Geek-Centered Therapy: Psychotherapy in Washington state
60% of positive therapeutic outcomes are attributed to the quality of the alliance between client and therapist. I get geeks.
All appointments are online. I use HIPAA-compliant video software as well as a special camera for making eye-contact.
I look forward to seeing you.
About Briton Kolber, MA, LMFT
How I Practice / What to Expect
My experience is with couples, individuals and families.
I see a lot of folks in tech and other intellectual pursuits who are suffering from a loss of joy in work and everyday life. As a remote therapist, I get to work with people all over the state. I also work with those who have a chronic worry about things that affect work and school.
Sometimes life has thrown terrible things at us and we just need a safe space with a little kindness and someone who gets us. I would be honored to help you like that.
We work on an agenda together at each session in order to get more value and progress at each meeting.
What is Geek-Centered?
While I work with lots of different people, I have a focus on geeks as a "special population" in the same way some therapists might specialize in treating people from parts of Asia or people who are LGBTQ+.
While this is a very new specialization, my experience has shown that there are a number of experiences in common to geeks such as social marginalization, neurodiversity, loneliness, and problems feeling competent outside of their niche interests.
Using quests as an organizing principle to undo negative thoughts and enhance creativity in problem solving is dear to my heart and sometimes deeply satisfying for my clients.
Sometimes gamification is appropriate if the client plays a lot of board games or video games.
You Are Not Alone
Asking for help is so hard sometimes. You may have tears you've never dared to cry. Feelings you've never shared may show up. Loss that threatens to break your resolve may be draining the goodwill of your friends. This is what I'm here for.
Welcome.
Qualifications
Experience
In private practice since 2012.
Former lead facilitator at Aspiring Youth (Ryther) using improvisation for children on the Autism Spectrum.
Counselor at Camp Mariposa: for children with family suffering from substance abuse.
Former Research Scientist Associate at Applied Research Laboratories at University of Texas at Austin.
Education
Antioch University Seattle - Psychology M.A. with concentration in Couple and Family Therapy - 2012
Additional trainings include interventions for trauma, studies in mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), play therapy, improvisation, applied neurobiology, ethics, non-traditional relationships, how culture applies to psychotherapy, social justice, and Polyvagal Theory
University of Texas at Austin - Radio TV Film 1998
Passion for How People Work
Ever since I was about 5 years old, I've been studying how people work. A sincere lifelong interest in the topic consumes my attention. Psychology intersects with mythology, biology, sociology, culture, language, narratives, philosophy, and well, most everything.
Telehealth / Covid-19 Response
Yes, all sessions are telehealth for now using a HIPAA-compliant service. I am licensed for Washington state and am based in Seattle.
Insurance
I am an Out of Network Provider for many insurance companies, but I am not "in network" with any of them.
I will provide Superbills for reimbursement upon request.
What to Expect: No Surprises Act / "Good Faith Estimate"
New clients will be charged US$190 per 50-55 clinical "hour" on a weekly schedule and for any substantial supporting tasks such as FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) documentation. Treatment often lasts between 6-9 months with some noticeable variation. I've had some successful single interventions as well as some that last years.
"The Good Faith Estimate provision of the No Surprises Act is designed to give consumers predictability in how much they will be charged for the healthcare services they will be receiving, prior to their appointment." from: https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/no-surprises-act-good-faith-estimates/
More Information can be found here on the actual state regulation: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-809-710
Therapy
Depression and Anhedonia
Depression isn't always how it's portrayed in popular culture. Yes, people do feel like it's hopeless and hard to get up in the morning. It may seem like life is lonely and awful. It can also be a perpetual feeling of gray. This feeling of gray is like an inability to experience joy or pleasure. I see this one happen a lot.
Trauma & Hope
My goal is to help you heal from whatever is bothering you. Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes tears come suddenly and the feelings are released. The only way out is through and I'm an experienced guide.
I can hold on to hope when the path seems bleak. We can find the way out together.
Relationships
Sometimes we can feel so far apart.
Sorting through the chaos of relationships can be so disheartening. Sexuality can be wonderful and sometimes wounding. Multiple relationships or adding kink can add challenges, too. There are so many opinions out there and a fair amount of misconceptions. I'll help you figure out what is going on and endeavor to get you back to the good stuff. I am partial to Emotion-Focused Therapy and am heavily influenced by the work of John and Julie Gottman.
I believe good work happens when we use evidence-based practices and build a solid working relationship.