- 1817 Queen Anne Ave, Suite 202, Seattle, WA
- 707-440-9288
- ian@ianmackelvie.com
- 707-440-9288
- ian@ianmackelvie.com
With over a decade of experience and thousands of client interactions, I bridge expertise with playfullness. Prior to running my practice full time, I spent years in clinical, residential and educational settings. Additionaly, prior to Covid shut down, I spent six years as a collegiate lecturer, teaching counseling skills and preparing students for the challenges they would face working in helping professions.
I believe that the best therapists never stop learning, and that not only includes training, but also the harder work of looking at yourself. Besides having over 300 hours of advanced clinical training, I continue my own weekly individual therapy and group process, so you can trust that I have been right where you are. Ongoing consultation is a cornerstone of excellent practice.
A common complaint I hear is that prior therapists were kind and affirming, but didn’t support real change, offering few tools, challenge, or meaningful direction. Similarly, couples often say they spent a lot of money on therapy only to replay the same arguments without resolution. This speaks volumes.
Feeling good is great, but we know that tension and struggle are fundamental aspects of developmental change. I personally am not interested in endless sessions that feel lackluster. I crave engagement and those I work with appreciate that. Does this mean every session will feel like winning a marathon? Nope. Therapeutic change follows a cycle of highs and lows like any other system or model. But it does mean you can feel confident that our work together will include the essential emotional expression to keep you engaged.
This means that therapy with me can feel both difficult and fun, aggravating and eye opening, uncomfortable and pleasurable. The goal is for you to make your desired progress, feel more alive in the process, and to learn from your full range of emotions, even the one’s you are against.
We all need a ticket to therapy. There are many issues clients seek support with, and I enjoy providing insight and understanding in areas I am interested in. Explore!
I enjoy developing a deep trusting relationship with my clients. Exploring dreams, aspirations, past relationships, values, and how all these show up in the current moment provide the unique framework of one’s life. We know that our minds are easily fooled, and that most of us have personal blind spots. This coupled with my interest in psychodynamics, depth psychology, somatic knowledge, and character analysis can make therapy incredibly fruitful. Well-being and satisfaction come not only from managing symptoms or providing tools, but also from the difficult task of seeing ourselves more clearly. Therapy is not the only place this occurs, but it can serve as a fast track and can be one of the most revealing relationships in your life.
I check my emails and office line Monday thru Friday, and typically reach out within 24 hours to let you know if I have availability. You won’t be left wondering.
After a brief conversation, and an explanation of my process, we can find a time that works for both of us.
Whether in person or remote, making a commitment to therapy takes guts. Together, we will explore your wants and find the path to get there.
I am licensed to practice in both Washington and California. But my actual physical office is in Queen Anne. Parking is free, the amenities are plentiful, and my office offers a sound proofed and private space to start the work (Besides the thumps of the worker above me!). Remote therapy is also an option for those that are farther away or who want to avoid that nasty traffic. Whether you’re nearby or far, we can find a way to connect that works for you.
I try to respond to all inquiries and contacts within 24 hours, Monday thru Thursday. Use the link below to reach out.
