Ryan McLauchlan LMHCA

Lucinda Black CPSS 

General Board Members (3 open positions):

Toni Aswegan LMHC, NCC, ACS

Heidi Ehrlich PhD Candidate, LMHC

Dr. Jennifer Kennett, ACS, LMHC

Jennifer Fama LMHC

Women’s History Month traces its origins to a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978, which quickly grew into a national movement recognizing the profound contributions women have made across every sector of society. What began as a week-long celebration expanded into a month-long observance dedicated to honoring the women whose leadership, innovation, and perseverance have shaped our communities, institutions, and collective future.

The 2026 theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” broadens the concept of sustainability beyond environmental concerns alone. It highlights the work of women who are designing solutions that support environmental stewardship, economic stability, educational access, and societal wellbeing. Sustainability in this context also includes financial security, resilient communities, and a commitment to intergenerational equity, ensuring that the systems we build today support the wellbeing of future generations.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I was an educator for 20 years before transitioning into private practice. It was a natural progression for me to move from teaching to school counseling into being a therapist. I have always felt a drive to make deeper connections with people, whether that was my students or now my clients. As we all know, we are facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and I hope as therapists we can provide a space for people to feel seen, heard, and less isolated.

What is your favorite part of your work?

I offer Walk and Talk therapy and find that it's a helpful modality for clients who feel stuck, who feel anxious about traditional talk therapy, and who want to try a different approach

What do you enjoy most about being a WMHCA member?

The part I enjoy the most is making connections with other WHMCA members and therapists. Being a therapist can often feel like an isolating profession so I find it so important to make connections anywhere I can. After joining the WHMCA Membership Engagement and Outreach Committee, I could feel how warm and welcoming the committee group was, and that opportunity to feel connected to the organization felt very valuable to me.

What advice would you give to a new WMHCA member?

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Hiking, reading, doing yoga, going to farmer's markets, spending time with my dog Alfredo

What is your favorite snack?

Trader Joe's Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lover's Trail Mix

Is there anything else you want us to know?

I just posted a blog about the benefits of Walk and Talk therapy. If you are thinking of providing this type of therapy or know clients who may benefit from it, feel free to share, and happy to connect with anyone who wants to talk more about it! https://peoplebloomcounseling.com/blog/2026/3/1/step-into-healing-the-benefits-of-walk-and-talk-therapy

If you would like to be considered for the member spotlight please fill out this FORM. 

Presented by Dr. Eric Ström JD, LMHC

Boundary violations are among the most common reasons for professional discipline of behavioral health clinicians. Dual relationships—both intentional and unintentional—can arise in many forms and often present ethical, clinical, and legal challenges.  In recognition of this significant cause of misconduct, as of October 2025 the Washington Department of Health has implemented a new requirement for two hours of continuing education in “Professional Roles and Boundaries” every two years.   In this two-hour workshop, we will examine Washington State laws and professional ethical standards regarding personal and dual relationships with clients. Drawing from recent Washington Department of Health disciplinary decisions, participants will engage with real- world case studies that illustrate common risk areas. The workshop will also offer practical strategies for establishing and maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries in everyday practice.  This course is designed to meet the Washington State Department of Health’s requirement for continuing education in Professional Roles and Boundaries.

This course explores the embodied impact of systemic oppression, particularly within Black, immigrant, and other marginalized communities. Participants will learn how trauma is carried in the body and expressed through generational patterns, and will engage in culturally grounded healing approaches that move beyond talk therapy. Integrating somatic therapy, expressive arts, and the cultural power of music, this session provides clinicians with practical tools to address trauma, restore embodied safety, and honor community-based ways of processing. Emphasis is placed on the intersection of mental health, human rights, and cultural restoration.