Janelle Butler, LMHC

Janelle Butler is a Washington-based licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with nine years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, addiction, grief, trauma, and relationship concerns. She offers straightforward, calm guidance for parents and adults who feel overwhelmed by emotions or stuck in repeated patterns. Janelle speaks English and American Sign Language and works with clients in Washington and beyond, including international clients.

She uses practical, skills-based approaches in sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) features in her work to help identify unhelpful thoughts and build healthier routines. She also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take steps that matter to them.

Janelle’s background includes several years in community mental health in the Seattle area, where she supported people from varied backgrounds and with diverse concerns. That experience shaped her focus on real-world coping skills and clear, usable strategies rather than abstract theory.

In a meeting with her, a person can expect a direct but compassionate style. She aims to name patterns that keep problems going and practice alternatives together. Progress is framed as steady work rather than instant fixes, and hope and gradual change are emphasized.

Janelle also works with issues like attachment, abandonment, adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, body image, chronic illness, and dissociation. She blends client-centered listening with structured tools so clients leave sessions with something to try between meetings.

Therapeutic approaches for online work

Janelle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when working online. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and trying practical changes that reduce symptoms and improve daily routines. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult feelings without getting stuck and take small steps toward what matters to them based on personal values.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they decide which combination of skills and perspectives fits best and adjust the plan as progress happens.

Online therapy formats she uses include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people work face-to-face from wherever they are, while phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging are useful for quick updates, in-between support, or when writing helps someone process thoughts. These options make therapy more flexible for work, caregiving, or travel needs.