Eryn Drago (she/her), MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, WA credential: LH61629277
With over 12 years of experience working within diverse mental health settings, including residential and hospital programs, as well as schools, home-based services and community-based programs, I bring a rich understanding of the complexities that individuals, couples, children, and families navigate. My experience has given me a unique perspective and understanding of the many personal and systemic factors that impact one's life, and how to help clients navigate and create change in all areas of their life.
Therapy is a journey, and change can often be scary and challenging. I will provide a safe, supportive and collaborative space where you can be seen and heard and be able to openly share and explore your mental and emotional needs, free of judgment. I am here to facilitate and work alongside you in accomplishing your goals in a way that feels natural, authentic, and true to you.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy traveling, hiking, kayaking, camping, live music and spending time with my 2 cats, dog, partner and newborn baby.
My approach
My Philosophy
I use an integrative, gender-affirming, systemic and personal approach to treatment. I believe that each person has innate abilities and strengths to help them overcome issues and challenges that are impacting their lives and that each person has the power to improve their lives and relationships. My goal is to help clients attend to and understand their emotional and relational needs both inside and outside the therapy room so that clients may feel empowered and in charge of their own journey toward health and healing.
Person-Centered
I operate from a core set of beliefs that an individual has an inherent capacity for growth, self-understanding, and positive change. I believe each person is the expert in their own live and experiences, and I strive to deeply understand my client’s perspectives, interests, internal and external motivators, cultural background, and unique lived experiences.
Trauma-Informed
I approach therapy with a fundamental understanding of the profound and lasting impact that trauma can have on an individual's mind, body, and spirit. I prioritize safety and trust when building a therapeutic alliance, and empower clients by offering choices in the therapeutic process whenever possible. This includes decisions about the pace of therapy, topics discussed, and techniques used.
Relational and Collaborative
Human's have an inherent need for connection and our relationships profoundly shape who we are and how we experience the world. Psychological distress can often stem from relational difficulties, past and present. Therefore, I also believe that therapy is a co-created partnership between the client and therapist. Each therapeutic relationship is different and I strive to create genuine and authentic connections.
Emotion-Focused
I believe that emotions are the primary drivers of our behavior and the key to understanding ourselves and our relationships. In the therapy space I will often help client's identify and articulate feelings, as well as track and identify patterns of behavior that impact our relationships. This may involve working with unmet attachment needs, emotion coaching, and facilitating corrective emotional experiences.
Cognitive-Behavioral
By taking an action-oriented and solution-focused approach, I work with clients to identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal is to help clients change negative thought patterns and develop more healthier coping mechanisms to improve their emotional well-being and manage their problems effectively.
Education and Training
B.A. Psychology
Boston University
M.A. Child and Adolescent Psychology
University of Washington
Level 1 and Level 2 Gottman Method
Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Gottman
EMDR Basic Training
Dr. Francine Shapiro
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Intensive
Dr. Sue Johnson
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Dennis & Kim Eames