Me and My Practice
Counseling is my passion and my calling.
I really love what I do.
Being a therapist is a privilege.
It has enriched my life through helping and learning alongside
the great people I have come to know over the years.
I am very thankful.
ABOUT MY COUNSELING PRACTICE
Welcome to my professional page. I’m Gera, a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 30 years of dedicated clinical experience. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy services through my thriving solo practice. I offer in-person counseling in beautiful Enumclaw, Washington, nestled in the foothills of the Cascades near Mount Rainier, as well as secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services for clients residing across Washington State and Montana.
I work with adolescents and adults, offering individual counseling, couples counseling, and family counseling services. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative, educational, and deeply empathetic process. Because every individual and family system is unique, I take an eclectic approach, drawing from multiple advanced therapeutic modalities to tailor a treatment plan that directly supports your recovery and emotional wellness.
CLINICAL SPECIALTIES & AREAS OF FOCUS
I provide comprehensive treatment for stressors ranging from mild-to-moderate life transitions to serious emotional and mental health disturbances, including:
• Mood & Anxiety Disorders (Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Panic, Overcoming Perfectionism)
• Grief, Loss, Child Loss, and Specialized Prolonged Grief Disorder Treatment
• Relationship Issues, Pre-Marital Counseling, Divorce, and Blended Family Dynamics
• High-Functioning Individuals, Executive Stress, Educator Burnout, and Caregiver Burnout
• Trauma, Attachment, Estrangements, Mid-Life Transitions, and Imposter Syndrome
• Foster Care, Post-Adoption Adjustment, and Family Bonding Support
• Specialized Parenting Coaching (For parents of children under 14 to help continue supportive care in the home)
ADVANCED TRAINING & THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
With over three decades of experience spanning agencies, homes, schools, hospitals, and private practice, my treatment models draw from the leading edges of psychotherapy training:
• ECOSYSTEMIC STRUCTURAL FAMILY THERAPY: I completed 3 years of post-graduate education at Philadelphia Child Guidance (now the Philadelphia Child and Family Training Center), studying as a second-generation Minuchin counselor.
• PROLONGED GRIEF DISORDER THERAPY: I obtained post-graduate training at Columbia University's Center for Prolonged Grief under founder Dr. Katherine Shear.
• INTEGRATIVE MODALITIES: I seamlessly blend Somatic-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS & MEMBERSHIPS
• Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Montana Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Approved Supervisor for LMHCs in Washington State (Please contact me to discuss supervision requirements)
• Active Member: American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA)
WORKSHOPS & PUBLIC SPEAKING
In addition to clinical care, I’m an active community educator and public speaker. My presentation and workshop topics include relationships, parenting, mental health, and loss. My recent speaking engagements include repeat presentations at Camp Widow - San Diego, the Seabeck Grief Retreat (sponsored by King County Widowed Information and Consultation Services and The Compassionate Friends), and my senior-focused "Good Grief" workshop series right here in Enumclaw.
INSURANCE, BILLING, & ACCESSIBILITY
I accept both private pay clients and those who have health insurance. To make your care seamless, I bill insurance providers directly on your behalf or provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
• IN-NETWORK PANELS: Premera, Regence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Lifewise, First Choice Health Network, and Cigna.
• OUT-OF-NETWORK SERVICES: Available for Aetna and Kaiser.
• Note: I am not paneled with Medicare. I highly recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly to verify your outpatient mental health benefits.
Office in Enumclaw
On a personal note, I’m an adoptive mom of three wonderful kids, an Oma (grandma), and a quasi-empty-nester. I was unexpectedly widowed at age 39. Josie, my canine companion, is my telehealth co-therapist. My passions include hiking/walking, music, photography, cooking/baking, writing, still-water kayaking, and long-distance swimming. I’m a novice quilter and landscaper (i.e. sticker bush hater). Laughter is a part of my every day life and humor is a must. As a former Girl Scout leader, I love being outdoors and surrounded by all that is nature (except frogs). I adore travel and learning about new cultures, anthropology, and history. I think it’s fair to say that I have a zeal for life and am a life-long learner. Carpe diem!
My mantra and prayer for humanity is: Love.
So, enough about me. Let's start talking about YOU.
Send me an email at gera.mcguire@geramcguire.com so we can schedule some time to talk. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Based in Enumclaw, I proudly serve the Tahoma and Enumclaw Plateau communities, including neighbors in Black Diamond, Maple Valley, Covington, and Buckley. I also offer telehealth services for clients across Montana and Washington State. Hybrid services are also available for clients, including those in South King and Pierce Counties, from Auburn and Kent down to Bonney Lake and Puyallup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
You don't need to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy. Counseling is a tool for anyone looking to navigate life transitions, improve relationships, manage stress, process past experiences, or gain self-awareness. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want a dedicated space to work on personal growth, therapy can help.
What should I expect during the first session (intake)?
The initial session focuses on gathering background information and getting to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to counseling and what goals you want to achieve. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions and see if my therapeutic style feels like a good fit for you.
How long are sessions, and how often will we meet?
Standard individual sessions run for 45–60 minutes. Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a therapeutic relationship. Over time, as you make progress toward your goals, we can adjust to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance sessions.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
The duration varies based on your individual goals and the complexity of what you're addressing. Some clients achieve their specific goals through short-term therapy (8–12 sessions), while others engage in open-ended therapy for ongoing personal development. We will regularly check in on your progress together.
Counseling for Prolonged Grief is typically 16 sessions.
Do you accept insurance?
In-Network Practice: I am in-network with Premera, Regence, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Cigna, LifeWise, and First Choice Health.
Please verify your mental health coverage, co-pay, and deductible with your insurance provider prior to our first appointment.
Out-of-Network Practice: I am an out-of-network provider for Aetna and Kaiser. Payment is due at the time of service, but I can provide you with an itemized receipt (Superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
I am not paneled with Medicare.
If you do not wish to use your insurance, I also offer out-of-pocket services.
What are your out-of-pocket session rates?
Individuals (<52 minutes) $175
Couples/Families $200
Evaluation $250
What is your cancellation policy?
I require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments without notice will be charged $100 as that time is reserved exclusively for you. Insurance companies do not pay for cancellations/no shows. Emergency exceptions are considered.
Is everything we discuss confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is strictly confidential protected by state laws and professional ethics. Information will not be shared without your written consent, with a few legally mandated exceptions:
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult.
Imminent risk of serious self-harm or physical harm to others.
A valid court order or subpoena.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
A strong therapeutic connection is essential for successful counseling. During our initial consultation, notice whether you feel heard, respected, and comfortable. If we determine that your specific needs fall outside my clinical scope, I will provide qualified referrals to therapists who may be a better fit.
Can my animal support pet come to counseling with me?
I'm glad that you have found comfort in an animal companion. Unfortunately my practice cannot accommodate them due to the allergies of others. Pictures and videos, however, are welcome.
Have a question not listed here?
Feel free to send me an email and we can set up a time to talk.