About Lisa Criswell, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Adult Psychologist Sammamish, WA
An Early Love of Story and Connection
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved listening to others’ stories. I’ve always been an avid reader, devouring books in my spare time, endlessly curious about how others see the world. And as a naturally sensitive and empathetic person, I was often the friend others could turn to when they needed a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. I have always truly enjoyed being there for others and supporting them through difficult times.
My desire to serve and support others continued into early adulthood, when as a college student I had the honor and privilege of co-leading a volunteer tutoring group in inner-city San Diego. I found so much joy in working and laughing with the youth I tutored, and again I found myself drawn to the opportunity to provide understanding and support when my students were struggling. Through this experience and other opportunities to mentor youth, I knew that I wanted to continue working with children and teens in the future.
Becoming a Psychologist
When I began to seriously reflect on a career direction, these early experiences nudged me toward the field of psychology. I knew this profession could fulfill my desire to serve, empower, and lift others up. During my doctoral training at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA, my research centered around positive youth development, which emphasizes expanding and celebrating the strengths and resources that young people possess.
As a part of my research, I was fortunate to have the chance to work with teenage survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking. Despite the trauma these young people had experienced, their resilience and strength was truly inspiring, and it was incredibly rewarding to help them build upon their unique strengths and resources to envision a positive future. I committed that I would remain true to this strengths-focused approach throughout my work as a psychologist.
Training, Credentials, and My Approach to Counseling
Throughout my graduate training and beyond, I have had the opportunity to work with children, teens, and adults from a wide variety of backgrounds and walks of life. I’ve worked in settings ranging from community mental health centers, to hospitals, to universities, to private practice. Along the way I’ve helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, trauma, learning and behavioral problems, and many other challenges. I have both a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology, and I am licensed as a psychologist by Washington state.
In my work, I am passionate about helping those I work with feel cared for, understood, and more compassionate toward themselves. It is an honor and a privilege to come alongside people as they do the brave work of opening up and seeking to understand themselves on a deeper level. I believe it is important to acknowledge each person’s strengths and use these to collaboratively address challenges. In practice, this means that I strive to empower others to trust and honor themselves and their experiences while learning to take concrete steps toward a more peaceful, meaningful, flourishing life.
In My Free Time…
Self care is incredibly important to me, and I try to make it a priority to regularly do things that feed my soul. In my free time, I love to be outdoors, walking, running, hiking, or kayaking. I always enjoy exploring new and delicious restaurants around the Seattle area, or relaxing at home and snuggling my cat, Mochi. I still love to read and spend time with loved ones, and I also enjoy practicing calligraphy, which I find to be extremely relaxing and meditative!