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Angela Oberdeck, MSW, LSWAIC

My Work

It’s no secret – being human is really difficult – but you don’t need to face challenges alone. There is an Irish proverb that I love: “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” We are designed to share our experiences – to have others witness the joys, challenges, suffering, and triumphs we encounter. At times, a more structured “shelter” is needed to find a more holistic understanding of ourselves. Providing a space where you feel safe and heard is the first thing on my mind when you walk in the door. Therapy is a relationship – whether we work together for a few sessions or ongoing exploration, my aim is to help slow down the racing thoughts, interrupt the negative self-talk spiral, and walk with you to the dark corners that are so hard to face.

My focus tends to be relational in nature, but I pull from experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, somatic practices, and narrative work. I see clients from teens through older adults, focusing on issues typically experienced by those identifying as women – body image, identity exploration, mothering and mother-loss, and peri- and post-menopause, caregiver burnout, grief/loss, and aging. Trauma and neurodivergence informed, I work to meet each client with curiosity, openness, and warmth.

My Belief

Trained as a social worker, my graduate education was rooted in Systems Theory. I deeply identify with its core principle: everything is connected. Our relationships and experiences shape us throughout life, our thoughts and sensations are interwoven, and aspects of our early development continue to shape us throughout adulthood. When feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or lost, it may be time to slow down to examine what is happening inside. Time, curiosity, and intention are the building blocks that enable us to pivot into healthier patterns.

My Background

I am licensed in Washington as an associate clinical social worker. I earned a bachelors degree in Psychology from Truman State University in Missouri and a master’s degree in Social Work, completing both programs with honors. I also completed a certificate in Gerontology from University of Washington. My experience has taken me through the lifespan with a wide range of focal points. My years working in with specialized foster families in Wisconsin provided me invaluable insight to the challenges of navigating massive systems and the barriers families face when seeking assistance. As a care coordinator during Covid, I specialized in supporting “sandwich generation” caregivers as they cared for aging parents alongside their young families. I’ve also spent years working under a psychiatrist who specializing in treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Through this work, I was able to see the incredible resiliency of human brains and bodies as clients found the care their nervous system needed. All of these experiences – and so many more – feed into my perspective as I work with new clients.

My Self

I am a midwestern transplant and have lived in Seattle since 2012 – while every city has its challenges, moving here felt like coming home. I love exploring the northwest from mountains to sound with my partner, children and dog. Sitting on a ferry with a cup of coffee is one of my happiest places. An amateur naturalist, I love to be outdoors with flora and fauna. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy crafting when the mood strikes.

Contact

Please use the contact form below to learn about Angela’s availability.