Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Gig Harbor, WA

I work with people who feel caught between who they've been and who they're becoming. Many of my clients are navigating trauma, identity shifts, major life transitions, or a longing to feel more connected to themselves and the people around them. Often, they arrive feeling overwhelmed by change, weighed down by old roles or patterns, and uncertain about what comes next.

My goal is to create a space where you can slow down, explore what you're carrying, and begin moving toward a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and aligned with who you are.

I do not candy coat, fluff or any of that; I'm a direct and assertive communicator. I am passionate and professional.

You can’t break out of a cage you’re still trying to decorate. I’ve been many people’s 4th/5th/8th/9th therapist and been told they felt like something finally clicked for them. I care about it clicking. My approach is based on self-compassion and living an integrated life. Even if you’re motivated to change, it’s still hard because negative events can shape beliefs about the world and ourselves that we often don’t even realize we hold. So we start with self-compassion, and then work on trying to bring our actions into alignment with our goals. I’ve been a therapist for over a decade now, and I promise – self-compassion is the move.

I’m a licensed psychologist with more than three decades of experience in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and trauma-informed care. My background includes extensive work with adults, adolescents, and children across private practice, medical settings, and the VA’s PTSD clinic, where I provided both treatment and disability evaluations. I completed my doctorate at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in an APA-approved Counseling Psychology program and an APA-accredited internship with broad training in assessment, psychotherapy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. I specialize in trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, dissociation, family-of-origin issues, and helping people untangle long-standing patterns that keep them stuck. My style is warm, open-minded, and direct, meeting people right where they are while helping them move toward where they want to be.

Hello, and welcome! My name is Theresa McDowell, PhD and I’m a dedicated School Psychologist and licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience in mental health and education. I specialize in supporting individuals across various stages of life, offering evidence-based interventions to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and grief.

Seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right therapist is an important first step. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as we work through life's challenges together.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State with a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Methodist University and a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University. I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship concerns, racial stress, and the emotional impact of cancer and chronic illness.

I believe healing happens when people feel genuinely seen and accepted. Whether you're processing difficult experiences, feeling stuck, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, therapy can help you reconnect with your strengths and move toward the life you want to live.

I have been a therapist for 10 years working primarily with school aged children. I have continued to have a few adults throughout that time as well. I am passionate about helping and getting you to feel like your best self. It is a journey and I cannot wait to help!