Life’s learning, PLLC is owned and administrated by Suzanne Apelskog, MS, LMHC
Learning and inspiration for Everyone, Counselors and in Business. My counseling practice is in North Spokane, Washington
I created Life’s Learning with the premise that learning is everywhere, in both the big and small moments, that self-growth comes from leaning into healing and that learning that can come through all of this. I believe that everyone has a story and that there is so much we can learn from each other. I value most sitting with people with their stories and being a part of the journey towards better lives and living.
I own a small private practice (two offices) and provide counseling services with individuals, families, couples and groups. I offer HIPAA compliant Telehealth counseling to Washington State residents. My specialties include counseling for grief/loss and mourning, anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin issues and numerous other life adjustments. I have a person-centered and existential approach at my foundation, believe the past impacts the present, that thoughts and beliefs impact daily happenings and that change happens in the here-and-now. I utilize Emotional Focused Therapy, Imago therapy and Gottman Strategies alongside trauma theory when working with couples. I am a trauma specialist, trained in EMDR. I also draw from family of origin and cognitive behavioral principles and utilize expressive therapies. I accept most insurances, some out-of-pocket billing and/or cash pay.
I offer clinical supervision to counselors working towards licensure and counselor training. I also offer consultation and supervision to clinical supervisors.
Our Team
I have the honor to work with a caring and compassionate team of clinicians, including associate counselors, Baylee Mattausch, MS, LMHCA, Rhiannon, Leppert, MA, LMHCA, Annie Gillette, MA, LMHCA (WA), LPC (ID), Phaedra Castro-Valdovinos, MS, LMHCA. Each of these clinicians is working as providers under my license and supervision. Our team currently has openings, depending on your counseling, billing scheduling and location (in person services in Spokane or telehealth in WA) needs.
Each clinician has their own specialties, seeing clients of elementary age into elderly years (individuals and couples).
Some of the specialties at the practice include life transition, self-growth/esteem, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues/wounds, treating trauma, body positivity, grief, loss and mourning, emotional regulation, caregiver support, counseling and support to counselors and much more. We draw from a variety of modalities (see profiles below for more information on each clinicians specialties).
Associate counselors are able to bill out-of-pocket and as rendering providers underneath my license with insurances, Premera/Blue Cross/Regence, Cigna, Kaiser, Coordinated Care, Aetna, Amerigroup and Molina. The interns are not able to see clients who are on a Medicaid plan and are able to charge a reasonable rate. See their profiles below for more information. To find about availability with each clinician and scheduling, please call or text Suzanne at 509-433-7755 or reach out to her at SuzanneA@lifeslearning.s
Hello! My name is Baylee. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) from Gonzaga University earning 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 with 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 through the instillation of hope, self-awareness and goal directed change. Counseling truly is as unique as the individual.
At Life’s Learning, I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions to match 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. I look through a lens of biopsychosocial conceptualization and believe in holistic care where the mind and the body work alongside each other to promote health.
I am passionate about working with clients who are seeking a healthier lifestyle. “Healthier” is a vast concept that will look different for every person which makes my work so fulfilling. I am also a certified personal trainer and I find value in taking care of the whole being versus separating the mind and body. I work to increase body awareness, implement sustainable change, and expand clients’ worldview. I walk alongside your transformation and allow your goals and desires to lead the progression of the counseling experience.
Hello! My name is Rhiannon and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). I graduated with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University.
My journey to becoming a counselor has been a winding, lifelong path. Sometimes painful, but always valuable. Life experiences have prepared me to be an empathetic, understanding, caring advocate. My commitment to you is to remain judgement-free and help you unravel life’s messy situations. I will sit with you in your hard moments and rejoice with you in your successes.
My theoretical approach matches that of my personality. I am a “people” person to my core. My foundation in counseling is rooted in Person-Centered therapy. I have discovered our best work together begins with establishing a trusting, healthy client/counselor relationship. Additionally, I draw from a broad range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt and Existential. I wholeheartedly believe each person has their own strengths, positive attributes, and wisdom, and we draw from these during our time together.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Sand Tray, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and grief and loss. Much of what I teach my clients comes from the lens of self-compassion. I serve children, teens, adults, groups, couples and families. Having previously worked in the aging network for over 20 years, I am very comfortable working with aging clients.
My husband and I have 5 children, ranging from teenager to toddler. Motherhood offers me a unique perspective of just how different each person is from one another, even within the same family. Every day is an adventure! Some of my favorite self-care activities include practicing Kenpo Karate, teaching women’s self-defense classes, kayaking on a quiet lake, triathlons, long drives with the music up loud, singing, and playing musical instruments.
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you in your journey to mental wellness, whatever that may look like to you. It is an honor to serve at Life’s Learning, and I look forward to working with you.
Humans are resilient, capable, and relational beings who have a desire and natural tendency to learn and grow. They are capable of creating change. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where individuals can feel seen, heard and supported. As I work alongside each person, I draw from studied modalities and theories that will best fit each individuals needs and strengths.
The core of my counseling approach is humanistic and person-centered, focusing on the whole human being. I attend to the client’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, beliefs and values as we work together to reach their goals. I draw from mindfulness techniques to encourage self-awareness as I believe there is a connection between our feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
I am trained in Emotional Focused Therapy for use with couples. I have received training in Expressive Therapies and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for use with kids. Previous work experiences revolved closely around working with individuals of varying ages dealing with trauma, suicidal ideation, homelessness, stress, depression and/or anxiety in a group home, treatment facility, community mental health agency and hospital settings. I graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Gonzaga University, a CACREP accredited program.
My education and work experience have solidified my desire to work alongside others as they navigate their personal life journey. Primarily, I work with adults dealing with life transition, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
I hold gratitude and humility for the opportunity to work alongside diverse individuals, witnessing their growth.
Kindly, Phaedra
Counseling is an insight-shaping process of personal development, skill-building, story processing and growth. I am here to assist you in exploring different aspects of your life and to equip you with tools to navigate your worlds as you hope to. I view you as the expert on your life and focus on collaboratively exploring your identity, values and goals.
My theoretical approach is grounded in being Person-Centered and Existentialism, as well as Cognitive Behavioral models, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I love to use creative methods and craft sessions that truly meet the needs of my clients. Through this work, you have the potential to deepen your awareness of yourself and your surroundings, while navigating effective approaches toward your goals. Together, we will develop a safe and trusting relationship that will allow for deep exploration and understanding of self, light-hearted connection and effective work towards your wellness. My training includes ACT, crisis and trauma informed care, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and sexual wellness in behavioral health.
I have experience working with many different types of individuals in therapy, group facilitation, supervision, case management and volunteer roles. This includes, work with Veterans, survivors of suicide loss, children and teens experiencing homelessness and foster care, kids and families with cancer and chronic illness and students ranging from middle to graduate school. I am passionate about all of this and look forward to meeting new and unique individuals.
I love working with folks exploring gender, sexuality, culture, spirituality and their general presence in the world.
I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University in 2022 where I was able to complete my practicum and internship at the Veterans Administration (VA). After receiving my education, I completed one year of the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program at Idaho State University. This allowed me to both receive and provide advanced training, education, supervision and presentation opportunities while beginning my private practice in Idaho. I decided the academia route was not quite right for me and very excitedly made the return to Spokane to being my work at Life’s Learning! I very much look forward to meeting and beginning our work together!
Welcome to Life’s Learning! An exploration of life’s meaningful lessons from the simple daily and big life experiences as well as the follow your bliss moments.
Suzanne is an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) with the National Board of Certified Counselors
Suzanne Apelskog of Life’s Learning for Counselors has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP, No. 6786. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Suzanne Apelskog of Life’s Learning is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.