Meet Your Therapist

Ben Barnette

MS, LMHCA
Doctoral Student
Relationship & Intimacy Specialist

Therapeutic Specialties

Betrayal Trauma

Couple or Marriage Therapy

Communication & Conflict

Intimacy & sexuality

Infidelity

Discernment counseling

Sexual Behavior Problems

Impulsive/Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Infidelity

Porn Addiction

Sex Addiction

Sex Therapy

Erectile Dysfunction

Low Sexual Desire

Painful Sex

Premature Ejaculation

Sexual Pain

Sexual Shame

Sexual Trauma

Individual Therapy

ADHD/ADD

Anxiety

Autism

Chronic Pain

Depression

Grief & Loss

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Phobias

Shame & Self-Esteem

Substance Use & Addiction

Trauma & PTSD

Populations

Adults

Chronic Health Concerns

Disability

Ethnic or Racial Minority

Faith Oriented

LGBTQIA+

Multicultural Relationships

Neurodiversity

Veterans

Ben believes in the potential of his clients to heal and grow in the face of life’s complex challenges and is committed to meeting people where they are and working together to pursue growth and healing. We all face challenges, and at times we find ourselves overwhelmed or stuck, with little hope that life can change for the better. Ben works with individuals and couples who are experiencing conflict in relationships, problems of sexuality, infidelity, grief, trauma, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Ben is passionate about helping people heal from the pain of loss, trauma, or shame and creates a warm, collaborative environment where people can show up just as they are and expect to be seen and supported, not judged. Ben has worked with people across the lifespan to address the concerns of individuals, couples, and families and support their goals for healing, wholeness, and wellbeing.

Ben uses empirically supported therapies and techniques to support his clients’ pursuits of growth and wellbeing. He incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and leverages collaborative approaches for addressing suicidality and self-harm with his clients. Ben uses methods and insights from Gottman Couples Therapy to support couples navigating interpersonal conflict, infidelity, betrayal trauma, and problems in communication.

Ben understands the importance of each person’s individual history, experiences, and values, recognizing that these shape the very landscape of our lives. No two people are the same; neither are any two couples. As such, Ben invests time and attention to better understand the individual needs, strengths, and concerns of the people he sees. Ben enjoys working with individuals and couples to better understand the problems they face and feel empowered to make change in their lives.

About Ben

Ben completed his undergraduate studies in psychology, during which time he helped children with challenging behavior problems develop skills to relate well to themselves and others. He holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology. Ben is currently a fourth-year doctoral student at Seattle Pacific University, with an anticipated graduation in June 2026. Upon receiving his degree, he will serve as a clinical psychologist for the United States Navy. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, playing with his cats, reading, discovering new movies or TV, and whitewater kayaking.

Education & Credentials
  • Master of Science in Psychological Sciences (M.S), Seattle Pacific University

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology (in progress), Seattle Pacific University

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), Washington State Department of Health

Publications

O’Connell, K. L., Hassler, M., Moreira, N., Barnette, B., Gilbert, A., Widman, C., & Law, K. C. (2023). Do crisis details differentiate suicide-related 911 call outcomes?. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention.

Barnette, B. H., O’Loughlin, C. M., Park, Y., Vogel, K., Burke, T. A., Law, K. C., & Ammerman, B. A. (2023). Nonsuicidal self-injury characteristics: a mixed methods analysis of differences between veterans and civilians. Journal of psychiatric research, 168, 318-324.

O’Connell, K.L., Moreira, N., Barnette, B., Lin, Y.-C, Doerr, S., Marks, R.B. & Law, K.C. (Under Review). The first first responder: Exploring the mental health toll of helping in 911 telecommunicators. Traumatology.

Gilbert, A., Barnette, B.H., Friedman, G., Law, K.C. & A.H. Mezulis (in preparation). Examining Sexual Violence and Risky Sexual Behaviors as Predictors of Past Year Suicide Attempts in a National Sample of LGB Adolescents