Our therapists offer grief & loss counseling in Bellingham, WA

I offer counseling and talk therapy services; however, I do not currently offer psychological testing. I am Sam Bearer, a licensed professional counselor with 9 years of experience working with individuals and couples from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. I specialize in helping clients work through emotional, relational, and interpersonal issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, anger, sexual issues, family and relationship dynamics, self-image and identity, communication, and mood and personality disorders.

I hold a master's in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary. My approach draws on multiple therapeutic modes, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, so I can stay flexible as each client explores their unique internal experience.

I love helping clients find self-acceptance as they explore their inner world and chart their own path forward. I'd love to get to know you and help you live in alignment with your values. When you need a partner to help you process life's difficulties with expertise and compassion, reach out to schedule an appointment.

I have been in the helping profession for over 25 years and have worked in many different roles during that time. I have worked with children to older adults and all ages in between. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and have worked with those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, as well as Bipolar disorder. I prefer to use a client centered approach, in which we would work collaboratively to determine the best course to take in addressing your needs and concerns and helping to decrease problem symptoms. 

I tend to lean towards the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in recognizing that the mind has a great effect on one's ability to change behaviors and habits. I also utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) in an effort to direct and inspire you to realize and bring about change in your own life. 

I would be honored to help you work through what you've been carrying and find greater clarity. I bring care and understanding to everyone I work with — and I want you to know that change is possible, including changes you may not have realized you needed yet. Take the next step and schedule a session today to start taking an active role in your healing.

Cindy Johnson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience working with individuals, families, and couples. She specializes in depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, relationship conflicts, grief and loss, and has worked with people from a variety of backgrounds. She is open, friendly, and enjoys using humor to help with the healing process. She sees the complexities of life and strives to assist in identifying patterns and empowering people to grow. She did her internship at Mesilla Valley Psychiatric Hospital and completed her first 5 years of training working in community mental health centers.

Cindy completed her Master's Degree at New Mexico State University. She practices an eclectic approach of treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, solution-focused couples therapy, and motivational interviewing.

The world is full of chaos and trials, and none of us are exempt from challenges. Cindy is capable and competent at helping people understand that they are not broken and do not need to be "fixed;" they need to be understood, seen, validated, and encouraged to see the value and opportunities for change in their lives. Book your appointment with her today!

Mary Lou Macarius is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, grief, parenting issues, school issues, stress, women's issues, and child therapy. She has more than 26 years of experience, working at institutions such as the Pacific Lutheran University Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic and Good Samaritan Behavioral Health Care Center, as well as in public schools serving students K-12th grade, working independently in Comfort Counseling. She also has experience serving individuals from six years old to 65 years old from her time at the Renton Counseling Center. She is a clinical member of The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Mary Lou received a Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including, but not limited to, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and structural family therapy. Mary Lou's dominant practicing theories are those of structural family therapy, which focuses on the ways in which families function and the changes that need to be made in the family structure to help them function more effectively, and solution-focused theory, which looks at the solutions that the client brings to therapy for coping with problems and builds on the client’s successes. She also likes to use some narrative therapy, which is focused on changing the way that you look at your life or problems.

Mary Lou is a trauma survivor and comes from an immigrant family, both of which influence the work that she does on a day-to-day basis. This, along with her clinical experience, allows her to support and understand her clients in unique ways.

Nanette Guild is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship transitions, identity concerns, and chronic illness. She brings warmth, humor, and a collaborative spirit to her work, helping clients feel empowered and understood. Nanette creates a safe space that honors each person’s story, promoting healing through trust and emotional connection.

Nanette earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas. Her approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and solution-focused techniques to support emotional regulation, resilience, and well-being.

Nanette values diversity, equity, and justice and believes in the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit. She uses a strength-based, interactive, and often humorous style to support long-term growth. Clients often appreciate her humility, open-mindedness, and deep respect for their lived experiences. Reach out to Nanette today!