Riah Flagler
Clinical Intern
They/Them

How do I fit in this world?

Why is everything so intense for me?

How do I make sense of my experiences?

How do I show up with myself and others as my fullest version of self?

If these are questions you hold in your heart, but you aren’t sure how to answer them or you don’t want to hold them alone, therapy might help.  People I work with often come to therapy after living and working within a multitude of oppressive systems and are seeking ways to better cope and thrive while experiencing intensity internally and externally. It’s painful to be misunderstood, harmed by the systems/people that are supposed to care for us, worried that we don’t belong, or carrying the residual effects of trauma in our bodies, hearts and minds.

I work at the intersection of connection, attachment, identities, trauma and belonging, exploring how each piece may tug at or tend to another. Together, we can begin to untangle stories and body sensations that may feel overwhelming to feel or experience on our own.  Working together, we will move at the speed of trust and continuously check in with each other on the pacing and experience of sessions. We will focus on building your internal capacity (being careful not to overwhelm or retraumatize the nervous system) so that you can access new skills and experience a sense of groundedness and peace. 

I work best with people who want a warm, gentle and respectful therapist, who can also be a bit silly and creative. I hold tremendous respect and non-judgement for the ways you have survived, even if those ways are no longer serving you. Because I believe we heal in relationship, I pay particular attention to what’s happening in the space between us, in our relationship. The identities and issues I focus on are: 

  • LGBTQIA+ adults

  • LGBTQIA+ youth (15+)

  • Disability and chronic illness

  • Neurodivergence (especially discovered in adulthood)

  • Highly sensitive 

  • Gender affirming care

  • Identity and belonging

If you are interested in working together and want services in English, please fill out the form below or email hello@wholevalleytherapy.com.

All of my services are “pay what you can” from $0 to $100 per session. 

Education: I am currently completing my Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University. I also hold a Masters of Fine Arts in Drama and Theatre for youth and communities from the University of Texas at Austin and a BFA in theatre education from the University of Arizona. 

Background: I began my professional careers as a teacher in various contexts (middle school, high school, freelance teacher of English as an additional language, and then university settings). Prior to entering the counseling field, I worked as a community-engaged facilitator-teacher-storyteller in Columbus Ohio. 

Beyond Therapy: I enjoy the exhilaration of jumping into cool water, the mindful practice of walking my cat, the feeling of the sun or rain on my skin,  the connection of laying in grass with friends, the pride of seeing my swim students learning to swim, the discovery of joyful ways of moving my body, and the surprises in painting with watercolor. 

Credential: Intern

Supervisor: K. Grace Ford, MA, LMHC (LH61146944)