"We are born to unite and to join in community with the human race."-Cicero

Partner Providers

Jake Nassiri, MA, LMHCA

About Me

From a young age, I’ve been a sensitive person, caring about others’ wellness. As a young adult, I lost a close family member. While mending that grief, I learned that interpersonal support paired with fostering meaning and purpose, convening with nature and addressing underlying psychological concerns have the strong potential to heal. My Persian heritage informs my appreciation of diversity; I value learning about other cultures and working with clients from all walks of life. Though I enjoy dabbling with computer programing, I’m also interested in the addictive effects of modern technology. I hold the long-term goal of collaborating with other professionals to incorporate naturopathic remedies into integrative healing.

Experience

My counseling career started in 2012 in San Antonio, where I supported and advocated for families impacted by domestic violence. After journeying west to Portland, I gained experience at a residential facility for older adults afflicted by persistent mental illnesses and dementia, leading psychoeducation and skills groups. Since relocating to the Olympic Peninsula, I’ve offered outpatient counseling in non-profit settings to diverse populations, including children. The culmination of this work has informed my specialty areas of nature based therapy, grief and loss, as well as technology addiction, which I’m eager to bring to this community.

Therapy Approach

My approach is anchored in promoting self-awareness and helping clients reflect on what truly resonates within them in order to better build a meaningful life. I believe in relationally centered counseling methods. Each person has a history all their own and innately knows and are capable of making changes. Diving into unhealthy, automatic thinking and behavioral patterns, examining unresolved grief and trauma, improving self-care, harnessing the restorative effects of nature, and practicing mindfulness skills both in session at at home are some techniques I use. Examining the whole picture and discussing topics like nutrition, relationships and if your basic needs are met feels important. Therapy is like a river that takes its own course, and sometimes healing isn’t quick or straight forward. I hope to be an ally to clients during their navigation process.

Education

2009

Austin College
BA Psychology, Art Minor

2013

University of Texas at San Antonia
MA Community Counseling

Clinical Interests

Anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, self-esteem, healthy relationships, grief, bereavement, ecotherapy,  geriatric mental health, adjustment struggles

Contact

Being Outdoors

Taking my dog on forest walks, mountain hiking, harvesting shellfish, boating and running are some ways I get closer to nature.

Cooking

Experimenting with fresh ingredients and cooking everything from curries to pizzas to pastries reminds me how comforting food can be. 

Traveling

Finding quiet spots in my camper van close to home or spending time in far flung places allows me to feel present and humbled.