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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Mckenna Paddock

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Associate
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I’ve been using art in my own healing for as long as I can remember. After spending ten years in direct service work—where I was passionate about what I was doing but felt like I was missing key tools to truly support those I worked with—I decided to become a therapist. I’m motivated by the wisdom of elders who taught me that my liberation is connected to yours, and that healing truly happens in community.
I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! You can call me Mckenna or Kenna (they/them). I identify as Queer, neurodivergent, a “spoonie”, and was raised on the unceded land of the Duwamish people, now known as Seattle. As an ally to those with marginalized identities, I’m grounded in the belief that our collective liberation is interconnected. I recognize how structural harms shape our experiences and healing journeys, and I’m committed to creating an inclusive, gender-affirming, sex-positive space rooted in Health at Every Size, and beyond. My work blends Liberation Psychology and Feminist Theory, striving to be authentic, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. I hold a MA from Antioch University Seattle, trained in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and am currently accepting new clients at Playful Minds Counseling. I have experience providing LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent-affirming care to teens and young adults navigating their sexual orientation and gender exploration, life transitions, family dynamics (particularly for children of immigrants and third culture individuals), disability & chronic illness, trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, and suicidal ideation. I believe in the healing power of the creative arts and will introduce you to art therapy. Whether or not we incorporate art in our work together, creativity can show up in many ways, and I look forward to exploring that with you.
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Samantha Ruth

Psychologist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I always knew I wanted to help others and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I continue because it’s part of who I am, not just what I do - and I’m extremely passionate about breaking stigmas and helping the world see therapy in a positive way. 
     Over 27 years of experience working with individuals , famine, groups, and organizations. Samantha is a Psychologist, Speaker, Best Selling Author, and Host of The Be Ruthless Show, a podcast dedicated to Making Noise and Breaking Stigmas.  She helps people around the world turn their pain into their power by guiding them to be their true selves not who they think they need to be, by embracing their differences and recognizing that their perceived weaknesses are their biggest strengths, and by living life on their own terms.  Samantha’s mission is to change the way the world views both grief and mental health, so people can speak about whatever issues they have and get the help they not only need but deserve without fear of judgment, labels, and repercussions  Samantha is the proud founder of Griefhab, a 24/7 community open to anyone who has experienced a loss. After personally living through this, Sam realized just how much support she needed on a daily basis. She vowed to create these services so that others would have more support available in their times of need. In her free time, you can find Sam and her pups, Sassy and Dallas, on one of their outdoor adventures. They never miss an opportunity to explore their beautiful surroundings. Music fuels Sam’s soul, family means everything to her, and honoring her late husband, Jim, and making him proud gives her life daily purpose.
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Sam Adams

Owner/Counselor

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?