Ben Braaksma LPCC, LMHC

Everyone's reasons for coming to therapy are different, however, a successful therapy generally helps people to: -become better at recognizing, understanding, and tolerating their emotions -get more satisfaction out of relationships and work -gain confidence and skill to navigate conflicts -develop a stronger sense of who one is as an individual -develop a more coherent sense of one's history and how it has shaped who they are now -gain more clarity about one's goals in life and realistic ways of pursing and achieving them

Knowing that your therapist really understands you, is genuine, interested, and isn't going to judge you are vital to a successful therapeutic relationship.

I first went to therapy myself at aged 17 and though I initially felt hesitant and uncertain about what I could get out of it, I had such a positive experience that I began thinking that I might like to become a therapist myself one day. I have undergone years of personal therapy since then and it has unequivocally changed my life for the better. I feel privileged to get to know people and their struggles deeply and I enjoy watching people heal, grow, and get more out of their lives.

• Ohio, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, E.2303894
• Washington, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LH60891645

I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from The Ohio State University and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University Seattle. In between degrees, I gained experience working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and with adults with developmental disabilities. During my graduate studies, I began counseling adults at Antioch's counseling clinic and then at Sound Mental Health in Bellevue, WA. I completed my post-graduate licensure hours at Sea Mar Behavioral Health in Everett, WA before joining a group practice in Everett and launching my private practice in Seattle, WA and then Columbus, OH. I have been working as a counselor since 2014, treating adults with a wide-variety of challenges; from depression and anxiety to PTSD, psychosis, and relational difficulties. While at Sea Mar Behavioral Health, I worked in the Intensive Outpatient Program, treating individuals with significant mental health difficulties, often complicated by challenging life circumstances and past or current substance use disorders. Over the course of my career, I feel blessed that I have been able to work with people from diverse backgrounds and across the socio-economic spectrum. I enjoy furthering my education through professional trainings, consultation with colleagues and mentors, and self-study.