Travis Gordon – Professional Background

he/him

I graduated from Antioch University Seattle in March of 2020 with my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before relocating to Seattle, I completed my BA in Psychology from the University of Hilo in Hilo, Hawaii in 2012.

I worked in community mental health with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds and a variety of presenting problems. I began my career in mental health during the upswing of the pandemic which exposed me to the harsh realities and struggles that many individuals face. Through this experience, I learned the importance of mental health and the life-changing support it offers. I also supported children, teens, and their families. I found working with adolescence to be rewarding and equally challenging due to personal, familial, and societal expectations that are placed on teens while exploring their own individuality. A valuable lesson learned while working with adolescence is by being present, creating a safe space, expressing interest, showing care, and attempting to understand them and their world can provide the encouragement and motivation needed to tackle life as it comes.

I grew up believing that life was a culmination of isolation, depression, and anxiety. It was not until my early 20s that I realized how wrong I was. It was a mix of validation, support, and care that helped me create a healthier way of living; to finally feel normal. It was that caring and helping hand that led me to my passion to help others. My goal is to now become that helping hand to others.

Specialization and Focus

My special interest is in family therapy. Family therapy encourages effective communication, healthy boundaries, expectations, selected family roles, and how the family history affects the family currently.  I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults ages 13-21 and their parents.

I treat families who are experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, adjustment issues, social skills, exploring individual needs, parenting skills, conflict in relationships, behavioral issues, and trauma. I also provide parenting consultations for families with teens.

Therapeutic Approach

I am an integrative therapist. Client-centered therapy is the backbone of my approach and I integrate theories and therapies such as family systems theory, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) solution-focused, narrative, and motivational interviewing. My belief is that there are three pillars of successful treatment in therapy. First is to build rapport. Building a relationship between a therapist and a client creates, not only a foundation for validation and healing, it also fosters a platform for growth. Second is to identify a goal. It is a fundamental step for the therapist and the client to establish what the client wants to change and to ultimately instill growth. Third is the plan on how to achieve the goal. The therapist and the client collaborate in establishing a course of action toward goals.

Therapy with me looks like a conversation. We sit together and explore the many facets of your life. I will walk with you, I will not push you (unless asked). Together, we will create goals based on your individual needs. I hope from our experience with therapy together, you walk away feeling confident and with a better sense of self. 

When I’m not doing therapy…

I spend time with my fiancée and my dog by going out for walks and exploring different dog parks. I enjoy connecting with my friends by playing games. I also like to tap into my creative side by cooking, drawing, and doing hands-on projects.

To schedule an appointment with Travis Gordon, please call the office at (425) 686-9509.