Hello

I'm Ava Larsen, Eds, MS, LMHCA, NCC (she/her)

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

National Certified Counselor

Contractor for Local Beacon Counseling

Contractor for Occupational Psychology Associates

Contact for current availability. I offer in-person, outdoor, or walk and talk sessions in Bellingham, WA. I offer virtual sessions for anyone in WA through a secure Telehealth portal.

My Story

My approach is trauma-informed, blending evidence-based therapy with experiential learning that is centered on the mind-body connection. I create a supportive, collaborative space where a sense of meaningful connection fosters insight and growth. I will help you learn how to regulate emotions, access inner resources, and empower you with tools tailored to your individual needs.

Along the way, I incorporate mindfulness, body-based awareness, creative expression, nature and adventure-based approaches. This can include doing sessions outside or as a walk-and-talk, tapping into the added benefits of nature and physical activity. I love sharing useful tools, community resources, and meaningful practices that support your ongoing growth and well-being. My goal is to help you become the best version of yourself so that you can live a life that feels fulfilling and authentic to you.

In my free time, I enjoy being in the great outdoors, in or on the water, often hiking and paddleboarding. I also enjoy spending time with dogs, friends and family, reading, being creative and practicing yoga.

My Approach

I use a variety of approaches to address my clients unique needs. Many successful treatment plans will utilize a foundation of acceptance & commitment therapy (act), art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt), experiential (adventure and nature based) therapy, person-centered therapy, then quickly move toward a tailored treatment plan and approach that includes tools to help sustain the growth experienced in regular therapy.

Treatment Areas

Anxiety, Social Anxiety

Depression; Seasonal Affective Disorder

Identity Exploration

Highly Sensitive Persons

Life Balance, Life Transitions

LGBTQIA+

+More!

Education & Credentials:

LMHCA License # MC70033006. State: Washington
Contractor for Local Beacon Counseling, Supervised by Danae Armstrong.
Contractor for Occupational Psychology Associates, Supervised by Gregory Dorris, PsyD
Education: Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education Specialist degree (Eds) in Experiential Counseling, Adventure-Based Counseling Certificate- Prescott College
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Mindfulness Informed Professional Certificate (PESI)
Member of: Association for Experiential Education (AEE), Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG), Washington Mental Health Counselors Association, and American Counseling Association
Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR and AED Certificate
Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (CCAT)(Anticipated completion upon full licensure) AEE

ADDRESS

Outdoor locations vary!

Office: 1108 11th Street (308)

Bellingham, Washington 98225

HOURS

Sessions offered between 9-6pm

Interested in what I do with AEE?

(Association for Experiential Education)

I am one of the Co-Conveners for the Northwest Regional conference that happens every spring!

In addition, I am on the pre-conference committee for the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG) and lead for service crew at the upcoming Pre-conference for the AEE 2026 international conference!

Reach out if interested in learning more or getting involved!