Break the Cycle.
Couples Therapy, Therapy for New Fathers, and Young Adult Therapy in Seattle, Washington
Life moves through seasons; some are heavy, and some are full of change. If you’ve been running on empty, whether in your relationship or within yourself, it might be time to slow down. I help couples and men work through burnout, people-pleasing, vulnerability, and disconnection so they can rediscover themselves.
Hi, I’m Karsten,
My work focuses on supporting couples navigating conflict, preparing for marriage, adjusting to new parenthood, or feeling stuck in pursue–withdraw cycles. I also work with new fathers, men, and young adults who are experiencing burnout, anxiety, identity shifts, or a growing sense of stress and disconnection.
If this resonates with your experience, I invite you to reach out so we can explore whether working together feels like a good fit.
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When I do couples therapy, I tailor my approach to the needs of the relationship and each individual within the system. I work to understand the cycles and “dances” that might be adding stress to your relationship/experiences. We will navigate and make sense of your pain, trauma, attachment styles, conflict patterns, and communication breakdowns. Through thoughtful exploration, I will challenge you to strengthen your foundation of trust, stability, and safety with one another and within yourself. Only then can we begin developing and co-creating healthier patterns and cycles for your relationship.
I also keep the bigger picture in mind, your relationships, communities, and environment, so our work fits the life you’re actually living. Everything we do is aimed at helping you and your partner find clarity and authenticity that lasts.
The common thread is that couples therapy should feel useful and relevant to who you and your partner are—not a set of techniques that don’t fit your life.
If seeing the more technical modalities helps, I blend:
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
Narrative Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Solution-focused-brief-therapy (SFBT)
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Similar to how I work with couples, I tailor my approach to your needs. I work to understand the cycles and narratives that might be adding stress to your story and experiences. We will navigate and make sense of your pain, trauma, anxiety, attachment style, negative self-beliefs, emotions, and coping skills. Through thoughtful exploration, I will challenge you to rebuild a sense of trust, stability, and safety within yourself. Only then can we begin developing and co-creating healthier patterns and cycles for your life.
I also keep the bigger picture in mind, your relationships, communities, and environment, so our work fits the life you’re actually living. Everything we do is aimed at helping you and your partner find clarity and authenticity that lasts.
The common thread is that therapy should feel useful and relevant to who you are —not a set of techniques that don’t fit your life.
If seeing the more technical modalities helps, I blend:
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
Narrative Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Solution-focused-brief-therapy (SFBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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I walk alongside couples, men, and emerging adults navigating meaningful seasons of growth and change:
Couples – Whether you’re new parents, preparing for marriage, working through conflict, or wanting to strengthen your connection, I help couples build trust, improve communication, and create a relationship that feels steady and fulfilling.
New/Soon-to-be Fathers –Whether you’re preparing to become a father or adjusting to life with a new child, I work with men who feel the weight of this transition—helping you navigate identity shifts, manage stress, and stay connected to yourself, your partner, and the kind of father you want to be.
Men – Many men in there carry stress, anxiety, or unspoken struggles alone. I work with men facing life transitions, relationship challenges, sexual health concerns, or the pressure to “have it all together,” helping them find clarity, confidence, and balance.
Young Adults (17–29) – I support young adults as they step into independence, navigate career transitions, and take on adult responsibilities, helping them manage stress, anxiety, identity questions, and the challenges of relationships and life decisions.
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I’m originally from Minnesota, though Washington has become home. After graduating high school, I studied psychology and neuroscience at Hope College. During my undergraduate work, I explored the impact of positive psychology on rumination and sleep, and contributed to research on tactile stimulation and brainwave responses in the development of prosthetics for individuals with amputations.
Outside of academics, I worked with individuals experiencing homelessness, learning from their stories while supporting their progress in sober living.
I went on to earn my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. During my training, I interned at Sound Mental Health in Redmond, WA, where I worked with adolescents, young adults, families, and parents from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds. This experience deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges faced by immigrant communities, low socioeconomic populations, and other underserved groups.
I also worked as a school counselor at Einstein Elementary, supporting students, families, and staff in navigating behavioral and emotional challenges.
Following graduation, I obtained my LMFTA and founded this practice to support couples, young adults, and men across Washington. I am currently supervised by Scott Edwards, PhD, LMFT.
I’ve also faced my own challenges and supported others through theirs, giving me a firsthand understanding of how chaotic, uncertain, and full of doubt certain seasons of life can feel. I bring that perspective into a space where couples, new fathers, men, and young adults feel both supported and challenged as they navigate meaningful change.
Trainings Completed/Ongoing:
Developmental Model for Couples - Level 1 - In training
FASTB Parenting Training - Summer 2024
Narrative Therapy - Clinical Training - Summer 2024
Graduate-level training in Family Systems and Attachment Theory
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When I’m not working, I love being active! I find myself hiking, running, cycling, weightifting, or playing volleyball (when its sunny). I also enjoy spending time with my partner and dog, as well as other loved ones. When I can’t be active, I often read or watch some of the many shows on my watchlist. These things keep me grounded, curious, and energized, and I bring that same balance and perspective into the therapy room.
Services Provided
Therapy for Young Adults
Couples Therapy
Therapy for New Fathers
Individual Therapy
FAQ’s
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Yes. I am an in-network provider with Premera Blue Cross and LifeWise. I also accept some BCBS BlueCard Plans (this includes carriers such as Anthem).
For all other insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network (OON) provider and can provide a superbill for you to submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. To confirm your out-of-network mental health benefits, I encourage you to call your insurance company.
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I currently provide couples therapy and individual therapy via in-person and online.
In-person: Monday - Friday in Fremont (near Gas Works Park)
Telehealth: Monday - Friday
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My standard private pay fees are as follows:
Individual & Couples Therapy:
Intake Session (60 minutes): $200
Standard session (53-60 minutes): $175
Extended session (90 minutes): $250
I accept cash, Zelle, check, and major credit/debit cards for both individual and couples therapy. For individual therapy, I can also accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. To make this process seamless, I securely save credit/debit cards, as well as HSA and FSA cards, on file and charge them after each session.
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There is a 48-hour cancelation and reschedule policy. If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please do so before the 48-hour window. Otherwise, I charge the full fee for late cancelations and no-shows.
