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.
