Larry Hackman LMFTA
Compassionate care for life's distressing moments.
What Does Counseling Look Like?
It can be a bold step to seek therapy. Here's what working with me looks like, whether you're a couple, family, or individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
There's a lot more to know about therapy. Here are some of the things people most often ask me about.
Getting Started
Ready to jump in? These are the details for moving ahead with a meeting.
What Does Counseling Look Like?
First of all, I hope that you find your experience with me to be warm, gracious, and gentle. I'm well aware of how intimidating meeting with any therapist for the first time can be, so my first goal is to help you feel comfortable. I will want to know what your hopes for therapy are, what your story is, and work with you to figure out how I can come alongside you in your goals.As for what science or theory is behind my approach, it's all about connection. Advancements in developmental psychology and neurobiology have led to powerful insight into how we work as human beings. Essentially, we function at a deeper relational/emotional and biological level than we may realize in every day life. In therapy, this means addressing problems involves becoming aware of these deeper patterns and feelings and working through them in the session at an emotional, relational, and somatic level. This helps regulate your brain and body and restores ruptured connections in a way that is lasting and effective.Couples
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is one method that takes this research and practice and gives therapists a structured way to guide couples through a healing experience. Research has shown that EFCT is incredibly effective, with 90% of couples showing improvement. I have been working with couples through EFCT for years and find it very exciting and deeply rewarding to see people reconnect.Individuals
Individuals can benefit from this approach as well, and I have used Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) to help people find relief from anxiety, depression, and relational distress. I also incorporate elements from mindfulness and Solutions Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) when appropriate.Families
I work with adolescents, as well as with families experiencing estrangement or conflict in later life stages by using Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT), as well as incorporating SFBT and elements of family systems theory.Faith and Spirituality
There is a growing body of research indicating that spirituality incorporated into therapy provides more positive outcomes and as an ordained pastor I provide clients from a Christian faith background an integrated faith perspective. That said, I've worked with people from all kinds of backgrounds and will always respect and work with whatever perspective you bring.
Frequently Asked questions
How would I know you're a good fit for me?
This is such an important question! I, too, have been on the receiving end of therapy and have experienced therapists who clicked with me, and some who did not. Without that important sense of connection and a level of comfort, therapy won't go far, so it's important to me that you feel like you know me and can walk this journey together.As for knowing me, I hope you find me warm and gentle, with a sense of humor and a listening ear. I have my own losses and struggles and those experiences have shaped my own sense of empathy.As far as the clinical experience, if you're wanting homework and a list of to-dos, that will not be your experience with me. While I do give practical advice, the research and methods I pull from mean transformative experiences in session that stick with you.How long does therapy take?
Everybody is different so the answer to this is unique to every individual. It will depend on your goals. Some clients I see have specific short-term goals and only need a few sessions, other clients may need long-term work. A typical EFCT treatment is expected to take 8-20 weeks, but nobody is "typical." Suffice it to say, my goal is to help you find health and healing as quickly as possible. I do not want clients to feel like they depend on me for their health, rather I seek to help them find and trust the resources already available to them.Do you work with children or teens?
I work with adolescents over the age of 13, but with one important caveat: I expect to work with the parents as well. Adolescents are shaped and impacted by their family and treatment is far more effective when parents are part of sessions.What is your educational background and training?
I earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. I've earned a certificate from ICEEFT (the gold standard in Emotionally Focused Therapy training) for completing an externship in EFCT and have long been a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator. Before all that I earned a Masters of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Business degree from University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. I love learning new things!Do you offer in-person or telehealth?
I meet with most of my clients in-person at the Compassion Wellness Center located in Gig Harbor, but for some clients who are more distant in Washington state or need more flexible arrangements I offer telehealth (which is like using Zoom, but HIPAA compliant).I've decided I'm ready for therapy, now what?
First, if you still have questions I'm very happy to have a short phone call with you. But if you are indeed ready to start, you can find all the contact information you need here. When you reach out, be aware that there is an intake process that includes some questionnaires and things to read through.What about insurance? What are your fees?
Most clients don't realize that many insurance providers require a mental illness diagnosis for reimbursement, something that is often unnecessary and potentially stigmatizing. For that reason, among others, I do not accept insurance, but there are options. I can create a "superbill" that clients can provide to their insurance provider if they have out-of-network benefits. If you have an HSA, that can be applied here.My fee is $145 for 50 minutes for all clients, regardless of whether they are a couple, family, or individual. Some clients may be eligible for a sliding scale, and I can work with churches to provide scholarships to congregants who need care.
Getting Started
If you would like to reach out for a 15 minute consultation before committing to a session, you can call me at 253-201-2332. You can also email me at [email protected].I am pleased to work with Hopewell Counseling for intake and administrative services. You can call their front desk at 757-333-1548 to begin intake, or email [email protected].I typically serve people from the Gig Harbor and Port Orchard area in person, but I am available beyond the Kitsap Peninsula via telehealth options.