Counseling & Expressive Arts Therapy

CHOOSE 180 offers mental health services to young people involved in our programs and community. Through counseling, participants will discover new ways to solve problems and improve their habits.

Together, we will work toward addressing emotional pain, processing past experiences, and finding relief from difficult symptoms. Young people will have support to walk through impactful moments and into a brighter future. This program is designed with each young person in mind to give them the tools they need to move toward their goals.  

In 2022, we launched our Expressive Arts Therapy program to complement counseling. Healing and confronting our trauma by using the expressive arts is a process that engages our senses and emotions and leads to development and growth. This allows us to use verbal and nonverbal forms of expression to creatively connect our body and mind actively or visually.

We’re combining this type of therapy with our counseling program as an alternative for youth who are curious about trying something new or might be hesitant to start talk therapy. This person-centered approach is aimed at helping our young people discover an internal unique way of processing trauma, confront their inner critics, and learn healthy (and fun) ways to express themselves.

The counseling team offers the following support to young people by providing the tools to work toward positive mental health and coping strategies by:

  • 1:1 and group support focused on coping skills, stress, and social connections

  • Expressive arts as a tool for emotional expression and healing

  • A safe space to process challenging experiences

  • Explore identity, culture, and relationships to guide personal growth

  • Build support systems that encourage connection and accountability

Our team works in the community to dismantle systems of harm and support youth in healing from personal and systemic trauma, including school pushout, community violence, and incarceration. We create space for reflection, resilience, and connection, guiding young people on a pathway to wholeness where they feel supported to move toward their goals.

Wondering what to expect? Check out our FAQs.

Eligibility: Young people who are involved in CHOOSE 180 programs have access to counseling services free of charge. Community referrals are also accepted.

How to sign up: If you would like to sign up or refer a young person, please fill out the Community Referral Form and check the box for Counseling.

In case of an emergency:

King Country Crisis Line - (206) 461-3222

National Suicide Crisis Line -  Dial 988