Peter Ettel, MA, licensed mental health counselor Individual, couples, and group therapy
Philosophy of Care
Philosophy of Care
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My work is particularly effective for people (and couples) who notice they are trapped in repeating cycles of loneliness, joylessness, failure, or chaos and confusion. These cycles are reenactments of what I call personal mythologies—implicit stories about our own lives that we’ve outgrown. 

 

If what you’ve always done to make it in life is no longer working, you’re probably living an outmoded personal myth. My warm, non-judgmental approach is designed to help you see and understand the underlying myth you are living. This becomes a doorway to expanding beyond the same repeating story into fuller creative expression, success, and freedom—and into more honest and connected relationships with others. 

 

I offer individual, couples, and group therapy, and weekend personal growth workshops and retreats. My most important tools are my capacity to listen to your story and discern the underlying patterns, my deep respect for your desire to grow, and my spontaneity and sense of humor.

 

 

Areas of specialization and experience:

 

Relationship issues           Depression  

Anxiety or fears               Divorce       

Eating disorders               Obsessions & compulsions

Loss & grief                      Parenting                  

Sex therapy                     Spirituality

Trauma & PTSD                Gay & lesbian issues

The Wind, One Brilliant Day

 

The wind, one brilliant day, called

to my soul with the odor of jasmine.

 

"In return for the odor of jasmine,

I'd like all the odor of your roses."

 

"I have no roses; all the flowers

in my garden are dead."

 

"Well then, I'll take the withered petals

and the yellow leaves and the waters of the fountain."

 

The wind left.  And I wept.  And I said to myself:

"What have you done with the garden that was entrusted to you?

 

              —Antonio Machado

                 (from Times Alone, trans R Bly)

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206-301-9662
1818 Westlake Ave. N, Suite 118
Seattle, WA 98109