Business Details
Compassionate Mental Health Therapy in Tacoma
Full Circle Psychotherapy was founded on the belief that healing begins with deep listening and mutual respect. With over 14 years of experience in healthcare settings, including as a licensed practical nurse and EMDR-trained therapist, I bring both clinical expertise and personal insight to my practice. My approach integrates Jungian principles, creative expression, and body awareness to address trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. I specialize in helping adults reclaim their narratives through evidence-based techniques like EMDR and acceptance-commitment therapy. My practice emphasizes the courage required to confront emotional challenges while fostering self-compassion.Having worked in diverse healing roles since age 14, I understand the importance of validating clients' stories and guiding them toward meaningful growth. The therapeutic process here prioritizes safety, authenticity, and honoring the complexity of human experiences. My education at Antioch University, including a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2013), informs my commitment to ethical, client-centered care. I view therapy as a sacred partnership where clients develop greater awareness of their inner lives and resilience. This practice continues to evolve through ongoing professional development and a dedication to trauma-informed care principles.
Services
EMDR Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Life Transitions Support
Jungian Therapy
Anxiety Treatment
Highlights and features
- EMDR-certified therapist with trauma treatment expertise
- 14+ years of clinical experience in healthcare settings
- Integrates creative expression and body awareness techniques
- Personal experience with therapeutic journeys enhances empathy
- Jungian-oriented approach emphasizing inner life exploration
Services
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps clients process traumatic memories through guided bilateral stimulation. This evidence-based approach reduces emotional distress from past experiences while building resilience. Ideal for individuals recovering from childhood trauma, adult-onset trauma, or significant life disruptions, EMDR facilitates neural reprocessing to promote emotional healing and cognitive clarity.
Jungian Therapy
Jungian-oriented counseling explores unconscious patterns through dream analysis, life themes, and inner dialogue. This approach helps clients develop awareness of psychological archetypes and personal symbolism. Particularly effective for existential concerns, spiritual exploration, and understanding recurring life patterns, it fosters integration of conscious and unconscious aspects of self for greater wholeness.
Life Transitions Support
Specialized guidance for navigating major life changes including divorce, retirement, parenthood, and career shifts. Combines solution-focused techniques with mindfulness practices to manage uncertainty. Helps clients process emotional complexity during transitional periods while developing practical coping strategies. Emphasizes finding meaning in change to facilitate personal growth and adaptation.
Trauma Counseling
Comprehensive trauma treatment addresses childhood abuse, loss, and adult-onset traumatic experiences. Utilizes somatic awareness and creative expression alongside traditional talk therapy. Focuses on rebuilding safety, processing fragmented memories, and restoring emotional regulation. Designed to help clients reclaim agency over their narratives while developing sustainable healing practices.
Anxiety Treatment
Holistic anxiety reduction program combining acceptance-commitment therapy with body-based techniques. Teaches mindfulness skills to manage racing thoughts and physiological symptoms. Addresses root causes of anxiety while building practical coping mechanisms. Personalized approach helps clients develop self-compassion and reduce avoidance behaviors that perpetuate anxious patterns.
People
Ayla Carter
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
With 14 years in healthcare, including as a licensed practical nurse and EMDR-certified therapist, Ayla brings deep clinical expertise to her practice. Her background in massage therapy, doula work, and Jungian psychology informs a holistic approach to mental health. She holds a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University (2013).
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I integrate EMDR, Jungian therapy, creative expression, and acceptance-commitment therapy tailored to individual needs.
Do you specialize in specific issues?
Yes, I specialize in trauma recovery, anxiety, life transitions, and existential concerns using evidence-based methods.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with some flexibility for intensive trauma processing sessions.
Are virtual appointments available?
Yes, I offer both virtual and in-person sessions at my Tacoma office for client convenience.
What's your cancellation policy?
Please provide 24 hours' notice for cancellations to avoid full session charges.
How do you incorporate body awareness?
I teach mindful breathing and somatic techniques to help clients connect with physical sensations during therapy.
