Patricia Sumlin, LMFT
LMFT specializing in trauma and relationships
- Trauma and abuse
- Relationship and family work
- LGBTQIA support
About Patricia Sumlin
Patricia Sumlin recognizes the determination it takes to seek professional help and meets that effort with seasoned clinical experience and practical support. She frames therapy as a collaborative process, acknowledging the frustration and struggle clients bring and offering structured, insight-oriented care tailored to each person.
With more than two decades of professional work, Patricia draws on a broad training background and a range of therapeutic approaches. Her clinical style integrates psychodynamic perspectives with skills-based methods such as dialectical behavior therapy and systems theory, blending evidence-informed techniques with straightforward, common-sense guidance. Patricia holds the LMFT credential - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - and practices in alignment with ethical and legal standards.
She emphasizes an honest, respectful, and non-judgmental therapeutic alliance, balancing clear boundaries with compassionate feedback. Patricia aims to help clients develop emotion regulation skills, mindfulness, and practical coping tools that build confidence, stability, and a greater sense of personal safety.
Her career includes work in diverse settings and populations, from private practice and outpatient DBT programs to behavioral health roles in medical settings, homeless shelter services, dual-diagnosis residential treatment, trauma-informed work in Yupik Alaska villages, re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and hospice bereavement counseling. Patricia has also provided services for Native American and Native Alaskan clients.
Currently her focus includes treatment for depression, anxiety related to trauma histories, recovery from traumatic bonding and narcissistic abuse, and clinical work with adults on the autism spectrum seeking to understand Asperger's and its effects on relationships. She also provides supportive care for LGBTQIA individuals navigating sexual orientation, gender identity, coming-out processes, intimacy and relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and workplace or social stigma. Patricia is committed to addressing visible and invisible disability issues and neurodiversity topics such as ADD/ADHD and dyslexia, with attention to learning styles, inclusiveness, and advocacy for disability rights.
Overall, Patricia presents a depth of clinical experience and a practical, collaborative approach intended to help clients increase resilience, authenticity, and well-being through motivation, commitment, and skill building.
With more than two decades of professional work, Patricia draws on a broad training background and a range of therapeutic approaches. Her clinical style integrates psychodynamic perspectives with skills-based methods such as dialectical behavior therapy and systems theory, blending evidence-informed techniques with straightforward, common-sense guidance. Patricia holds the LMFT credential - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - and practices in alignment with ethical and legal standards.
She emphasizes an honest, respectful, and non-judgmental therapeutic alliance, balancing clear boundaries with compassionate feedback. Patricia aims to help clients develop emotion regulation skills, mindfulness, and practical coping tools that build confidence, stability, and a greater sense of personal safety.
Her career includes work in diverse settings and populations, from private practice and outpatient DBT programs to behavioral health roles in medical settings, homeless shelter services, dual-diagnosis residential treatment, trauma-informed work in Yupik Alaska villages, re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and hospice bereavement counseling. Patricia has also provided services for Native American and Native Alaskan clients.
Currently her focus includes treatment for depression, anxiety related to trauma histories, recovery from traumatic bonding and narcissistic abuse, and clinical work with adults on the autism spectrum seeking to understand Asperger's and its effects on relationships. She also provides supportive care for LGBTQIA individuals navigating sexual orientation, gender identity, coming-out processes, intimacy and relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and workplace or social stigma. Patricia is committed to addressing visible and invisible disability issues and neurodiversity topics such as ADD/ADHD and dyslexia, with attention to learning styles, inclusiveness, and advocacy for disability rights.
Overall, Patricia presents a depth of clinical experience and a practical, collaborative approach intended to help clients increase resilience, authenticity, and well-being through motivation, commitment, and skill building.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Gottman Method Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Patricia Sumlin have?
Patricia Sumlin has 25 years of experience.
Is Patricia Sumlin a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LMFT credential and maintains these licenses: CA LMFT 44844, WA LMFT LF 60059026.
In which languages does Patricia Sumlin provide therapy?
Patricia Sumlin provides therapy in English.
Where is Patricia Sumlin located?
Patricia Sumlin is located in Washington.
How can I work with Patricia Sumlin as my therapist?
Clients can work with Patricia Sumlin through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Patricia Sumlin work with international clients?
Patricia Sumlin does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Patricia Sumlin cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match clients with a therapist. Depending on availability, a first session can then be scheduled and may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Sessions Be a Good Fit?
Clients often wonder whether remote therapy can truly help. For many common concerns - including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions - online therapy can be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person care.One of the clearest advantages is flexibility. Clients may connect with a therapist in the way that fits their life and comfort level: via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This range of options can make it easier to maintain consistency and integrate therapeutic work into daily routines.
Licensed professionals provide these services, and clients are able to change therapists if they prefer a different fit. For many people, remote sessions offer an accessible, practical path to receiving ongoing support and making meaningful progress.