South Sound Team
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized and evidence based mental health counseling and therapy services to empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges, foster resilience, and achieve emotional well-being.
Cynthia Davis – LMHCA
I believe therapy works best when it feels safe, collaborative, and human. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, my approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and relational, with a focus on helping clients feel seen, understood, and supported without judgment. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University.
I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship and attachment challenges, grief, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Many of my clients struggle with boundaries, people-pleasing, burnout, or feeling lost in relationships, and may also be navigating identity exploration or the emotional impact of past experiences. I incorporate a variety of evidence-based practices including acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-based therapy, DBT skills, and psychoeducation to help clients better understand themselves while building practical tools for everyday life.
In sessions, I aim to create a space where you can slow down, explore your experiences with curiosity, and feel comfortable being yourself. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and connected—at a pace that feels right for you.
Areas of Focus:
- Ages 18+
- Virtual and in-person sessions available
-
Depression, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide Ideation, Grief, Life Transitions and Coping Skills.
Jenessa Higgs – LSWAIC
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you’ve been carrying something on your own. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel understood, and make sense of what you’re experiencing without judgment. Together, we can explore the patterns, emotions, and experiences that may be keeping you stuck while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded and empowered. You don’t have to have it all figured out—we can start wherever you are and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy works best when it feels safe, collaborative, and human. I tailor therapy to your needs, drawing from behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and holistic perspectives. I use strengths-based, solutions-focused, and person-centered approaches, along with CBT, DBT, Exposure and Response Prevention, and the Gottman Method for couples and relationships.
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for something to change, you deserve a space where you feel heard and supported. I’d be glad to connect and explore whether we might be a good fit.
When I’m not helping my clients, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with my puppy, Georgia.
Areas of Focus:
- Ages 18+
- Virtual or in-person sessions available
- Depression, Anxiety, Burn out and Stress, Codependency, Family Conflict, OCD (with exposure response prevention), Life Transitions, Neurodivergence, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Couples Counseling, PTDS and more.
Lauren Welner, PMHNP-BC
My therapeutic process is guided by encouraging self-empowerment and autonomy, alongside with providing patient education to assist in informed decision making. I strive to provide a holistic approach with my clients, taking into consideration the diverse elements in their life that are barriers and strengths to improving their mental health.
Areas of Focus:
- Ages 13-80
- Depression and Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia, Substance Use Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Virtual for South Sound residents
- Licensed in Washington and Oregon
Angelina Polito, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Angelina Polito, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, evidence-based care in a warm and collaborative environment. She believes that meaningful treatment starts with feeling heard, understood, and supported, and she strives to create a space where patients can openly discuss their experiences without fear of judgment.
Dr. Polito provides psychiatric care for individuals of all ages and works with patients experiencing ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and the unique mental health needs of neurodivergent individuals. She recognizes that every person’s story is different and partners with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that align with their goals, values, and strengths.
Her approach combines clinical expertise with empathy, open communication, and a genuine desire to help patients better understand themselves and build lasting well-being. She believes in working alongside her patients, empowering them to make informed decisions and supporting them through each step of their mental health journey.
Areas of Focus:
- Ages 13-75
- Ages 6-12 struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, and Depression
- Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress.
- Virtual for South Sound residents
- Licensed in Washington and Oregon
Heather Gorden, LMHCA
I graduated from Walla Walla University in 2012 with a master’s in social work and have worked in the field since 2011. I believe in respect, integrity, collaboration, and kindness. This is your journey, and I am here to listen, guide, and encourage you.
I work primarily with adults and adolescents and provide individual therapy for a variety of needs, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, and co-occurring disorders. I utilize various evidence-based practices (psychodynamic, person-centered, mindfulness, strengths-based, existential, humanistic, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral). My style is eclectic and can be adjusted to best fit your needs. I am here to listen and provide you with a safe environment to navigate through whatever it is you are seeking help with.
When I am not helping my clients, I enjoy reading, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and taking walks with my dog- Bailey.
- Ages 14-75
- Virtual sessions only
- Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Obsessive Disorders, Behavioral Issues, Codependency, Coping Skills, Self Esteem and Post Traumatic Stress.
Noemi Mata, LSWAIC
I graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2024 with a Master’s of Social Work and have been in the social service field since 2018.
I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist specializing in working with adolescents and adults who are navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, and mindfulness techniques, to help clients develop resilience, build coping skills, and foster long-term emotional well-being.
I believe in a holistic, person-centered approach, recognizing that each individual has unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Therapy with me is a collaborative process, where we work together to identify patterns, explore emotions, and develop practical strategies to create meaningful change. Through mindfulness and self-awareness, I help clients reconnect with themselves, manage stress effectively, and cultivate a greater sense of balance in their lives.
I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, or major life changes, I am here to support you in your journey toward healing and growth.
If you are ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can work toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my family, reading, cooking and enjoying the outdoors.
- Ages 13-70
- Virtual sessions only
- Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Peer Relationships, School/Work Issues, Behavioral Issues, Family Conflict, Grief, Self-Harming, Suicide Ideation, Coping Skills, Self Esteem and Post Traumatic Stress.
- Fluent in Spanish and English
