Patricia Sumlin, LMFT
Experienced LMFT focused on practical coping skills
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- Direct and compassionate
- Skill based strategies
- Values focused work
About Patricia
Patricia Sumlin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience. She supports people facing midlife questions, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and major life transitions. Her manner is direct, warm, and nonjudgmental, and she aims to help people build practical skills they can use day to day.
Patricia blends several therapeutic styles to match a person's needs. She draws on cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thinking and on acceptance-oriented work to help clients live by their values. She also uses attachment-focused ideas to look at how past relationships shape current patterns. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, and honest feedback.
Her background includes work in community clinics, residential programs, and medical-behavioral settings. She has run DBT groups and provided services in diverse communities, including Native American and Native Alaskan populations. She has experience with chronic illness care, substance use treatment, trauma programs, and hospice counseling.
Patricia sees adults dealing with trauma histories, recovery from abusive relationship patterns, neurodiversity questions such as Asperger’s, and concerns within the LGBTQIA community. She aims to help people increase emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and find greater stability in their daily lives.
Her style is practical and insight-oriented. Patricia emphasizes collaborative work, clear boundaries, and concrete tools for coping. She encourages people to use their strengths and to develop lasting skills that support resilience and well-being.
Patricia blends several therapeutic styles to match a person's needs. She draws on cognitive behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thinking and on acceptance-oriented work to help clients live by their values. She also uses attachment-focused ideas to look at how past relationships shape current patterns. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, and honest feedback.
Her background includes work in community clinics, residential programs, and medical-behavioral settings. She has run DBT groups and provided services in diverse communities, including Native American and Native Alaskan populations. She has experience with chronic illness care, substance use treatment, trauma programs, and hospice counseling.
Patricia sees adults dealing with trauma histories, recovery from abusive relationship patterns, neurodiversity questions such as Asperger’s, and concerns within the LGBTQIA community. She aims to help people increase emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and find greater stability in their daily lives.
Her style is practical and insight-oriented. Patricia emphasizes collaborative work, clear boundaries, and concrete tools for coping. She encourages people to use their strengths and to develop lasting skills that support resilience and well-being.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
California, Washington
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online work
Patricia often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with real-life experiments, which helps with anxiety, depression, and behavior change. ACT emphasizes values and committed action, guiding people toward meaningful choices even when difficult emotions remain.She also uses attachment-informed ideas to look at how early relationship patterns affect present connections. That work helps people understand repeated relationship problems and practice new ways of relating. Together these approaches support skill building, emotional regulation, and clearer relationship choices in daily life.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. Patricia helps clients decide which methods make sense based on their goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as things change. She aims to involve the client in setting goals and choosing exercises that fit their lifestyle.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when life is hectic. Others appreciate being able to use video or phone sessions depending on the day's needs. Discuss format and timing during the matching and scheduling process to find what fits best.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Patricia commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, sleep and eating difficulties, parenting stress, ADHD, and midlife transitions.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her approach is straightforward and practical. She blends goal-focused skill building with insight and honest feedback.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 25 years of experience across outpatient clinics, residential programs, and medical-behavioral settings.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT - licensed in California and Washington, and she practices in Washington.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options with the therapist before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Patricia?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.