David Hodel, MA, LMHC, EMDR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(206) 620-1602 | [email protected]
As a counselor, I seek to be sensitive to my clients’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual condition during any given session, following their lead to determine which direction we’ll go with our conversation. I try not to push beyond their capacity, but rather gently guide and point things out as we travel together on the path toward healing and well-being. I provide a welcoming, judgment-free zone in which clients can share their burdens and feel heard and understood. I’d love to chat with you about how you can write a new chapter in your story.
Online (WA only) – Tue & Thu
Tacoma – Mon, Wed & Fri
It is my great privilege to chart a path of discovery with my clients as we seek healing and growth together, taking cues from my clients, patiently and graciously encouraging them to take the time they need to work through painful situations. With compassion and companionship, I welcome any concerns or issues people may bring. I let my clients determine the topic of conversation and the depth of introspection, depending on their level of comfort on that day. Together, over time and with God’s help, we journey toward emotional well-being.
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
My goal as a counselor is to help each client move toward growth and healing. I strive to create a welcoming atmosphere in which people can bring whatever they need to bring. This will be different for each person, but my clients can expect a safe, judgement-free environment where we can journey side by side as we move together toward solutions. Ultimately, I want to help people write a better story for themselves.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
I believe each person is an amazing, unique reflection of the image of God. Just by turning oxygen into carbon dioxide, you are astonishing and glorious, no matter what you have done, not done, or experienced. If we can start to grasp this even a little, it begins to change us. I am sensitive to each client’s needs, with the hope of creating a safe environment where all emotions are welcome, even the most uncomfortable ones.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
With kindness, compassion, and curiosity, I seek to be open and sensitive to whatever my client brings to our time together. In session, the client drives the bus, while I draw their attention to points of interest — then we can explore them or not, depending upon the client’s comfort level. Over time, my long-term goal is for clients to feel safe enough to visit the difficult, emotional places that keep them from thriving, and to help them make room around defenses to find freedom and peace.
Areas of Expertise / Specialties
- Anxiety
- Marriage and Family
- Grief
- Emotional Trauma and Phase of Life
- Life Coaching
- Premarital Counseling
- EMDR
On a Personal Note
God has led me down personal paths of anxiety, depression, emotional abuse, grief, and marital conflict in the past. Over time and by His grace, He has brought me through those difficult times into a new light. As a counselor, I am privileged now to have the opportunity to pay it forward by walking alongside those who are in their own dark seasons, working together to help them move toward wellness of mind, soul, body and spirit.
Qualifications and Experience
In June 2016, I earned my MA in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, after a one-year internship at Meier Clinics in Bothell, WA. Prior to that, I earned my BA in Music from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. My wife and I have been helping people with relationships on and off for 30 years.
My Call to Christian Counseling
In 2012, I was working as a software tester, fully expecting to test software from my cubicle for the rest of my life. That year, four high-profile school shootings took place and affected me deeply. By December, I found myself asking, “What am I doing sitting in a cubicle?” I decided I didn’t want my epitaph to read, “He was a good employee” – so I set out with my wife to attend graduate school in counseling.
I’ve since found much joy and reward in helping people through the ministry of counseling. If I can encourage one person to live another day when they don’t want to, that’s success.
More about Me
I was a software tester for a few years before going to school and before that I spent eight years as a freelance writer and published author. I had a musical in pre-production off-Broadway when the twin towers fell. My wife and I have been married for 30 years. She is lead singer for a couple of working bands where I play keyboards. We are new grandparents, courtesy of our oldest son and his wife. We have worked in churches on and off for three decades and have experienced both glorious and extraordinarily painful relationships working with members and leadership, so I have a heart for people who have been wounded in the context of church.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be a paralyzing condition ingrained in a person’s being. Over time, I’ll help you to identify root causes, teach you how to manage your symptoms, and ultimately, guide you on a path to experience freedom from the debilitating effects of anxiety.
Depression
My goal is for you to experience growth and healing. I recognize that this process can take time, but I will commit to discovering what this means together. Not only will I help you decrease your symptoms, but depending on the capacity for introspection, I’ll help you identify and break down barriers that may be prohibiting you from moving forward in a positive and life-giving way.
Marriage
I believe any marriage can be made to work if both people are willing to fight for it and stand together to face a common enemy – the enemy of their souls who wants the bond of marriage destroyed. I help couples identify their points of conflict and gradually meet on a middle ground of mutual agreement and relational health.
Life Coaching
In life, we have to find ways to move forward even when it hurts, since life continues to happen. For a while, moving forward might look like minuscule baby steps – but it’s still progress. As a life coach, I’ll help you develop a plan with achievable, realistic goals catered to your unique situation. I’ll teach you how to motivate yourself when you might not have thought it was possible.
Sessions: I offer 50-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.
Availability (by office location):
- Online (WA only) – Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Tacoma – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, Couples, and Teens looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.
Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Healthcare Counselor a majority of insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services as an Out of Network Provider. Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover individuals, marriage & couples, adults and adolescents.
Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a receipt for services rendered, I will provide either a printed or digital receipt for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A 2.7% swipe fee, or 3.7% + $0.15 key in fee, will be added for credit card payments.
Focus Areas
Testimonials
I am a pastor/spiritual director and have known Dave Hodel for 7+ years and regularly refer individuals seeking counseling support to him. Those who have elected to see Dave have expressed they have experienced personal insight and healing through their counseling relationship with Dave. I commend him to you as an ethical compassionate man of God who will bless your journey into wholeness.
Ron Nussli
Google Review
I have worked with David Hodel and he is an thoughtful, thought-provoking person. His insights into situations exceeded my expectations. I also know that his therapy style produces results in his clients!
Lilla Marie
Google Review