About me – A CBT-centered approach combined with others to provide you the best care possible

Hello, my name is John Tran and I am the owner of Capitol Hill Counseling. Though I’m a bit biased, I think counseling is a wonderful process and am so pleased to be able to work with my clients to help them reach their goals. I believe that counseling is a cooperative, emotional, and empowering experience. To that end, I fully participate in therapy alongside my clients. I think it is a collaborative learning experience that changes from person-to-person. Please read on to learn a little bit more about me.

I’m a native Seattelite, born and raised in the heart of the city. I know that this city is full of diversity and culture and love to immerse myself in it. We have such a unique and vibrant atmosphere here and am proud to be a part of it.

My path toward becoming a counselor began at the University of Washington in Seattle. Here, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Following this, I continued my education by earning a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University. Afterwards, I began a brief stint in community mental health, then working as a mental health clinician at a correctional facility, before opening a private practice on Capitol Hill where you can find me today.

My theoretical approach

While I don’t ascribe to any single counseling theory, I do draw from a few particular ones more often than others. The theories I most often use are Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (an evolution of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or, CBT), Gestalt, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative, Strategic, and Person-Centered theories. What does all that psychobabble mean? Well to put it most simply, I have a wide set of skills to use that I tailor to each individual client to best meet their needs. What this usually looks like can range from a very directive, education-based experience, to dispelling one’s belief about themselves and re-authoring their life story, to simply lending a compassionate and caring ear to unleash one’s burdens upon without fear of being judged.

I realize that counseling can be, and usually is, a very challenging and painful experience. Thus, as a counselor, it is my honor to share in the lives of my clients. I think that therapy is a collaborative experience; one shared by both the counselor and the client. My belief is that, as your counselor, I will walk beside you and face all of the facets of the healing process with you. I do not walk ahead of you, pulling you along or leaving you behind. Neither do I act as a shield preventing you from the things you will face. I also do not walk behind you; pushing you along when you are not ready to move forward. By walking beside you, I allow you to move at your own pace. It is at your side that I can encourage you and give you strength in facing your fears and problems. I hope to be a trusted person in your life; one whom you feel safe to confide in and will be there to support you in your endeavors. It takes great strength and courage to seek the help that you need to live a better life, and I applaud you for it.