Patricia Sumlin, LMFT
LMFT specializing in trauma and relationships
- Trauma and abuse
- Relationship and family
- Neurodiversity and ADHD
About Patricia Sumlin
Patricia Sumlin brings 25 years of clinical experience to her work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She combines an evidence-informed, insight-oriented style with practical skill-building to help people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, mood disorders, addiction, grief, and a wide range of other concerns. Patricia emphasizes a direct, non-judgmental manner that pairs honesty with empathy so clients feel seen, respected, and taken seriously as they develop new coping skills and emotional regulation strategies.
Her background includes creating outpatient programs that offered Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups, directing behavioral health services in medical settings focused on chronic illness, and providing mental health and substance use services in shelter and residential contexts. She has delivered trauma-informed care in remote Yupik villages of Alaska, supported re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and provided death and dignity and bereavement counseling in hospice settings. Patricia has also worked extensively with Native American and Native Alaskan communities and with diverse multicultural populations.
Currently her practice focuses on depression, trauma-related anxiety, recovery from traumatic bonding and narcissistic abuse, and supporting adults on the autism spectrum who seek greater understanding of Asperger's and its impact on relationships. She also provides services for LGBTQIA concerns, neurodiversity issues such as ADHD and dyslexia, visible and invisible disability matters, parenting and family dynamics, and career and life transitions. Patricia aims to build a collaborative therapeutic alliance that supports resilience, authenticity, and sustained personal growth.
Her background includes creating outpatient programs that offered Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups, directing behavioral health services in medical settings focused on chronic illness, and providing mental health and substance use services in shelter and residential contexts. She has delivered trauma-informed care in remote Yupik villages of Alaska, supported re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and provided death and dignity and bereavement counseling in hospice settings. Patricia has also worked extensively with Native American and Native Alaskan communities and with diverse multicultural populations.
Currently her practice focuses on depression, trauma-related anxiety, recovery from traumatic bonding and narcissistic abuse, and supporting adults on the autism spectrum who seek greater understanding of Asperger's and its impact on relationships. She also provides services for LGBTQIA concerns, neurodiversity issues such as ADHD and dyslexia, visible and invisible disability matters, parenting and family dynamics, and career and life transitions. Patricia aims to build a collaborative therapeutic alliance that supports resilience, authenticity, and sustained personal growth.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Gottman Method Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Patricia Sumlin have?
Patricia Sumlin has 25 years of experience.
Is Patricia Sumlin a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). License details: CA LMFT 44844, WA LMFT LF 60059026.
In which languages does Patricia Sumlin provide therapy?
Patricia Sumlin provides therapy in English.
Where is Patricia Sumlin located?
Patricia Sumlin is located in Washington.
How can I work with Patricia Sumlin as my therapist?
You can work with Patricia Sumlin through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Patricia Sumlin work with international clients?
Patricia Sumlin does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Patricia Sumlin cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care
Patricia frequently draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients clarify their values and build psychological flexibility - a practical way to address anxiety, depression, and life transitions by focusing on actions that matter even amid difficult thoughts and feelings. She also uses Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships shape current patterns in intimacy and trust, which can be especially helpful for relationship struggles, attachment wounds, and issues that stem from abandonment or adoption histories. When appropriate, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques are integrated to teach concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, useful for people coping with intense emotions or unstable relationship dynamics.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Patricia works with each person to match methods to their goals, preferences, and unique history, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds so therapy fits the client rather than the other way around.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call, over the phone, via live chat, or through text-based messaging - making it easier to access consistent support around work, caregiving, or mobility constraints. These options allow licensed professionals to maintain continuity of care and tailor communication styles to what feels most effective for each individual.