Real Support. Real Change.

Therapy for individuals, couples, and families — in person in Tacoma and online across Washington State.

Sometimes, it feels like life it isn’t working.

Maybe a solution seems out of reach. Or maybe, you know what to do, but having the correct information isn’t making a difference.

With the right support, change is possible.

Real Support

Real support means creating a space where you can be yourself, the parts you like and the parts you don’t, without fear of judgment. I’m here to listen and to help you navigate the issues that are getting in the way of a better life.

Sometimes that means we find simple, practical solutions for a problem. Often, it means we take a deep dive into the hard stuff: always with compassion, always with your permission and at your pace, and always with a focus on progress.

Blue abstract image reflecting the calm and supportive environment of therapy with Justin Mootz in Tacoma, WA.

Real Change

Real change happens when we get to the heart of what’s keeping you stuck and work through it in a way that sticks for the long haul.

The goal is to shift from simply understanding the problem to actually experiencing new, healthier ways of being.

It’s hard work. And there are no guarantees. But with the right support, real change is possible.

Blue abstract artwork symbolizing growth and transformation — reflecting the theme of “Real Change” at Justin Mootz Therapy.

What to Expect

  • Be Seen

    The whole you — your strengths and weaknesses, joys and sorrows, inherent worth and potential. What you wish others could see and what you’ve worked so hard to hide.

  • Be Heard

    The big feelings you’re familiar with, and the deeper ones that are harder to talk about. The change you desire and the change that scares you.

  • Be Accepted

    Who you are and where you’re at. My starting point is that you’re good and capable of change, even when you may not feel good about yourself or your life.

  • Be Supported

    I’ll be empathetic, honest, curious, caring, and collaborative. I’ll remain humble and open to feedback, while bringing the right tools to help you make the change you’re seeking.

  • Be Challenged

    It starts by digging more deeply into your experiences and feelings — and being kinder to yourself along the way. We’ll explore what you’ve avoided and embrace the process of growth.

  • Be Changed

    We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can change how we experience them and how we respond. When we are seen, heard, accepted, supported, and challenged, real, lasting change is possible.

Justin Mootz, M.Div., LMFTA

I’ve always been fascinated by how people experience life, relationships, and meaning — as individuals, families, communities, and across cultures. That curiosity is what drew me to therapy: helping people navigate the messy, complicated, and wonderful parts of being human.

Along the way, I spent 4.5 years living abroad in Spain, Japan, and Nicaragua, learning firsthand how culture shapes the way we see and move through the world. I’ve also worked in a wide range of settings: education, community development, spiritual formation, and marketing. Each experience gave me new insight into how people communicate, grow and change.

I now live in Tacoma with my wife and two kids. When I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me exploring the outdoors, reading something that sparks curiosity, enjoying sports, or valiantly failing at a home DIY project. Life’s full of twists and turns, and I love helping people make sense of them.

Justin Mootz, licensed marriage and family therapist associate in Tacoma, Washington.

Education & Licensure

MASTERS IN MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
Pacific Lutheran University, WA
Credential number: MG61645730

MASTERS IN DIVINITY
Luther Seminary, MN

BACHELORS IN GOVERNMENT, SPANISH
Augustana University, SD

Supervision Provided by
Rebecca Grondel, MA, LMFTA

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Primary Therapeutic Modalities

I work from a family systems perspective, focusing on the interactions and relationships that contribute to issues we struggle with and to their solutions. I draw on various therapeutic approaches, adapting techniques to best meet your needs, including but not limited to:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a proven, research-backed approach that focuses on the emotional bonds between individuals in a relationship. Grounded in Attachment Theory, Experiential Theory, and Systemic Theory, EFT helps identify and shift negative emotional patterns, fostering secure, supportive connections. It’s one of the most effective forms of couples therapy, offering lasting change by transforming emotional responses and strengthening relationships.

    You might find this approach helpful if you’re dealing with:

    • Difficulty talking about or understanding your feelings, which leaves you feeling anxious, frustrated, or confused

    • Emotional distance or feeling “stuck” in relationships, especially with your partner, family, or close friends

    • Repeated patterns in your relationships that make you feel disconnected or misunderstood

    • Struggling to manage strong emotions like anger, sadness, or fear in a healthy way

    • A fear of rejection or being left behind, which leads to conflict or pulling away in relationships

    • Feeling emotionally overwhelmed, especially when things feel misunderstood or needs aren’t being met

    • Trouble trusting others, leading to insecurity or doubt in your relationships

  • Structural Family Therapy (SFT) focuses on understanding and reorganizing family dynamics to improve relationships and solve problems. This approach identifies unhelpful patterns within family structures and works to create healthier boundaries and communication. By restructuring interactions within the family system, SFT aims to resolve conflict, promote cooperation, and restore balance.

    You might find this approach helpful if you’re dealing with:

    • Ongoing family conflict or tension that feels unresolved

    • Dysfunctional communication patterns that create misunderstandings

    • Struggling to establish healthy boundaries between family members

    • Difficulty managing the roles and expectations within the family

    • Feeling stuck in negative family patterns that impact your well-being

    • A sense of disconnection or emotional distance between family members

    • Struggles with parenting or blending families

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that lead to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT helps you develop more realistic, balanced ways of thinking and coping with challenges.

    You might find this approach helpful if you’re dealing with:

    • Constant negative thoughts that lead to anxiety, depression, or stress

    • Struggling to break free from unhealthy habits or behaviors

    • Feeling overwhelmed by irrational fears or worries

    • Difficulty managing emotional reactions in stressful situations

    • Self-criticism, low self-esteem, or a negative self-image

    • Trouble making decisions or breaking out of a cycle of procrastination

    • Wanting practical tools to cope with day-to-day challenges

  • Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories we tell ourselves about our lives and our identities. By exploring and re-authoring these stories, this approach helps individuals reshape their narratives in a way that empowers them to live a more fulfilling life. Narrative Therapy is particularly helpful in recognizing how external influences, such as cultural or familial expectations, shape our identity and experiences.

    You might find this approach helpful if you’re dealing with:

    • Feeling like your life is controlled by past experiences or trauma

    • Struggling with a sense of identity or self-worth

    • Feeling stuck in negative patterns or “roles” in your relationships

    • Wanting to explore new ways of thinking about yourself and your future

    • Overcoming feelings of shame or self-blame

    • Difficulty seeing beyond the challenges you're facing to envision a different future

    • Wanting to rewrite the story of your life and how you relate to others

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. With an emphasis on your strengths, resources, and past successes, SFT helps you identify practical steps toward achieving your goals. It’s a forward-looking therapy that seeks to empower you to find solutions and take action quickly.

    You might find this approach helpful if you’re dealing with:

    • Feeling overwhelmed by problems that seem insurmountable

    • Wanting to focus on actionable steps rather than getting bogged down by the past

    • Looking for quick, effective strategies to address current issues

    • Struggling to find motivation or a clear path forward

    • Wanting to explore what’s working in your life and build on those strengths

    • Experiencing frustration from trying to fix everything at once and needing direction

    • Seeking practical, tangible solutions to immediate challenges

  • Developed by Virginia Satir, TST focuses on improving communication, self-esteem, and emotional connection within families and relationships. Grounded in family systems theory, this approach aims to transform dysfunctional communication patterns and emotional blocks, fostering greater emotional health and connection. By addressing the roles, behaviors, and emotional dynamics within a family, Satir Therapy empowers individuals to build healthier, more positive relationships.

    You might find this approach helpful if you’re dealing with:

    Struggling with communication in your family or relationships

    • Feeling stuck in old emotional patterns or family dynamics that affect your well-being

    • Low self-esteem or feelings of unworthiness, especially in relation to others

    • Difficulty expressing your emotions or feeling disconnected from your feelings

    • Family conflict that feels unresolved or repetitive

    • A desire to improve emotional connection and mutual understanding in your relationships

    • Wanting to build healthier, more supportive communication with loved ones

Ready to get started?

Schedule a complimentary consultation. I can answer any questions you have about the therapy process and we can figure out if I’m the right fit for what you need.