Talk Therapy

Talk Therapy services offered in Gig Harbor, WA

At Andrew’s Compassionate Legacy, board-certified nurse practitioner Dr. Gina Hardage-Athetis, MSc, FNP-CB, PsyD, PhD, offers talk therapy via telehealth or office based care, so you can have access to evidence-based support anywhere in Washington state. Talk therapy involves judgment-free conversation with Dr. Gina Hardage-Athetis, but it’s structured to go far beyond that, aiming to improve your mental health, manage stress, or support recovery from substance use. To get the expert support you deserve, schedule your appointment by calling or clicking now.

Talk Therapy Q&A

What is talk therapy?

At Andrew’s Compassionate Legacy, talk therapy (psychotherapy) provides a structured setting where you work with Dr. Hardage-Athetis to explore your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life experiences. Through guided conversations, she helps you better understand your challenges and develop strategies to get where you want to be.

Talk therapy can address the emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors connected to substance use, as well as issues such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Relationship struggles
  • Stress
  • Grief and loss

Dr. Hardage-Athetis aims to help you heal and create more of what you want in life.

What are the benefits of talk therapy?

Talk therapy offers many benefits, including:

Better self-awareness

In a safe, supportive space, you can gain new insight into why you think and feel the way you do. If you’re in substance use disorder recovery, talk therapy also supports long-term progress by identifying triggers and strategizing your resilience.

Emotional support

Life challenges can feel overwhelming when you tackle them alone, so Dr. Hardage-Athetis creates a nonjudgmental environment where you can be heard and understood.

Practical coping skills

Dr. Hardage-Athetis teaches you techniques, such as breathing exercises, to better manage stress. She can also help you reduce cravings, improve communication, and respond to difficult emotions in healthier ways. 

What different kinds of talk therapy are available?

Dr. Hardage-Athetis may recommend:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and replace negative thought patterns
  • Motivational interviewing to explore your personal motivation for change and support growth
  • Trauma-informed therapy addresses, processes, and seeks to help you heal from trauma
  • Group therapy, another form of talk therapy, allows you to connect with others facing similar challenges

Some counseling programs, such as multicultural integrative therapy, can use a combination of these approaches to provide you with comprehensive care.

What can I expect from talk therapy?

You can meet with Dr. Hardage-Athetis through secure video or telephone sessions, without having to leave your home. She asks questions, listens carefully, and guides the conversation toward topics that support your treatment goals. 

You may discuss your current challenges, reflect on past experiences, or learn specific coping strategies. Meeting from home can help you feel relaxed, speak more openly, and stay more consistent with your appointments.

For effective and accessible support, schedule your talk therapy session via telehealth now. Call the office or book online to get started.