Kia Gutierrez, LMFT

I’m Kia Gutierrez, a trauma-informed, attachment-focused Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with couples, families, and leaders who are tired of “just getting by” and ready to do the deeper work of healing, growth, and real connection—especially those carrying high levels of responsibility, exposure to stress, or the emotional weight of caring for others.

My approach is grounded in evidence-based practice, developmental attachment theory, and a relational worldview. That means I don’t just look at symptoms—I look at the stories, patterns, and beliefs underneath them. Most people aren’t broken; they’re stuck in cycles that once made sense and no longer serve them. Therapy is where we slow those cycles down, make them visible, and learn how to respond differently.

I partner closely with clients to strengthen communication, repair trust after hurt, and rebuild emotional safety where it’s been strained or lost. I believe growth takes guts. It requires honesty, courage, and compassion—and you don’t have to do it alone. My role is to walk with you, ask the hard questions when needed, and support you as you practice new ways of relating to yourself and the people you love.

In my private practice, I specialize in trauma, marital and relationship distress, parenting stress, and family system dynamics. I work extensively with pastors and church leaders, as well as firefighters, first responders, and police families—individuals and households shaped by chronic stress, unpredictable schedules, high-stakes decision-making, and repeated exposure to crisis. These environments can place unique strain on relationships, emotional regulation, and family life, and I offer a space where that complexity is understood rather than minimized.

My clinical work integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), narrative and systemic approaches, and somatic awareness to help clients feel seen, understood, and capable of meaningful change—not just insight, but lived transformation.

Outside the therapy room, I’m wife to my husband of over ten years, mom to my young children, a historical fiction writer, and someone who finds grounding in tending a backyard garden (and a few chickens). I’m passionate about expanding trauma-informed care through writing, teaching, and leadership development, particularly within families and faith-based and service-oriented communities.

I bring both professional training and lived experience to this work. My goal is to create a space that is honest, grounded, and purposeful—where healing feels possible and change feels sustainable.

I currently offer telehealth sessions across Washington State, serving couples in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellevue, Olympia, and beyond. Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of trauma, struggling with communication, or longing to reconnect, I’m here to walk with you toward healing.

Ready to take the next step?
Text “Couples Therapy” to 360-209-4560 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation