I am Dr. Lauren Helm, a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington state. Rise Psychology, PLLC is my private practice, which is located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. I am passionate about helping you to not only heal, but flourish.  I built Rise Psychology on the belief that both knowledge and practice of healthy life skills are necessary for vital, inspired living. If you are interested in learning more, you can read about my training and background by scrolling below. You can also learn about the psychotherapy services I offer by clicking here.

Rise Psychology is committed to helping you::

• DIVE DEEP AND DO THE INNER WORK REQUIRED

• BUILD A FOUNDATION that restores MIND, BODY & SPIRIT 

• Take MEANINGFUL ACTION TOWARDS LIVING AN authentic, INSPIRED LIFE

Lauren Helm, Ph.D., B.C.B.

Licensed Psychologist PY.60758021 

Welcome! I am Dr. Lauren Helm, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Washington, and the founder of Rise Psychology, my private practice. I am board certified in biofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). I work with adults, and provide individual and group therapy. My treatment approaches and areas of expertise include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV biofeedback). I often incorporate health psychology (i.e. the mind-body connection), mindfulness, self-compassion, and healthy emotion regulation training to help promote psychological resilience and well-being.  I also draw from interpersonal, existential and humanistic psychotherapy approaches.

TRAINING: I obtained my bachelor's degree in Psychology & Social Behavior from University of California, Irvine, graduating with honors cum laude in 2010, and in 2016, earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (with an emphasis in health psychology) from the APA-accredited California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. I have received specialized academic and clinical training in health psychology, mindfulness, self-compassion, and evidence-based third-wave behavioral treatments. I completed my clinical training in multiple settings, including medical hospitals (UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Oregon Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente), an inpatient psychiatric hospital (Sharp Mesa Vista Psychiatric Hospital), V.A. hospital (V.A. San Diego Healthcare System), specialty clinics (Center for Anxiety and Stress Management, DBT Center of San Diego, Strong Integrated Behavioral Health), and college counseling centers (Fresno City College and Reedley College Psychological Services Department). I completed my APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the State Center Community College District and my post-doctoral training at Strong Integrated Behavioral Health. I am currently a professional member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

MY APPROACH: I believe in effective, transformative therapy, and regularly incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, attachment theory, and spirituality in order to support connected, whole-hearted living. Empirically-supported psychological theories (social, behavioral, health, & positive psychology) further inform the direction of therapy. My approach to therapy (and life!) is strongly influenced by the belief that by opening more fully to the depths of who we are, stress, anxiety, stagnation, confusion, and pain all can become fodder for growth. I believe we can learn how to create more room for joy, gratitude, creativity, and inspiration in our lives with intention and practice. By grounding ourselves in a solid foundation of self-awareness and self-compassion, and practicing authentic, effective action, I believe that life becomes wholly satisfying. It gives me great joy to support others in the exploration and cultivation of their unique potential, and I hope you will join me if you find this resonates with you.

WHO I AM: Originally from a small mountain town in California, I have recently moved to (and fallen in love with!) the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Prior to that, I lived in sunny San Diego during my doctoral training. The vibrant and creative energy of Seattle excites my spirit, and the surrounding lush, gorgeous greenery nourishes and inspires my soul. I love hiking through forests and discovering the abundantly available waterfalls in the PNW with my partner and our goofy, happy pup. I also am an amateur photographer and musician, creative acts that keep me energized and balanced.

SPECIALTY AREAS:

• Support with personal development & growth

• Mindfulness & self-compassion interventions

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback

• Exposure therapy/Prolonged exposure/Exposure & response prevention

• Stress & anxiety management

• Social anxiety disorder

• Panic disorder & Agoraphobia

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Health anxiety

• Illness anxiety disorder/Somatic symptom disorder

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Fear/Phobias

• Life transitions/Coping with change and/or difficult life circumstances

• Coping with chronic pain, chronic illness, or medical problems

• Coping with relationship issues

TREATMENT APPROACHES:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Exposure Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Heart-Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB)