- Trauma informed care
- Focus on skills
- LGBTQIA support
About Patricia
Patricia Sumlin is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 25 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who are coping with life changes, health challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. Patricia aims to build a straightforward, respectful connection so people feel heard and taken seriously.
Her approach is practical and down-to-earth. She uses evidence-based methods to help clients learn skills for regulating emotions, managing trauma-related anxiety, and improving day-to-day functioning. Patricia emphasizes collaboration and clear feedback so people can try strategies that fit their lives.
Patricia's background includes work in medical behavioral health, hospice bereavement counseling, and community programs for people with substance use and housing needs. She has run DBT groups and worked in trauma-informed settings across diverse communities, including Native American and Native Alaskan populations. That range informs how she tailors care to different life situations and cultural contexts.
In sessions she mixes insight with concrete tools. People can expect to practice skills, reflect on patterns that cause pain, and get practical ideas for coping with chronic illness or caregiving stress. Patricia also supports LGBTQIA clients navigating identity and relationship concerns and adults on the autism spectrum seeking clearer self-understanding.
Her style is direct but nonjudgmental, aiming to increase resilience and real-world functioning. Those seeking help with grief, addictions, parenting challenges, ADHD-related concerns, or intimacy issues may find this approach useful. To begin, readers should follow the site’s steps to match with her and schedule an appointment.
Her approach is practical and down-to-earth. She uses evidence-based methods to help clients learn skills for regulating emotions, managing trauma-related anxiety, and improving day-to-day functioning. Patricia emphasizes collaboration and clear feedback so people can try strategies that fit their lives.
Patricia's background includes work in medical behavioral health, hospice bereavement counseling, and community programs for people with substance use and housing needs. She has run DBT groups and worked in trauma-informed settings across diverse communities, including Native American and Native Alaskan populations. That range informs how she tailors care to different life situations and cultural contexts.
In sessions she mixes insight with concrete tools. People can expect to practice skills, reflect on patterns that cause pain, and get practical ideas for coping with chronic illness or caregiving stress. Patricia also supports LGBTQIA clients navigating identity and relationship concerns and adults on the autism spectrum seeking clearer self-understanding.
Her style is direct but nonjudgmental, aiming to increase resilience and real-world functioning. Those seeking help with grief, addictions, parenting challenges, ADHD-related concerns, or intimacy issues may find this approach useful. To begin, readers should follow the site’s steps to match with her and schedule an appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
California, Washington
Languages
English
How Patricia’s approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify what matters to them and take steps toward those values while learning to better tolerate difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with anxiety, depression, and adapting to health challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical ways to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is often used for mood, anxiety, and sleep problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills; it can be useful when strong emotions or relationship patterns get in the way of daily life.Finding the right fit is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to choose or blend approaches that match a person's needs, goals, and preferences. Clients and the therapist will try methods and adjust them over time based on what helps.
Confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people use session time for focused skill practice and discussion related to chronic illness, caregiving stress, grief, or other concerns without promising any single service format.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Patricia work with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, addictions, grief, eating and sleeping problems, parenting and anger, as well as ADHD and coping with life changes.
What style of therapy does she use?
Her style blends practical skills training with insight-oriented conversation. She uses approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, attachment-based and client-centered work to teach coping skills and deepen understanding.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 25 years of clinical experience across community, medical, and residential settings.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is an LMFT licensed in California (CA LMFT) and Washington (WA LMFT LF) and is based in Washington.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process to start working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.