Proudly serving Washington State. Now OPEN in Bellevue!

Ariana DeFreitas-Fortier

MHC Intern

Accepting new clients
Individuals: children and adolescents, young adults, adults

Philosophy of Care

Starting therapy takes courage and vulnerability, which is why I am dedicated to fostering a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore at a pace that feels comfortable to you. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey. Together, we begin by exploring your relationship with your mind, emotions, body and with others. This means that I work alongside you to understand the story of who you are as a whole person and how that affects what is going on in your life today. The aim is to support you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and move towards your most authentic self.

I am committed to utilizing therapeutic modalities that are culturally-sensitive, evidence-based and trauma-informed. These modalities allow us explore underlying patterns and dynamics that shape your relationship to self and others. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and all ages, particularly those in a transitional period of life. However you come to me, I am passionate about supporting you. As a full-spectrum doula, I have been further trained in perinatal mental health, fertility challenges and postpartum mood disorders. Outside of the therapeutic space, I’m a lover of brewing and drinking coffee, reading, walking and spending time with my partner and two dogs. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you through your mental wellness journey.

Education and Licensure

Masters in Counseling Psychology, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, April 2025

Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Texas, May 2018

Specialties

Adoption
Anxiety
Attachment Issues
Body Image Issues
Boundary Setting
Career Counseling

Coping Skills
Depression
Eating Disorders
Family Issues/Dynamics
Grief
Life Transitions

LGBTQIA+
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Relationship Issues
School Issues

Self-Esteem
Self-Harm
Stress
Trauma
Women's Issues
Shame and guilt

Mental Disorders

Anxiety Disorders
Depressive Disorders
Perinatal Mental Health Disorders

Treatments

Attachment-based
CBT
Compassion-focused
Culturally Sensitive
DBT

Emotionally Focused
Expressive Arts
Family Systems
Feminist

IFS
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative

Person-centered
Play Therapy
Psychodynamic
Somatic

Clientele

Individuals: children and adolescents, young adults, adults
Couples
LGBTQ+
Parents
Families
Groups

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
GAD often co-occurs with major depression.

Panic Disorder(PD)

PD affects 6 million adults, or 2.7% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

SAD affects 15 million adults, or 6.8% of the U.S. population.
SAD is equally common among men and women and typically begins around age 13.
According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias affect 19 million adults, or 8.7% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Symptoms typically begin in childhood; the average age-of-onset is 7 years old.

Treatment For Anxiety

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs.