Christine Halterman,
MSW, LICSW
A therapist and recovering perfectionist who knows what it’s like to look like you have it all together while quietly running on empty.
Therapy requires a combination of humor, compassion and directness.
If you’re picturing a quiet room, a clipboard, and someone gently asking, “how does that make you feel?” on repeat…that’s NOT me.
I show up like a real human and am invested in you and helping you get the most our of our time together. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do know a thing or two about helping people process things in a way that can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
You should know, I have a bit of a potty mouth. I don’t swear like a sailor, but if you aren’t comfortable with at least one “oh shit” or a properly placed “fuck” slipping into our conversation, I’m probably not the right therapist for you.
Is our time together, you don’t have to sound polished. You don’t have to filter yourself or start with “this might sound bad….”
Judgement has no place in therapy. Period. I am truly honored to walk alongside my clients in their journey, and I would be honored be help you in yours.
I know first hand, what it’s like to live in that constant loop of “I’ll be happy when…” I know what it’s like to be successful and to be constantly chasing the next milestone but wondering why it still didn’t feel like enough.
On paper I was doing really well. My life had that “controlled chaos” vibe. But underneath, I was exhausted and tired of holding it all together and pretending that I was OK. I knew something needed to change, but I didn’t know how couldn’t remember how to do it any other way.
That experience is part of what shapes how I work and approach therapy. I help people slow down and create enough space to explore what’s really driving patterns that are keeping them stuck. With those insights I help people to begin to process the significance of them and begin to make meaningful changes that feel more aligned with what they truly want.
My Background
Before starting private practice, I spent over a decade working as a clinical social worker in hospitals, emergency departments, and hospice care. I sat with people and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Those experiences shaped how I see people and view life. I learned 3 invaluable lessons:
Life doesn’t follow neat, predictable paths
Emotions and situations don’t always make sense right away.
People don’t need to be “fixed” –they need to be understood
That’s the lens I bring into therapy.
If you care about the more clinical stuff like my treatment modalities, I practice from a person centered (Rogerian) standpoint and pull from Internal Family Systems, Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.
Credentials and Education
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)- WA State
Master of Social Work- University of Southern California (2013)
Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Pacific Lutheran University
Level II Certified Trauma Professional (CTP-II)
Washington State Approved Clinical Supervisor
Life Outside of Work
Where You’ll Find Me:
-Probably in my car shuttling kids around or on the sidelines cheering them
In or Near the Water – preferably when it’s warm – probably surfing or fishing.
In the Garden --Peonies, Roses, Dahlias are my favorite
MY COMFORTS A
Coffee (probably a little more than necessary)
Anything True Crime… Books, Documentaries, Podcasts.
Schitt’s Creek on repeat
MY PEOPLE
My family (obviously)—the people who remind me what really matters and how important it is to slow down
Friends—you know the kind that drop everything and there through thick and thin.
Winnie- my mini-goldendoodle who never leaves my side.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but the process of getting started is simple.
If you think we might be a good fit, reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or an initial session. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start. Reaching out is enough.
Before your first appointment, I’ll gather a few details so we can check your insurance benefits (if you plan to use them) or review cash-pay options. I’ll also send you secure intake paperwork to complete ahead of time so we can spend our session focused on you —not forms.
