Calm ocean with gentle ripples under a soft blue sky with a few wispy clouds.

One must not lose hope but keep courage in the certainty that the hopelessness of our struggle does not detract from its dignity and meaning.

-VIKTOR E FRANKL

The mark of a wild heart is living out the paradox of love in our lives, it’s the ability to be tough and tender, excited and scared, brave and afraid - all in the same moment. It’s showing up in our vulnerability and our courage, being both fierce and kind.

-Brené Brown

Welcome to Confident Expectations Counseling Services

Featured Therapies

We invite you to investigate the therapy services we offer

and explore the modalities we use to get a feel for who we are and our styles

so that you can begin to determine if we are the right fit for the work you are looking to do.

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COUPLES THERAPY

Couples therapy is a uniquely focused space to work with a partner on increasing communication skills/tools, be guided therapeutically through repairing a relationship rupture (relational infidelity, sexual infidelity, financial betrayal), rekindle intimacy, connection and depth in your relationship, re-focus values, process a trauma, communicate through family transitions (becoming parents, empty-nest, caring for elderly parent, family tragedy, loss), and even a relationship tune-up. Couples therapy isn’t only for couples in crisis, it’s recognizing that sometimes the things we care about most are the areas we put-off attending to. We transform as humans and the ritual of dating escapes us and we realize we need to re-learn who our partner is and find joy and connection again.

Our practice utilizes a combination of evidence-based modalities in couples’ therapy. We commonly utilize the Gottman Couple Therapy modality which focuses on gathering information about present concerns and providing depth in exploration so that partners can have greater understanding of one another, while providing practical tools and skills to begin immediate change in relationship patterns that have the highest negative outcomes for couples. Our couples therapists will teach things like emotional regulation tools, communication patterns that avoid common barriers such as Criticizing, Blaming, attacking one another (Contempt), and avoiding communication (Stonewalling). Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) is another primary modality that we use to focus on the couple’s emotional intimacy, their ability to get to the heart of their pain, fears, and their needs. We observe patterns (the dance) of the relationship and make connections like, when you _______, I _______. We use curiosity toward our past, our childhood, and our attachment styles for understanding of our wounds and creating safety within the relationship for healing.

Couples Therapy Billing: Couples therapy is Private Pay Only as insurance plans generally do not cover relational therapy. If you believe your insurance plan does cover couples therapy, please call and ask them what billing code they are referring to as most note the use of CPT code 90847 which is couple/family with client present which we define as Individual Relational Therapy (defined in its own service-section). Our Couples Therapy rates reflect the training, certifications, experience and continued education we uphold in order to be highly competent at this therapeutic expertise.

A woman sitting on a beige sofa during a therapy session, talking to a therapist whose back is facing the camera.

FAMILY THERAPY

Family Therapy may include parent-child, siblings, multiple generations, varying combinations of family members and often focuses on family dynamics, communication patterns, past wounds, family trauma, ruptures within the family system, individual roles/rules within a family system, triangulation, the ways families attempt to maintain system balance (scapegoat, protector, parentified children), interdependence, codependency, generational trauma, historical family patterns, addiction, unconscious alignments, narcissism, sexual trauma, reunification, cut-off/no-contact/low-contact/estrangement, guilt and shame within a family system, secret keeping and much more.

Family Therapy Billing: Family therapy is Private Pay Only as insurance plans generally do not cover relational therapy. If you believe your insurance plan does cover family therapy, please call and ask them what billing code they are referring to as most note the use of CPT code 90847 which is couple/family with client present which we define as Individual Relational Therapy (defined in its own service-section). Our FamilyTherapy rates reflect systemic family training and focus, having experience with complex family systems and mediation skills. We focus and commit to continued education in order to be competent at this unique and specific therapeutic expertise.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

There are seasons in our life that we find it useful to seek support. It can be a transition that feels challenging to face or choices feel overwhelming, confusion in relationships, noticing negative patterns, a past or recent trauma that feels heavy, anxiety peaking, depression, sadness/grief that persists, as well as many other circumstances. These seasons offer us the opportunity to self-reflect, become introspective, realize the need for boundaries, find new coping tools, or gather a different perspective. Individual therapy offers a safe and sacred space to do that work with the guidance and care/nurture of a trained therapist.

Individual Therapy is insurance-eligible, meaning, we accept the following insurance brands/plans and can bill them directly for mental/behavioral health therapy services.

The Confident Expectations Counseling Group Practice is credential with: Premera, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Regence, Anthem, United Healthcare/UMR, Aetna, Cigna, Asuris, Kaiser Permanente WA, First Choice and Pacific Source plans. We can also provide a Superbill for a client wishing to utilize an out-of-network plan (all submission, insurance dealings, and reimbursement is the burden of the client). Clients are always welcome to Private-Pay which does not involve insurance plans.

Couples, Relational Repair,
Logo for Certified Gottman Therapist showing text and outline of two faces about to kiss.
Infographic titled "Benefits of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)" with four sections in abstract shapes. The sections are: "Improved Emotional Awareness" explaining clients gain understanding of their emotions; "Enhanced Emotional Regulation" detailing EFT helps manage emotions; "Strengthened Relationships" describing EFT fosters empathy, understanding, and attachment; and "Resolution of Unresolved Trauma" explaining EFT offers a safe space to process past trauma.

INDIVIDUAL-RELATIONAL THERAPY

Individual-Relational Therapy is an insurance-eligible service, utilizing the CPT code 90847 (Couple/Family with client present). We define this service as having an identified client, who carries a diagnosis and treatment plan and benefits from a partner or family member participating as a collatoral support to their growth and healing. The focus of this therapy includes relationship dynamics, but is billed under a single person’s insurance and the other participant is not a therapy client. In this therapy, the therapist is considering the couple but primarily utilizing modalities that are less focused on couples processes such as Gottman & Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).

The Confident Expectations Counseling Group Practice is credential with: Premera, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Regence, Anthem, United Healthcare/UMR, Aetna, Cigna, Asuris, Kaiser Permanente WA, First Choice and Pacific Source plans. We can also provide a Superbill for a client wishing to utilize an out-of-network plan (all submission, insurance dealings, and reimbursement is the burden of the client). Clients are always welcome to Private-Pay which does not involve insurance plans.

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Therapists & Team

GRETCHEN SCOTT, MA. LMFT, Practice Owner, AAMFT Clinical Supervisor Fellow GRETCHEN SCOTT, MA. LMFT, Practice Owner, AAMFT Clinical Supervisor Fellow
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GRETCHEN SCOTT, MA. LMFT, Practice Owner, AAMFT Clinical Supervisor Fellow

PARTNER. MOTHER. FRIEND. SUN LOVER. NURTURER OF SOULS

There is a voice in each of us that is unburdened by fear and untouched by insecurity that has utter calm, that emanates love for oneself and others, and that knows exactly who we would be if we were brave enough to show up as our true selves.

-Tara Mohr

A little about me and my perspective of therapy:

I am naturally curious about people and their stories; I am fulfilled by listening, discovering, and understanding others and helping them find compassionate ways to move forward in their journey of life. I value growth, deep connection, transparency, authentic relationships, and healing. I believe that life intersects all of us with suffering, hardships, times in the desert, uncertainty, trauma, loss, as well as beauty, awe and wonder. Many of these seasons we traverse with resilience and some we need a guide, someone to bare witness to our pain, direction, reminding, perspectives of hope, and empathy and connection amongst our suffering. Seeking support is evidence of our strength! As a Marriage & Family Therapist I have studied, sought, read, listened, and learned effective evidence-based tools to walk alongside, to nudge, to offer a hopeful perspective, to suggest tools and reframing of circumstances that can break us free of our stuckness.

Some of my meaningful focus’ are life transitions, relationship rupture, narcissist parents/family, spiritual trauma, family system dynamics, people-pleasing, perfectionism, attachment wounds, ADHD, boundary setting, deepening emotional capacity/perspectives/understanding, parenting tools, anxiety, safely exploring trauma, adoption, nervous system dysregulation (somatic awareness), processing grief, and anxiety and depression.

My approach in therapy is that healing occurs with nervous system safety, through feeling heard, understood, and validated with empathy and connection. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Self-Compassion Theory are the foundational lenses that I use, believing that when we offer ourselves kindness and nurture, we can safely explore areas for growth and past traumas. I also lean into Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Strengths-based, Existential Approaches, Culturally Sensitive, Attachment Theory, and Gottman.

About me:

I am a wife and partner of thirty-two years, a mother of three children, ages 26, 25, and 20, and a proud ‘second choice human’ of our Boston Terrier named ‘Gus.’ I have been a stay-at-home mom and a working mom and continue to learn and grow how to best love and support my amazing kids. My husband and I enjoy exploring new areas/cultures through travel and food. Our family vacations are recently focused on visiting National Parks and sunny islands. My favorite self-care treat is sitting in the sun with a riveting fiction novel, drinking a mocha over a deep conversation, working in my yard, or dreaming of where to take our next vacation. Spirituality is a part of my worldview and I wrestle with how to authentically live-out my faith in a complex world. I would describe myself as a warm, connecting-focused introvert who doesn’t like to be the center of attention, and finds an intimate conversation with another, what fills my soul.


Mental Health Therapist Career Opportunity Mental Health Therapist Career Opportunity
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Mental Health Therapist Career Opportunity

Calling all Licensed and Associate Licensed Mental Health Professionals! Join our team at Confident Expectations Counseling Services in Spokane WA. We offer flexible scheduling, supportive supervision, and a collaborative environment where you can make a lasting positive impact on the clients you serve while advancing your career and enhancing your skills.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Mental Health Therapist provides individual, pre-marital, couples, and family counseling in both an in-person and telehealth setting. Therapists work with clients to get to know their individual needs, set goals, and create diagnoses, if appropriate. Therapists work to build insight, identify patterns, and create change, emphasizing applying what is discussed in therapy to everyday life between sessions.  This position requires appropriately coordinating and managing caseload, new client referrals, existing clients, and handling workload in a professional and consistent manner that demonstrates valuing the client and the reputation of the organization.

Therapy and Caseload Management

●       Provides counseling services in a telehealth and in-person environment (via video or phone based on client preference and insurance requirements.

●       Provides evidence-based bio/psycho/social/emotional support to clients.

●       Gathers and analyzes information through a variety of methods that may include observation, interviews, self-report inventories, discussions, and/or formal assessments.

●       Diagnoses and applies appropriate treatments for psychological disorders.

●       Collaborates with clients to develop plans to positively manage and respond to issues; assists clients with replacing unhealthy or dysfunctional behaviors with healthy choices.

●       Provides expert insight on how family, social, and other dynamics affect psychological health.

●       Collaborates with clients to develop post-treatment activity plans. Refers clients to specialists for further treatment as appropriate.

●       Identifies problematic behaviors, communication, relationships, and other patterns and supports the client in building new supportive patterns and relationships. 

●       Develops and maintains accurate records regarding case progress, evaluations, and any further treatment recommendations.

Documentation and Ethical Requirements

●       Enters, transcribes, records, and maintains HIPAA compliant information. Completes all case notes and paperwork consistently and on-time (case notes must be completed within 24-36 hours and by every Friday at 5pm). Drafts and submits necessary paperwork to insurance companies in a timely manner.

●       Maintains compliance with billing and insurance requirements, ethical codes and standards. Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. Seeks supervision and support as needed. Documenting thoroughly.

●       Stays up to date with CEU's and mandatory educational requirements (per instructed via your license and Confident Expectations) and applying new knowledge to your job.

Interpersonal Relationships and Communication

●       Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

●       Represents the company professionally in communications with supervisor, co-worker, clients, and members of the public.

●       Escalates pricing decisions and other financial matters to the company owner.

●       Attends supervision sessions, required meetings, and continuing professional education. 

●       Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Resolves conflicts appropriately, escalating matters of significance to the company owner.

●       Performs other job-related duties as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

●       Valid license (full licensure or associate-level licensure) to provide clinical therapy in Washington State (i.e. LMFT, LMHC, LMFC, LPC, PsyD, or similar credentials.)

●       Currently residing in Washington State.

●       Computer proficiency and a reliable internet connection. This position requires regular use of computers to enter data, process information, and submit information to comply with insurance billing and company, state, and licensing requirements.

●       Excellent verbal and written communication skills and listening skills.

●       Compassionate and empathetic with a strong ability to establish and build trust with appropriate boundaries.

●       Ability to remain calm and reassuring in tense situations and to de-escalate conflicts.

●       Thorough understanding of human behavior, various behavioral and affective disorders, and the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these disorders.

●       Organizational skills required to manage complex, deadline-driven paperwork including session notes, billing, and insurance claims processes and paperwork. 

●       Thorough understanding and application of applicable ethical codes and standards, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance.

●       Commitment to upholding the company mission and values in your work.

●       This position requires at least four (4) days per week working in-person in the office.

●       Due to the practice’s work with families and children, a background check is required. Criminal history does not necessarily preclude employment and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis as it relates to the duties of this role.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

●       Flexible scheduling

●       5 days PTO annually

●       Paid sick time

●       Flexible schedule with in-person/virtual session offerings

●       $200/month benefits stipend OR No Cost Supervision by AAMFT Clinical Supervisor Fellow

●       $200/year in CEU reimbursement

●       Company-provided laptop

●       A collaborative, supportive working environment

LOCATION: 8601 N Division, Suite G, Spokane, WA 99208

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Non-Exempt/Hourly

HOURS: 23 client billable hours + up to 3 hours of administrative time weekly. Set your own hours working 4 or 5 days a week. Requires at least four (4) days in office.

PAY: $50/billable hour and $20/administrative hour

HIRING PROCESS: Submit your resume, and cover letter togscott@confidentexpectationscounseling.com. After the initial application review, we will reach out to selected candidates for a phone interview, which will be followed by an in-person interview for selected candidates.

WHO WE ARE

At Confident Expectations Counseling Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, heal from past traumas, and build stronger, healthier relationships. Through a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Bowen Therapy, we help clients navigate life's challenges and discover their true potential. Our team of experienced therapists is committed to fostering authenticity, vulnerability, and acceptance, guiding clients toward a path of self-discovery and emotional well-being.

We welcome you to apply! Confident Expectations Counseling Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

BRIAN, Practice Billing/Insurance & Payroll Specialist BRIAN, Practice Billing/Insurance & Payroll Specialist
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BRIAN, Practice Billing/Insurance & Payroll Specialist

Our billing expert is Brian and he serves both our clients and our staff to ensure a smooth, clear, and a well communicated billing and insurance journey. Brian has worked in finance and analysis and prides himself in being investegative and highly prioritizes organization and attention to detail. Brian enjoys skiing, building his vintage stereo and music collection, paddle-boarding, watching soccer, cooking, keeping a pristine yard, and working on home projects.

Brian handles all client onboarding, assisting clients with knowing their insurance benefits, dealing with our insurance billing and client payments. He also handles our payroll and other administrative roles.

Connect with us…

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To Teach is to Learn Twice

-Joseph Joubert

AAMFT Clinical Supervision

Blue badge with white text reading "Supervisor Fellow" and yellow laurel wreath, featuring the AAMFT logo at the top.

Frequently asked Supervision questions

Q: Is an AAMFT Clinician Supervisior the same as a Washington State Supervisor?

A: No. AAMFT Approved Supervisors have gone through training designed by AAMFT to promote the highest level of proficiency for supervisors; 30 hours of training and a written assessment of their knowledge and understanding with 180 hours of clinical supervision while being mentored by an AAMFT approved Supervision Mentor. States/provinces and other organizations have the differing guidelines. A Washington state Approved Supervisor undergos a 15 hour training requirement and 25 hours of experience in supervision of clinical practice.

Q: How often would I meet with my Clinical Supervisor?

A: We will meet once a week either virtually or in-person.

AAMFT Approved Supervision

Are you an associate or pre-licensed clinician and looking for mentoring, coaching, case and ethical/legal consulting, and a professional advocate? I am an Washington State AAMFT approved Clinical Supervisor Fellow and able to offer Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervision and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervision and oversight.

The supervision models I utilize includes homogenized perspectives from Bowen, Self-Compassion, Insight-Oriented, Emotion-Curious, Somatic, IFS Parts-Identifying modalities. In supervision, I focus on a developmental progressive-stage scaffolding framework to asses and assist in appropriate staged support.

Some of the areas that are attended to within supervision include: ethics and legal factors, self-of-the-therapist, systemic understanding, case conceptualization, treatment planning, sensitivity to contextual and developmental factors, personal and professional growth/balance/competency, and practice management.

In short, my view of supervision is that of a map - assisting to determine route, factoring influences and barriers, determining means and planning an itinerary (and re-routing as necessary), inspecting terrain and outside influences, and shepherding your journey.

To learn more or set up a meeting regarding supervision offerings, please reach out to me at gscott@confidentexpectationscounseling.com. Supervision typically involves meeting weekly, case-presentation, continued learning, and occasional live supervision.

Learn More About Your Specific Licensure Supervision Requirements:

Washington State Department of Health Supervision Requirements for LMFTAs

Washington State Department of Health Supervision Requirements for LMHCAs

Washinton State Department of Health Supervision Reuirement s for LCSWAs

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