For Parents Seeking Help for Their Children
Accepting New Clients
Supporting Your Child's
Compassionate, evidence-based counseling services for children, teens, and families. We're here to help your family navigate life's challenges together.
Mental Wellness Journey
Licensed Therapist
LGBTQ+ Affirming
Neurodiversity Affirming
Autism Spectrum Therapy
The Harsh Reality of Parenting
You are facing the daunting and constantly moving goal of raising a little human in a scary and threatening world. You are on one of the most important journeys of your life with too little support and too little time. It's very clear that our systems aren't built to support you or your unique and talented child. You and your child get put into the gears of our society and the school system and the healthcare system and the governmental policies that only have a goal of grinding you down into the "perfect" shape. You're submerged in a stormy sea of messaging about how you need to fix your child, make them fit the shape that school wants, relatives want, that you think the future will want. But we lose pieces of ourselves and the magical abilities of our child when we grind away all of the eccentric, quirky, or sensitive pieces. Your parents did the best they could to parent you, but you know there's still something you want to give your child that you didn't receive; there's no guidebook.
ThrivingYour Number One Goal as a Parent
It makes sense that you're exhausted, confused, scattered considering all of these harsh realities. But let's simplify to something I know to be true for nearly every single parent. You want your child to flourish and grow and become the best version of themselves. When you get lost in the sea of societal expectations, this crystal clear goal becomes muddied. Your job is then to recenter on this principle. Every single day with every single challenge that pops up.
The good news is that you get to shield your child from some of the cruelties of the world while gently exposing them to the realities in age-appropriate ways. Before we help transition our children into adulthood, we want them to explore every facet of themselves with as little shame, fear, and insecurities as possible. Your job then becomes making the safest space possible where your child can learn about the harsh realities of the world in the safe container of the home you've built. We want all neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ kids to know their inherent worth and value and strengths before they enter adulthood.
Your Family's Partner in Empowerment
At Connect Counseling, we believe in the power of connection—not just between a therapist and a child, but within the entire family unit. Dr. Rachel Hughes has dedicated over fifteen years to helping families like yours thrive. She understands that your child's journey is not a problem to be fixed, but a unique path to be celebrated and built intentionally.
Our philosophy is simple: we offer a safe, affirming space where every individual is seen and valued for who they are. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent kids with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, and providing gender-affirming care for teens exploring their identity. We don't just work with your child; we work with you. We offer parent coaching and support groups to empower you with the tools and insights you need to build a stronger, more resilient family.
We also know that connecting with kids requires creativity. That's why we use therapeutic games and other engaging activities to build trust and create a fun, open environment. And because we know life can be busy, we offer both in-person and online sessions, as well as asynchronous courses through our parent education platform, so you can access support on your own terms.
You are not alone on this journey. We are here to walk alongside you, to celebrate your child's strengths, find a way through the harder challenges, and to help your family find a deeper, more meaningful connection.
With heartfelt admiration,
Dr. Rachel Hughes
Meet Dr. Rachel Hughes
Dr. Rachel Hughes is a dedicated advocate for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ youth and their families, bringing over a decade of experience in family therapy and counseling. Her compassionate approach and personalized strategies have empowered countless families to navigate the complexities of parenting with confidence and understanding.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
PhD in Medical Family Therapy
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Child Mental Health Specialist
AAMFT-Approved Supervisor and WA State Supervisor
How We Can Help Your Family
Specialized support for every stage of your journey
Teen Therapy
Supportive therapy for tweens and teens using games, play, and identity affirming care
Family Therapy
Strengthen family bonds and shift difficult patterns as a family
Neuroaffirming Therapy
Supportive therapy for autistic teens and families focused on strengths, understanding, and growth
Parent Support
Expert coaching and guidance to help parents with confidence and compassion
Therapeutic Games
Your youth learns best through playing! That’s where games come in
Parent Courses
Self-paced courses to help you support your tween or teen
Learn Parenting Skills at Your Own Pace
Parent Education Courses
Can't make it to in-person sessions? Our self-paced online courses help you understand your child's behavior and learn evidence-based parenting strategies from the comfort of home.
Neurodiversity-Affirming
We celebrate neurodivergent minds and help families understand and support their unique children
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Creating safe, validating spaces where every child and teen feels seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are
Flexible & Accessible
Evening and weekend appointments available to fit your busy family schedule and low cost services with trainees
Expert & Experienced
Over a decade of specialized experience in family therapy and child mental health
Low-Fee, Affordable Therapy
We offer low-fee counseling services with highly trained clinicians who are completing advanced clinical training under the supervision of Dr. Rachel Hughes. This option provides quality, compassionate care at a reduced rate of $35–$80 per session, making therapy more accessible while maintaining strong clinical oversight and support.
Get Started With Connect Counseling Today
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form telling us how we can help you. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Two Locations Plus Telehealth
Sessions are available in person in Issaquah and Puyallup, as well as via telehealth for clients anywhere in Washington.
