Hi, I'm Joe Butler, MA LMHC
There's Hope
I'm Joe Butler, a licensed mental health counselor in Bellevue, WA.
For more than 25 years, I have been dedicated to showing others that deep down inside their best, most authentic self is still there -- just ignored, forgotten, or waiting to be re-discovered.
I help people who want to turn toward life again but struggle to keep fear or self doubt from getting in the way. I love to lead people back to their deepest desires -- to who they really are -- so they can stop hiding and start living the kind of life they want instead of the smaller one they feel trapped in.
I believe being happy comes from being more of who we are, not less.
my experience
My life's work has been in the helping profession. More a calling than a career, it's the only work I've ever known. It's work I love -- I'm lucky that way.
I have a Master of Arts Degree in Existential-Phenomenological Psychology from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Washington State University.
Since 1988, I've been fortunate to treat a wide variety of people and problems. I have experience working in many different settings with individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents. Learn more about my professional experience here.
This depth of experience makes it easy for me to be confident and comfortable meeting you right where you are at, wherever you are at. Today I work with individuals and couples (and a few teens here and there to keep me honest).
Because different problems require different solutions, I have specialized training in psychodynamic, existential, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Sometimes we need to deeply examine our lives to get at what's in our way. Other times we need help that's more direct and practical.
In order to help couples more effectively, I use the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT). The couples I see are often surprised (and maybe relieved) to learn that the problem with their relationship isn't necessarily them or their partner. The problem is most often the broken 'love attachment' between them. That's where the real work begins.
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cognitive-behavioral approach that uses mindfulness as a way to understand the anxious/depressed mind, ease related suffering, and re-focus people on the things they care about most in life. For many who suffer with anxiety and depression, learning to change the way they relate to their worries, fears, or sadness can offer dramatic and surprisingly rapid results.
writing, Teaching, presenting, supervising
I love to write, teach, and present on topics I'm passionate about (some topics include: love and relationship in the digital age, anxiety and mindfulness, fatherhood, parenting, grief and loss, addiction, and human sexuality).
I have written and presented professional papers at the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study Forum and at the Psychology for the Other Conference at Seattle University. In addition, I have also provided guest lectures at the University of Washington School of Social Work, Seattle University Masters in Psychology Program, and at Seattle Pacific University.
As a seasoned therapist I enjoy supervising others. I supervise therapists individually and in consult groups to help them grow professionally. This is essential to my growth too.
change can start now
From my own journey, I know that being vulnerable and risking to be our truest self can feel scary. Facing the unknown is one of the hardest things to do. It's also one of the most rewarding. I can help you find the courage to take your first step.
I want to help you get to know more of yourself, so you can be more of yourself, and then share more of yourself with the world around you.
It's what we're made for and it's what I do best.
How can I help? Schedule your first session or set up a free phone consultation today.