Ben Luedke, MA, LMHC

I am a licensed mental health counselor in an independent private practice. I enjoy providing psychotherapy and counseling to teens, adults, couples, families and groups. I actively support clients who are struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, parenting struggles, relationship difficulties and searches for meaning and life enrichment.

For more information about me, the type of therapy I do, or office location click on one of the links listed above.

My office is centrally located in downtown Bellevue and has easy access to I-405, I-90 and SR-520.

Mental Health Counselor LMHC Lic#LH00008139

Psychotherapy provides the opportunity for growth and learning on both interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. Working collaboratively with a psychotherapist who is committed to supporting you in your process of growth can open new areas of opportunity in your personal, family, social and professional life.

I am an experienced psychotherapist who is passionate about helping individuals, couples, families and groups of all races, genders and sexual orientations achieve their personal goals. I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy. My therapeutic orientation is grounded in various psychodynamic theories, family therapy, cognitive therapy and mindfulness practices. I regularly work with teenagers and adults.

Many of my clients prefer to sit and talk; however, many also enjoy ‘walk and talk’ sessions, and I am always open to this option as well. Frequently, I walk to the park and back with a client while engaged in conversation. Many of my clients who choose this option find it more comfortable and natural to walk side by side vs. sitting across from each other in a room.

For clients who move out of the area or are unable to meet in person, I also offer the option to meet online. HIPPA-compliant websites now make this a secure and attractive option when need arises.

My areas of clinical focus include:

Anxiety

• panic attacks
• stress, excessive worry
• shyness and social phobia
• obsessions and compulsions

Depression

• sadness, loneliness
• grief, bereavement, and loss
• manic and hypomanic episodes

PTSD

• natural disasters, rape, combat, child abuse

Relationship difficulties

• trust
• infidelity
• conflict
• commitment issues
• communication
• intimacy
• jealousy, insecurity

Parenting

• behavioral difficulties
• separation, divorce and blended families
• sibling conflict

Searches for meaning and enrichment

• search for meaningful work
• integrating spirituality with work and home life
• feelings of loneliness and isolation
• reconnection with nature
• integrating religion with spirituality

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. I attended graduate school in San Francisco at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), where I received a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Drama Therapy. Drama Therapy is the application of a dynamic and creative medium to psychotherapy, and is most frequently used in the context of group therapy.

Following graduation from CIIS in 2001, I moved to Seattle. Since that time, I have worked in community mental health agencies, schools and private practice (I started private practice in 2004). Throughout my years of counseling experience, I have partnered with numerous service providers including family doctors, school counselors and psychiatrists to provide a comprehensive quality of care.

I offer psychotherapy groups on an intermittent basis. Among the groups I have done are men’s groups, parenting groups, and groups for teens.

BIO CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Completed Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) training for PTSD treatment at Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress
• Facilitated Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families parenting groups at Ruth Dykeman Youth and Family Services, Burien, WA
• Designed, marketed and implemented the Father and Son Project to serve intergeneration groups of men and boys at Men Overcoming Violence (M.O.V.E) in San Francisco, CA
• Served as Board Member of Men Overcoming Violence (M.O.V.E)
• Appeared on Group Health’s panel of experts for Mercer Island parents entitled “Is This Behavior Normal?”
• Awarded Child Mental Health Specialist designation in 2002
• Implemented peer mediator, Aikido and drama club programs at West Mercer Elementary School, Mercer Island, WA
• Created family issues drama therapy groups at Cascade Middle School, South Seattle
• Facilitated gender awareness and violence prevention groups at Creative Arts Charter School, San Francisco, CA

I have an ongoing commitment to my professional development and continuing education. In addition to consulting with colleagues on a regular basis, I complete 36 hours of continuing education units every two years.

Downtown Bellevue/Overlake Hospital area

My office is in Campus Office Park, located on 116th Avenue NE in downtown Bellevue. The complex is just a few driveways north of Overlake Hospital. I am in building 1611, office number 108. My office is quite close to I-405 and SR 520, and near to I-90. Once you enter the office park, take your first right and you will find my building straight ahead.

When you arrive for your appointment…

If you arrive early for a session, you may wait in the lobby found to your left when entering the building (it is intended to be used by everyone, not just massage therapy clients). At the time of your appointment, walk down the hall and knock on my door, #108. In the event that I am running late with a client, you will see the ‘In Session’ sign on the door. If you think you will be arriving late, please call to let me know. Please remember that I have a 48 hour cancellation policy, and bill clients directly when they cancel with shorter notice.

If you arrive late or I have not appeared to greet you, please come down the hall and knock on my door.

Forms

Once we have spoken on the phone, please email me (luedkewa@gmail.com) so I have your email address. I will then respond with the necessary forms to begin our work together. Please download the forms, fill them out, and bring them with you to your first session.
Thank you for taking care of this in advance.
For questions or to set up an appointment, call 425.454.0422