Our Providers
David Shen-Miller, PhD
I am passionate about helping clients reach their potential. We accomplish this together through a humanistic, relational, mind-body-spirit integration that uses your strengths and resources. For me, therapy is not about fixing what is wrong, but about finding what is working and deepening your skills to increase your health, well-being, and overall happiness. I care deeply about providing excellent care, and trying out new ways of relating and thinking that may lead to change and optimize your health and connection with others. Although the past is important, we'll also focus on the here and now.
I rely on scientific practices in psychotherapy, focusing on restoring mind-body connection, self-care, and overall mental well-being. Men's health, anxiety, depression, existential issues, grief/loss, multiculturalism, and work are among my interests. Group therapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and research are also significant parts of my practice.
​
I have been active in men's health for more than 20 years, including directing a Men's Center, and working as clinician, consultant, and researcher with multiple papers and two edited books. As a former ballet dancer, I am familiar with body image and performance issues as well.
Tom Farmer, PsyD
Working with individuals and families is a collaborative process. I hope to use my many clinical experiences to help guide clients through a path toward more satisfaction in life. Therapy is not a process of simple "change," but rather a process of finding and developing aspects of satisfaction in careers, families, leisure, and relationships that likely exist when we weed through the days' challenges. Through my years as a clinician, I know how to challenge that process. Through my years of teaching, I know when I can simply step aside and admire the strengths that each of us have inside.
​
My experiences in psychological assessment/treatment span from neuropsychological evaluations in a medical setting to work in psychiatric hospitals for those in extreme distress. I believe I offer a wholistic and comprehensive understanding of clients. Focusing on the science and the mind-body connection are essential for genuine growth.
​
I have spent years as a professor of psychology. I maintain expertise by teaching psychological assessment, family systems, and adult therapy to future clinicians at Bastyr University. While I enjoy the seeing growth in both students and clients, often they teach me how to be a better person.
Dana Simerly, LMHC
Here are some things to expect when we sit across from each other. I will want to have meaningful and honest conversations about the things in life that are hard for you to explore. Together, we will make a space to be able to give life to the words that are difficult to say out loud and help you grow in ways that feel useful to you. This can be a painful process and most often is worth it.
​
Some concerns that I often see include: Coping with sudden or traumatic losses, complicated, prolonged, or disenfranchised grief, depression, anxiety, issues regarding identity or meaning, relationships, and shame and vulnerability.
My work tends to be rooted in Buddhist and existential concepts though I pull from a lot of different types of therapies. I am currently in the process of getting a certification in thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).
Serena Konkin, LMHC
.jpg)
Certain passages in life call one to walk hand in hand with uncertainty. I offer my clients support and guidance through periods of instability, change, and self-discovery. My approach is collaborative and process based, encouraging a sense of trust, safety, and self-agency. Integrating Jungian, psychodynamic, humanistic, and family systems techniques, I work with each individual to develop their inner emotional resources and natural creative resilience.
My approach begins with the formulation of the therapeutic alliance, allowing for the unique and individual perspective of each client to be the guiding focus. I see transformation and healing as a nonlinear, organic processes that requires cultivation, patience, curiosity, and occasionally, humor.
I use client centered techniques to lay a foundation of compassion and empathy, with depth approaches to support deep and lasting change. I also provide dreamwork, active imagination, and involvement of creative practices as therapeutic approaches for interested clients.
Abbie Spear, LICSW
Every life is a series of transitions, some of which can feel impossible to navigate. People
and families can often feel ‘stuck’ in their current struggles and unable to overcome the
challenges and changes they are experiencing.
Whether the tough moments are navigating issues in daily life or processing landmark
events such as pregnancy or parenthood, the need for support is valid and you don’t have
to push through alone. Therapy helps you develop the tools and knowledge needed to bring out your unique strengths and abilities. No matter what age or life stage you are in, healing is possible. I believe that every person has the potential to be successful and happy.
When working with adults, I emphasize an ecological and strengths-based approach using psychodynamic and evidenced-based interventions. You are the expert of your own
experience and with the right tools, every person is capable of success. I most often see
people regarding perinatal mental health, parenting issues, ADHD, life transitions, and
anxiety/depression.
When working with children I strongly encourage parental involvement. Therapy doesn’t
exist in a vacuum and it is my belief that therapeutic success can only be achieved when
therapists and caregivers work together. I use a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. I work with children age 3-11 and their families, specializing in ADHD, anxiety/depression, inter-family conflict, and support during family transitions.
​
Sara Lindquist, LMHCA
A myriad of feelings may be present as you consider the start or continuation of your therapeutic journey, and I am glad you’re here. Therapy is a deeply personal experience and as a counselor, I seek to meet my clients right where they’re at. Maybe you’re looking to untangle your emotions, address past traumas, find new methods of coping, better understand yourself, or build self-esteem. Whatever your unique goals may be, it would be my honor to walk alongside you.
The rapport between a counselor and client is integral to best helping a client meet their goals. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that feels warm, supportive, and allows clients to feel empowered on their healing journey. It would be my privilege to support you as you seek to cultivate healing and better your life experience.
I work from a person-centered, trauma-informed, narrative therapy lens. I am looking forward to understanding your story and your experiences. All emotions and experiences will be met with understanding, open-mindedness, and empathy. It is my joy to get to know my clients and learn about the key players and experiences in their lives.
Lucas Peiser, LMHCA
My hope for our work together is that you can begin to process and engage the pain that so often is difficult to approach and address. Instead of ignoring or pathologizing those things that have gotten you stuck, together we will explore ways to honor and grow from these realities. I often work with clients around issues of anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, and spiritual questions. I also help clients who are experiencing climate grief and who are looking to re/connect with the natural world. My approach is primarily psychodynamic and relational. Somatic, attachment, liberation, and ecopsychology theories also inform my work. Moreover, my approach is always trauma-informed.
David Ravi Sitlani, JD, LMHCA
Therapy can be a refuge where one can seek understanding, support and a place to be seen and heard. At its core, therapy is a relationship with a foundation in trust and openness where you can be given an opportunity to open up and share, develop insight and experience growth in a safe and open environment.
My integrative approach to therapy is focused on multicultural therapy, attachment theory, and existential therapy. The focus of sessions is centered on the client and their lived experience. I aim to be present, understanding and adaptive as a therapist so as to provide a space of openness and safety to explore your emotions, feelings and lived experience.
I have broad professional experience as I have worked in education, as a legal professional and now as a Therapist. I identify as a multicultural, able-bodied, cis-gendered man and am also a cancer survivor.
Our Interns
Melissa Filion, BA
(MA in Progress)
We often place pressure on ourselves to be okay, to power through, and to be strong. Yet we
all encounter times in our lives when we are in need of extra care and support. You may be
navigating a major life transition, experiencing anxiety or overwhelm, or feeling stuck and
unsure how to make a change. Asking for help is a sign of remarkable strength. You deserve
support, and to feel the power of being seen and accepted as the whole and imperfect human
that you are. Therapy offers a space to reconnect with yourself, deepen your self-awareness
and understanding, and uncover ways to move forward. In our work together, I hope to provide an empathetic, warm, and empowering space where you feel comfortable and safe to bring in all your complex parts. I may challenge you, as the work itself is not easy, but I accept and honor you as you are and hold deep respect for all you’ve been through to come to this point.
My approach to therapy draws from several models, integrating strengths-based, attachment,
and humanistic perspectives through a feminist lens. I especially love working with people on
issues of anxiety, parenting, perinatal mental health, grief & loss, and major life transitions. I work with adult individuals 18+. As a therapist intern, I am under the clinical supervision of
Dana Paik-Simerly, LMHC.
Sam Osborne, MA
(PsyD in Progress)
Meaningful psychotherapy is grounded in a human relationship. My approach is one of depth and breadth, predicated on the living, dynamic reality of the psyche and the unconscious, and the relationship formed between us within the psychotherapeutic frame. My broadly psychodynamic approach incorporates both psychoanalytic and Jungian methods, as well as drawing from a deep well of other therapeutic modalities as needed. All my work is filtered through an anti-oppression, anti-racist, critical lens that acknowledges generations of damage committed by white, patriarchal, colonialist power structures and our collective need for liberation. For decades, I have been and remain an outspoken, unapologetic ally and advocate for Black lives, my trans brothers and sisters, and anyone who has ever felt marginalized. When I work with you, I commit to being with you all the way, no matter where the path may lead us.
Our Clinic Coordinator
Alicia Underwood
Alicia is the Clinic Coordinator for Cascades Wellness Center. Her excellent customer service skills and interest in holistic wellbeing make her a wonderful addition to our practice. She lives in sunny California and enjoys hiking, longboarding, and hanging out with her two Sphynx cats.