Meet The Life's Learning Team

Suzanne Apelskog, MS, LMHC & Associates of Life's Learning, PLLC

To find out about availability and scheduling with any of our clinicians, please reach out through the link below, email SuzanneA@lifeslearning.org or call 509-433-7755

Life's Learning Team

Counselors

Suzanne Apelskog

MS, LMHC

Hello, It is an honor that you would consider counseling with me or the kind-hearted counselors on my team. I am both a counselor and owner of Life’s Learning.

I know that making the decision to come to counseling is often due to feeling, hurt alone, confused, scared and overwhelmed. Navigating loss and change can feel all-consuming. The decision to seek support to navigate the ups and downs in your life, to heal old wounds or to improve yourself is a courageous step, that I do not take lightly.

I value my role as your counselor, walking alongside you on your journey towards personal growth, life transition or change and healing. I believe that you are the crafter of your life and I am hear to listen to your needs, goals and hopes and be a soft place to land as you navigate your process.

I started counseling as a registered counseling in 1994 with an agency, Children’s Home Society of Washington where I worked for 19 years. I earned my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2002 and became a licensed mental health counselor in 2004. I have been in private practice for over 24 years.

I have a history of working with children, teens, couples, adults and groups. I am specialized in working with grief and mourning, loss and transition, navigating relationship challenges, family of origin issues, as well as depression, anxiety and trauma.

I am a humanistic, person-centered and existential therapist at heart. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Expressive Therapies (e.g., art, play, sand tray, etc.), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Emotion Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic and Gottman Principles.

I value being a support and counselor to other counselors in doing their own work to be their best counselor self. I also offer clinical supervision and consultation.

Aria Daving

MA, LMFTA

I deeply believe in the potential for growth and transformation within every individual, even through life’s most challenging and painful moments. As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, my passion is helping individuals, couples, and families cultivate meaningful, authentic relationships. As a part of this, I believe the therapeutic relationship is integral to the work we do.

My approach to therapy begins with creating a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental spacewhere you can feel truly heard, valued, and understood. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is central to healing — it’s within this safe and supportive connection that lasting change can take root. I work from a person-centered perspective, honoring your unique needs and experiences throughout our time together.

I graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2024, and I bring a trauma-informed approach to my work. I’m certified in trauma care and trained in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. My therapeutic modalities include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Therapy, Eye Movement Densensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Lifespan Integration Therapy.

With Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help clients connect with and express their core emotions, which strengthens relationships and fosters emotional intimacy. Gottman Therapy provides evidence-based tools for couples to improve communication and build deeper Connections. And through Lifespan Integration Therapy, I guide individuals in gently processing past trauma by reconnecting with earlier life experiences, fostering healing and growth.

I have had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, with a particular passion for supporting those navigating complex trauma, neurodivergence, self-esteem challenges, and people-pleasing behaviors. My approach is holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of your
mind, body, and spirituality. I honor your beliefs and values, understanding that true well-being is more than just the sum of its parts.

It would be an honor to support you on your journey toward emotional healing, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilled life. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its joys. Eye Movem

Baylee Hilpert

MA, LMHC

Hello! My name is Baylee and I am a graduate from Gonzaga University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a local Spokanite having grown up in the surrounding farming community and enjoy the opportunity to serve my hometown region. Before coming to Life’s Learning, I interned at Deer Park Counseling where I learned the value of both an array of modalities to meet client needs and continual progression of professional development.

Recognizing the need for change can be a vulnerable state yet one that you don’t have to navigate on your own. My focus is to teach you skills to make life feel more balanced meanwhile creating a space of reassurance and comfort. Therapy is an authentic encounter between two people to promote individual growth for the client through the instillation of hope, self-awareness and goal directed change. Counseling truly is as unique as the individual.

I offer primarily telehealth counseling, tailored to meet your needs.

My counseling theory is eclectic yet grounded in a person-centered approach. My clinical hours have been spent helping individuals with depression, anxiety, and overall wellness. I am relationship-focused, and strength-based, with a desire to explore meaning-making with clients struggling with their mental health. A biopsychosocial conceptualization of the client is very important to me as well. I believe in holistic care where the mind and the body work alongside each other to promote health.

I am passionate about working with adults who are seeking a healthier lifestyle. “Healthier” is a vast concept that will look different for every person which makes my work so fulfilling. As a certified personal trainer, I find value in taking care of the whole being instead of separating the mind and the body. I work to increase awareness of bodily functions, implement sustainable change, and expand clients’ psychoeducation. I walk alongside your transformation and allow your goals and desires to lead the progression of the counseling experience.

Lauren Hickey

MA, LMHCA (Pending)

Hey there! My name is Lauren, and I was a Clinical Mental Health Master’s Level Intern currently studying at Gonzaga University. I was placed with Life’s learning from January of 2025 to May of 2026 and I am now a counselor with the practice. I’m here to help you strengthen your relationships with yourself, others, and the world around you. Everyone sees things differently and has their own experience, and I am honored to be a part of yours.

Therapy is all about personal growth and self-discovery, and we’ll work together to help you develop the skills and tools you need to succeed. You’re the expert on your own life, and I’m here to help you explore your identity, values, and aspirations. A strong, trusting relationship is key, and I’m committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and inclusive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach your wellness goals.

I use evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions, including Person-Centered Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). I’m also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help folks dealing with trauma, anxiety, phobias, or PTSD. EMDR can also be beneficial for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed by past experiences. I believe that no single approach works for everyone, so I use an integrative lens, considering your personal characteristics, values, and cultural background to guide our work together.

I come from a family of first responders and medical professionals, which has given me a deep understanding of the impact of high-stress environments and insight into the unique culture of these fields.

In the past I have worked as a Behavioral Health Technician for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also served as a Teacher’s Assistant in Special Education. These experiences deepened my passion for advocacy within the neurodivergent community. My initial major in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior has provided me with a solid foundation in neuroscience, allowing me to explore the biological influences on behavior and understanding of how our bodies and minds interact. I am passionate about helping you build stronger, healthier relationships—starting with the one you have with yourself.

I work with adults, children, families, and couples. Whether it’s healing your own heart, improving your marriage or partnerships, or navigating family dynamics, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll create a secure, supportive space where you can explore your story, connect authentically, and make lasting progress toward the life you envision.

Gillian Monte

MA, LMHCA, NCC

Hello! My name is Gillian and I graduated from Gonzaga University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025. I am from the local area, and grew up in the surrounding rural community. I am excited for the opportunity to serve my hometown region. Before coming to Life’s Learning, I interned at Behavioral Health Spokane School District where I had the privilege of working with high school and middle school students.

Prior to enrolling at Gonzaga I had the opportunity to work in the mental health field with Frontier Behavioral Health, working with adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. These experiences have allowed me to learn an array of modalities to meet clients’ individual needs.

I strongly believe that the most important part of counseling is the relationship between the client and the counselor and that my job is to aid you on your journey through a lens of compassion and understanding. I draw from evidence-based interventions, dependent on the specific needs of the each client that I have the honor to work with. I strive to create a warm and safe space, free from judgement where individuals can be heard and understood.

My approach is relationship-focused and strength-based with a desire to foster healthy connections. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).

At Life’s Learning, I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions to match your needs.

I look forward to working with you and embarking on this journey towards wellness.

Gillian works with all ages of clients.

Deidra Hakala

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern (Gonzaga)

Hi! I am Deidra Hakala, a developing Clinical Mental Health Counselor and master’s-level student at Gonzaga University. I am committed to authentic, growth-oriented counseling and believe that counseling begins with the therapeutic relationship. Trust, safety, and genuine connection make change possible. I see self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion as central to growth. By increasing awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, we gain the ability to make conscious choices, respond rather than react, and take responsibility for our lives. I believe the experiences that shape us live both within our minds and our bodies, and I aim to acknowledge both by working alongside you to develop tools that strengthen your relationship with your inner self and deepen attunement with your body.

My professional background includes experience in customer service, education, and nonprofit leadership, all of which inform my work as a counselor. Working in customer service during my formative years taught me how to connect with a wide range of people, accept individuals as they are, and recognize how even small gestures can have a meaningful impact. As an educator, I thrived in community-centered settings, building strong connections and supporting developing minds through authentic relationships, social-emotional learning, and self-regulation. In my role as an executive director, I worked closely with individuals, families, and multigenerational communities to problem-solve, elevate community voices, navigate generational and systemic challenges, and connect people with accessible resources and educational opportunities. These experiences continue to shape my counseling by grounding my work in an understanding of systems, connectedness, cultural context, and community-based support.

My emerging approach integrates person-centered and somatic perspectives, and I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I value empathy, presence, and living in alignment with one’s values. I see myself as a collaborator and guide, honoring clients as the experts in their own lives while offering steadiness, curiosity, and gentle challenge. I am drawn to expressive therapy approaches and value creativity and connection to nature as tools for healing. I have an interest in working with a variety of individual clients and groups, particularly those navigating life transitions, generational patterns, attachment wounds, and ADHD. I remain committed to cultural responsiveness, lifelong learning, and creating a space where all people feel safe, respected, and supported.

Life's Learning is located at 515 W. Francis. Ave. Suite #5

Session Type	Fee
Intake Assessment	$220.00
Individual Session	$160.00
Couples Session	$150.00
Family Therapy	$185.00
Intern Offered Session	$ 75.00

Occasionally, a reduced rate or probono services are offered.

Under the No Surprise Act, Health Care Providers are required to provide clients who are uninsured or who choose not to use their insurance with a Good Faith Estimate of the expected costs of services. The estimate would outline expected charges for therapy services and related costs based on the information available at the time it is provided.