008
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health
Member since 2013
WAMHC - Washington Association of Mental Health Counselors
Member since 2021
Speaking or Presentation Experience
Date Night - April 2012
Workshop Co-presenter at Seattle Pacific University
Date Night - April 2013
Workshop Co-presenter at Seattle Pacific University
NAMI Washington State Conference - August 2013
Panel Presentation with CAFETY organization
ORCA Workshop - September 2013 & September 2023
Workshop Training Co-presenter with Seattle Pacific University
Workshop Co-presenter at Seattle Pacific University
Date Night - April 2013
Workshop Co-presenter at Seattle Pacific University
NAMI Washington State Conference - August 2013
Panel Presentation with CAFETY organization
ORCA Workshop - September 2013 & September 2023
Workshop Training Co-presenter with Seattle Pacific University
Renee Calm, LMFT, has had a Washington State License in Marriage and Family Therapy since 2013.
This is registered through the WA State Department of Health
Credential Number: LF 60602121
R.Calm has been licensed in the state of Massachusetts in Marriage & Family Therapy since 2021.
This is registered through the M
Please reach out if you have any questions about the most updated licensing for an MFT between states. Much has changed since 2020 around interstate licensing and the associated requirements.
This is registered through the WA State Department of Health
Credential Number: LF 60602121
R.Calm has been licensed in the state of Massachusetts in Marriage & Family Therapy since 2021.
This is registered through the M
Please reach out if you have any questions about the most updated licensing for an MFT between states. Much has changed since 2020 around interstate licensing and the associated requirements.