Stace Parlen, LMFT

My work is primarily with LGBTQ communities with a specialty in transgender identities. This includes letter writing, supporting individuals, families, and relationships through social, spiritual, medical, and/or the multiple ways one can transition. I also work with LGBTQ individuals and families surrounding day-to-day concerns that may have little to do with their gender and/or sexual orientation. This may include relationship conflict, grief/loss, life transitions, and/or mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. I currently work with children/teens and adults 10 and up in a private practice setting. I believe we constantly change as we interact with our environment. My work with transgender individuals has shown me that we need to feel there is room to expand/edit our stories in order to be able to grow and heal. I use a variety of techniques to create space for retelling of these stories. I am specifically trained in working with family systems, which includes looking at relational dynamics and patterns that may be impacting growth and connection. I use a culturally aware and trauma-infrormed framework. My practice also incorporates psychoeducational trainings for families, clinicians, schools, businesses, and other community members wishing to know more about transgender identities. Using narrative therapy and attachment theory, I facilitate and create space for exploration of my clients' stories and examining strategies for maintaining connection learned in childhood that may impacting growth and connection in current relationships such as with work, family, , friends, and intimate relationships. I also incorporate solution-focused, experiential, and intergenerational therapy interventions to build on strengths, establish attainable goals, and uncover family patterns of interactions that may be influencing current distress. I have training in S.A.F.E (Somatic Attachment Focused) EMDR as this approach is trauma informed and helpful for developmental trauma (C-PTSD), PTSD, anxiety, and depression among other health concerns.