Your story is welcome here.

Nicolette Moore Rutan, MSW, LSWAIC

Golden Story Therapy

Individual Therapy in Washington State

At Golden Story Therapy I specialize in helping adults and teens 16+ navigate anxiety, career, and relationship challenges. If you are here you might be feeling anxious, stressed, lonely, or burnt out. You might be constantly overthinking and worried about what others think of you. Your schedule might be packed, but you’re not feeling seen, understood, or fulfilled—it’s like you are on autopilot with the gnawing sense that things could be better. You want to make a change, but you have no idea where to start and that makes you even more anxious. You’re starting to wonder if it will always be this way.

It doesn’t have to be.

In my work I help people break free from these exhausting cycles. So much of what we believe about ourselves comes from the stories we tell ourselves and the stories others have told us about who we are. This includes the stories we are told about who we are ‘supposed to’ be. I work with people who are beginning to question those narratives and are ready for change. Living a life to please others’ and the world’s expectations keeps us trapped in a story that isn’t ours. I can help you take back your life and write your story on your terms.

Specialty Areas

  • Tired of feeling overwhelmed and constantly overthinking? If the pressure to be perfect keeps you running in circles and leaves you exhausted, I can help.

    Rather than push your anxiety away, we’ll work together using a holistic approach so you can better understand anxiety, learn how to manage it, and develop coping skills.

  • If your job keeps you up at night, or you’ve realized the career path you’re on actually isn’t right for you, I can help. Whether it’s dealing with the stress and challenges you face as a leader or you’re contemplating a career change, work doesn’t have to be a source of dread.

    I spent the first half of my career in organizational psychology, working with and coaching executives and supporting employees in their career development. We’ll explore what you really want to get out of your career and how you can get there.

    I’ve worked in a variety of industries including tech, retail, energy, and non-profit, so I get it. And after making a career change myself I know how daunting it can be, but I promise you that it’s not too late.

  • While I work with individuals only, many times stress and anxiety rob us of enjoying fulfilling relationships. You might be feeling lonely, misunderstood, or like social anxiety is keeping you from meaningful connections.

    Using an attachment based approach, we’ll get to the root so you can build deeper self-awareness, self-compassion, and change the patterns that play out in your relationships.

Virtual Therapy Services in Washington

You can access therapy with me from anywhere in Washington State. All sessions take place via secure telehealth platform. Virtual therapy eliminates the stress of commuting, and allows for maximum flexibility and comfort on your end. I have a handful of spots still available, so I invite you to check out my services and reach out!

Halfway There

Whatever happens,

you are free to go. Free

to peel off what’s left of this story and choose

another. It is not

too late.

It is definitely worth the trouble.

Remember the story of the lion

lost without its courage.

Too scared, full of fury,

the great wizard

standing in the emerald tower,

knowing the lion was already brave.

- Kate Baer, from And Yet

Skyline photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash, Desk photo by Nathan Riley on Unsplash, Notebook photo by Max Saeling on Unsplash