Sarah Kardelen

MA, LMHC

To make an appointment, call 425-329-4776

Location: Renton, telehealth & in-person

Therapeutic Approach

Life can be confusing, complex and disappointing, and in turn we experience a multitude of feelings such as sadness, anger, anxiety, and hopelessness. You may be feeling that the strands of your life are unraveling and you want to make sense of it all. My private practice, Tapestry Therapy, is founded upon the belief that your life is like a tapestry, consisting of strands of stories that have been woven together to make one larger story. Our story is part of the larger tapestry of our family, race, culture, country and world. Through the work of therapy, we come to understand our stories and are empowered to decide how we will write future chapters.

I work to cultivate a welcoming space for us to be in. It is within this space that we can collaboratively explore the nature of your struggles. This process of exploration creates internal room for reflection, change and development. I believe that the greatest instrument of healing and change is our
therapeutic relationship, which is based on empathy, empowerment and respect. Current research has revealed that the brain can continue to develop and rewire itself through experiences, which actually change the brain’s structure and functioning. The therapeutic relationship and the experience of therapy do exactly this – rewire the brain. Thus, I commit being an empathetic presence who is fully engaged in this journey with you. While I bring expertise and wisdom into this therapeutic relationship, I believe that you are the expert on you. I consider it a privilege to journey with you to discover your story and a deeper understanding of who you are.

Living in Turkey for many years deeply impacted and formed who I am, which is a bilingual (Turkish- speaking) and bicultural therapist. I approach life and my work through an anti-oppression lens as I provide trauma informed care. As I work with clients of diverse cultures I am mindful of the historical,
racial and inter-generational trauma that they have likely experienced. I’m also committed to continuing to examine my own areas of privilege, and to practicing cultural humility.

My therapeutic style is empathetic, relational, and realistic. My approach is grounded in Psychodynamic Therapy and informed by Relational Cultural Theory. I also draw from attachment theory and narrative therapy. I utilize mindfulness, psychoeducation and CBT at times when a client needs to experience more grounding, containment and to build skills. I utilize Lifespan Integration protocols with clients who have experienced trauma.

My Journey

I worked in community mental health as a Wraparound Facilitator in the Wise program during my last year of grad school. This ignited my love for working with children, adolescents and families. Also, during that year, I did clinical internships at Refugees Northwest and Sound Mental Health. After graduating in 2019 with my MA in Counseling Psychology, I worked in community mental health for a year where I provided parent coaching and therapy for adolescents who had co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In 2020 I launched my private practice and have loved it! I am an affiliate of Northwest Family Life and I led a Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group through NWFL. I’m also passionate about the intersection of psychology, spirituality, culture and creativity.

Areas of Focus

Domestic Violence (past & present)
Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Sexual & Spiritual)
Trauma & PTSD
Divorce
Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Immigrants, Refugees, & Asylum Seekers

Client Age Focus

Tweens (11-12)
Adolescents (13-19)
Adults

Certification
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Washington State Department of Health (#LH-61240365)

Education and Training

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, 2019
Bachelor of Arts in Education, Michigan State University, 1996
- Minors in Mathematics & Music
Lifespan Integration: level 1, 2 & 3 trainings completed

Affiliation
Member, Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
Member, MulticulturalCounselors.org

Languages
English & Turkish

Insurances
Private pay only.