Clinicians

Lawrence Lam, MA, LMHC

ABOUT

I was trained as an engineer. I came across psychotherapy coincidentally when I looked for a personal development course at a seminary. I started with curiosity about the subject and took one course. Then I took another one and another one. As I immersed more into the subject, more I found it fascinating. I am amazed by the complexity of the human mind and how psychotherapists found different ways to account for the complex operation of the mind, and it seems it works. That’s how I started learning and practicing psychotherapy; over sixteen years have passed. I still found psychotherapy profound, entrancing, and helpful to many clients.

I view psychotherapy or counseling as allying with you to explore the nature of your trouble. Although we will spend a lot of time exploring the specific trouble that brought you into counseling, we will also explore in depth the nature of your emotions, relationships, and experiences in your life. In my theoretical orientation, dynamics that have influenced the complexity and intensity of your trouble are rooted in relational issues in your life. I believe we are made to relate deeply – this is the source of your greatest joy and your deepest pain. This is not to simplify your trouble but rather to highlight the complexity of the trouble and how it interferes with the enjoyment for which you are most deeply made. This is also meant to give you hope – by not only dealing with the trouble itself but also gaining insight into the source of trouble through the therapeutic process. After a long period of time, an evolving insight provides you with new emotional awareness and an opportunity to choose how to face and eventually overcome the suffering. Nevertheless, I believe that certain troubles can also have (or develop into) a physical component. In such cases, medical consultation will be sought.

Many of the results of counseling will depend upon your determination to deal honestly with the issues that powerfully affect your life. In that light, being willing to face what is true is the important prerequisite.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor of Science – University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Arts in Counseling – Western Seminary, Portland OR
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor – License #LH 61124382

Insurance

I am a Preferred Provider with Optum and Premera.  I am a pending in network status with Aetna, Cigna, First Choice, Kaiser Permanente, and Regence. Please call for inquiries regarding additional insurance plans.

Self-Pay

A Good Faith Estimate of expected charges is provided upon scheduling or upon your request for self-pay clients.

Cancellation Policy

Must cancel 24 hours before the appointment to avoid $100 fee.