Soleil Counseling

At Soleil Counseling, we believe that every individual has the strength and resilience to overcome life's challenges. As a licensed therapist, I, Jocelyn Elderkin, MA, LMFT, am dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for individuals, children, teens, and families to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

About Me

Originally from Arizona, I have been living in Seattle since 2008. I received my Bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in Women's Studies and my Master's degree from Antioch University in Applied Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization. My previous therapy experience was in the community mental health setting, working primarily with children, teens, and families. I also have several years of experience as a youth mentor for at-risk youth and teens, and am a Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator.

As a mama myself, I understand the struggles, challenges, and great responsibility of trying to balance parenting, family, work, and your own time. It's hard. I get it. And sometimes in the mix of all that chaos, it's challenging to acknowledge and enjoy the happy and wonderful moments. But they do exist! Sometimes we just need someone to help us see them more clearly and create a plan to experience less chaos and more happiness more often.

My Approach

My goal is always to meet every client with compassion. I have deep respect for your journey and believe compassion is essential to building trust and creating healing. Throughout therapy sessions, I employ a strengths-based approach with individuals and families and often encourage my clients to explore their own strengths and how they can apply those strengths to achieving their goals. I like to use warmth, empathy, and humor to connect. I really enjoy watching people grow and become happier.

I address family-of-origin issues and look at how our environment, life experience, and current relationships affect the choices and decisions we make. Even though we may often discuss the past, our work will not be focused on what has been, but rather how you are currently embodying your personal history in your thoughts, choices, relationships, and parenting styles.

Services

I offer a range of services, including individual, family, and couples counseling. When working with children and teens, I use a mix of play and talk therapy. Because most children don't have the verbal capacity to express themselves, play therapy is very effective. And what teen doesn't appreciate a safe, non-judgmental space to vent and explore their feelings?

I recognize their individual pace and various systemic influences and respect that through the therapy process. I also apply that same approach with the parents. And I believe it's important to meet individually with the child/teen as well as together with the parents and family. Family relationships influence us in more ways than we realize and viewing these dynamics as well as discussing new tools and skills is why it's important for us all to meet.

Why Seek Counseling?

Do you feel like you've been in a rut for a long time? Are you struggling to overcome the challenges in your life? Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward? Seeking counseling can be a powerful step towards positive change. I believe that everyone deserves support and guidance on their journey to emotional well-being.

What to Expect

In our first session, we will begin with a review of my practice, confidentiality, and mandated reporting. We will then review your intake form and talk about what you hope to gain from therapy. This first session will also allow you to see if you feel I'm a good fit for you and if we would work well together.

How Do I Know If the Therapist is Right for Me?

You should feel like you're making progress, even if it seems difficult at times. Your therapist should collaborate with you, challenge you to think and engage differently, and question your assumptions. After the first session, you should have a feeling if the therapist is right for you. Above all, trust your gut. You'll know if it's a good fit.