“All healing is first a healing of the heart.”

–Carl Townsend

Individual Therapy

  • I have 30 years of experience and utilize research, evidence-based practices rooted in psychodynamic, attachment-based psychology, and Self-psychology. I value the therapeutic relationship and see this as our vehicle for change.

    I also rely on Existential influences: together, we will explore the meaning of your experiences.

    Traveling together on this journey will require some tools; we will utilize cognitive-behavioral interventions as needed.

    Narrative-based: your story is the most important in your life, and we can help write your future chapters together.

    Your story and journey are sacred; I want to create a space and take the time where you feel safe and understand your profound value and worth.

  • I offer brief and long-term psychotherapy; each journey is unique and will take time to discover and heal as we travel together and take a strength-based approach. You know you BEST!

    I work best with those looking for more profound meaning and healing rather than a quick fix.

    I will ask permission to challenge gently; we will explore your beliefs, other perspectives, and ways of knowing.

    I would like your feedback as we journey together; all healthy relationships require this vital aspect.

    I will engage humbly, utilizing a culturally sensitive approach that honors you. All are welcome!

Couples Therapy

  • I have 30 years of experience and utilize an research, evidence-based, emotion-focused approach with couples to explore what is working and not working from a strength-based lens.

    Couples therapy is about understanding how each person impacts the relationship and learning how to understand how you move together as a couple. What is the dance you as a couple do in the relationship?

    I can help you better understand relationship patterns, conflicts, and needs and restore harmony in the relationship.

    In treatment, we will work on communication patterns, find ways to increase connection and collaboration, decrease conflict, enhance intimacy, and heal wounds.

    Couples therapy focuses on building the “we” in the relationship and helps you find your way back to being lovers rather than simply roommates.

    Are you ready to rekindle the spark that ignited the fire when you fell in love?

    Are you ready to get your relationship back on track?

Discernment Counseling

  • If you or your spouse are considering divorce but are not completely sure that’s the best path, you are in a tough spot. Discernment Counseling is designed for you. It’s a chance to slowdown, take a breath, and look at your options for your marriage.

    Discernment Counseling is a new way of helping couples where one person is “leaning out” of the relationship—and not sure that regular marriage counseling would help--and the other is "leaning in”—that is, interested in rebuilding the marriage.

    Dr. Skillestad Winans will help you decide whether to try to restore your marriage to health, move toward divorce, or take a time out and decide later utilizing research- based principles.

    Discernment Counseling is not suited for these situations

    When one spouse has already made a final decision to divorce.

    When one spouse is coercing the other to participate.

    When there is danger of domestic violence.

  • The goal is for you to gain clarity and confidence about a direction, based on a deeper understanding of your relationship and its possibilities for the future.

    The goal is not to solve your marital problems but to see if they are solvable. You will each be treated with compassion and respect no matter how you are feeling about your marriage at the moment. No bad guys and good guys.

  • You will come in as a couple, but the most important work occurs in the one-to-one conversations with the Dr. Skillestad Winans.

    Why? Because you are starting out in different places.

    Dr. Skillestad Winans respects your reasons for divorce while trying to open up the possibility of restoring the marriage to health.

    Dr. Skillestad Winans emphasizes the importance of each of you seeing your own contributions to the problems and the possible solutions. This will be useful in future relationships even if this one ends.

  • All sessions are conducted via telehealth. I am available to provide services to couples located in Washington State and all PSYPACT states.

    We will meet for one to five sessions. After each session, the couple will decide if they want to continue.

    Each session is 2 hours. Both individuals are present during the 2-hours but may be waiting in the “waiting room” while each person has individual time with Dr. Skillestad Winans.

    If you are looking to work through the Discernment Counseling process over the course of 2-3 days, Intensive Sessions are the right modality for you. Fee Upon Request. A non-refundable payment of 50% is required at the time of scheduling.

    $400 per session, sliding scale available.