Charles Velez, LMHCA with Catalyst Counseling

I love seeing people be empowered. The best compliment I’ve ever received is someone saying, “I now understand this is a reaction to trauma and it doesn’t mean I’m a bad or shameful person.” My goal is to help you feel empowered within yourself, within your world, and in your future. I want you to feel effective and confident in those realms.

Maybe you feel that you’re just too broken. Here’s what I’d tell you – You’ve done the best you could with the knowledge, supports, and resources at your disposal. Each of those 3 areas can be grown, developed, enhanced, and made stronger. We are not static.

Maybe you feel too ashamed of your past or who you are. Here’s what I’d tell you – shame is a liar. It tells you that you’re a bad person unworthy of love, consideration, or anything good. That’s what it wants you to accept. The good news again is that shame cannot possibly capture everything that makes up your essence. You have strengths. You have been able to survive to see this day. Once you unshackle yourself from shame, that’s when you unlock your potential.

I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and want to help you express yourself in the language you feel most comfortable in.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with the State of Washington (#MC61451810). I regularly seek consultation from colleagues as well as my licensed supervisor, Katherine Walter, MSW, LICSW, CSW-G (LICSW #LW 60136151). I see individual clients age 15 and older.

Charles Velez, LMHCA