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Dave Wolthausen

LMHC

Accepting new clients
Children (9+), Adolescents (13-18)

Young adults, Adult individuals

Philosophy of Care

I am passionate about helping clients navigate anxiety and panic attacks, drawing from both personal experience and professional knowledge. Having experienced a panic attack myself, I understand how overwhelming and frightening it can be. That experience led me to develop a unique approach to managing and overcoming panic attacks, empowering clients to reduce their frequency and, in many cases, prevent them entirely.
I take a client-centered approach, focusing on understanding each person’s unique background and experiences to provide the most effective support. My therapeutic methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and a technique called Cognitive Behavioral Scripting. This approach is particularly effective in helping clients stop panic attacks and regain control over their lives.

With 28 years of counseling experience, I have worked extensively with adults and teens on a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, grief, drug addiction, anger management, PTSD, depression, men’s issues, relationships, marriage counseling, life coaching, and understanding and processing emotions. My career began in the Chemical Dependency field in 1994, and since then, I’ve built a compassionate, practical approach to therapy.

I have a natural ability to put people at ease and create a safe, supportive space where they feel comfortable opening up about their challenges. Humor is an important part of my approach—I believe therapy can be both meaningful and enjoyable. I enjoy engaging in conversations that help clients uncover insights about themselves and explore topics they might not typically discuss.

Above all, I value guiding clients through the deeper work of self-discovery and growth. Two phrases I often share with clients struggling with anxiety are:
“Your anxiety is lying to you." and "85% of the things we worry about never come true.”
Recognizing and reframing these patterns can help transform how we approach anxious thoughts and feelings. I am dedicated to helping clients feel understood, build resilience, and develop practical strategies for living a calmer, more fulfilling life.

Education and Licensure

Argosy University, M.A. Counseling Psychology, June 2015, Seattle, WA
University Of Washington, B.A. Psychology, June 1991, Seattle, WA
High School Diploma, Newport High School, June 1987, Bellevue, WA

Specialties

Anxiety/Panic Attacks
Alcohol & Drugs
Boundaries
Coping Skills

Difficulty Adjusting
Life Coaching
Parenting
Relationship Issues

Self Esteem
Shame & Guilt
Unconditional Positive Regard

Mental Disorders

Anxiety

Depressive Disorders
Mood Disorders

Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Family Systems

Narrative Therapy
Person Centered
Rational Emotive Therapy
Strength Based Therapy

Clientele

Children (9+)
Adolescents (13-18)
Young Adults
Adult individuals

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.