Business Details
Child & Family Mental Health Counseling Services
At Alpen Counseling, we bring over 30 years of specialized experience working with children, teens, and families to create meaningful, lasting change. Our practice is built on a relational, warm, and collaborative therapeutic approach that prioritizes safety, connection, and empowerment. We work with individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and social or academic difficulties, while also providing parent coaching to foster healthier family dynamics. Our methods incorporate evidence-based practices, including expressive therapies like art and play, alongside insights from neurobiology and attachment theory. We have worked in diverse settingsfrom public schools and crisis centers to wilderness therapy programsshaping our understanding of the complex factors impacting child and family well-being.As a licensed mental health counselor and former Washington State certified school counselor, we are committed to creating inclusive spaces where all clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Our practice emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, resilience, and the mind-body connection in navigating life's challenges. We believe every family deserves support and guidance, and we approach our work with deep respect for the courage it takes to seek help. Our goal is to equip individuals and families with practical tools to foster growth, improve relationships, and build a stronger sense of belonging.
Services
Child Counseling
Teen Therapy
Family Counseling
Parent Coaching
Play Therapy
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience working with children, teens, and families across diverse settings.
- Our therapists use evidence-based methods like play therapy and neurobiology-informed interventions.
- We provide tailored parent coaching to improve family communication and resilience.
- Our practice emphasizes inclusivity, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care approaches.
- We combine clinical expertise with real-world parenting experience to support families holistically.
What people say
Warm and collaborative
Deep understanding of child needs
Effective parent coaching
Creative therapeutic methods
Safe, nonjudgmental space
Services
Child Counseling
Our child counseling services provide a safe, creative space for children aged 10+ to explore emotions and challenges through play and expressive therapies. We address anxiety, behavioral issues, and social difficulties while fostering resilience. Our approach integrates neurobiology and attachment theory to support long-term emotional growth.
Parent Coaching
Parent coaching offers practical strategies for caregivers navigating family challenges. We focus on improving communication, setting boundaries, and reducing stress through solution-oriented sessions tailored to individual family needs. Our goal is to empower parents to build stronger connections with their children.
Play Therapy
Play therapy uses creative expression to help children process complex emotions and experiences. This evidence-based method allows children to communicate nonverbally, making it effective for trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and developing coping skills in a supportive environment.
Teen Therapy
Our teen therapy services address anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and social challenges during critical developmental years. We employ collaborative, strength-based approaches to help adolescents build self-awareness, resilience, and healthy relationship skills while respecting their unique perspectives.
Family Counseling
Family counseling focuses on improving communication patterns and resolving conflicts within family systems. We address intergenerational dynamics, behavioral concerns, and relational stressors using a holistic approach that considers each member's needs and strengths to foster collective healing.
People
Kirke Mahy Hestad
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Kirke Mahy Hestad is a licensed mental health counselor with 30+ years of experience working with children and families across schools, crisis centers, and wilderness therapy programs. She specializes in play therapy, trauma-informed care, and parent coaching while emphasizing mindfulness and neurobiology in her practice.
Questions
What ages do you work with?
We specialize in working with children aged 10+, teens, young adults, and their families through individual and parent coaching sessions.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate as an out-of-network provider but provide receipts for potential insurance reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of service.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Our methods include play therapy, expressive arts, neurobiology-informed interventions, and evidence-based practices tailored to each client's developmental and emotional needs.
How does parent coaching work?
Parent coaching sessions focus on practical strategies for improving family dynamics, addressing behavioral concerns, and building stronger communication through structured, solution-oriented guidance.
What issues do you commonly address?
We help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, social-emotional challenges, family conflicts, and identity exploration using age-appropriate, trauma-informed techniques.
