Meet Dr. Trish Short
Dr. Trish Short is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been in private practice in Olympia, Washington for 20 years. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Washington, later studied psychology at Seattle University, and earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Denver.
Dr. Short completed her internship training at the Arizona State University Student Counseling Center. She received her post-doctoral training there, and subsequently served as a staff psychologist. Dr. Short began her private practice work in Phoenix, Arizona, and worked at the Pacific Lutheran University counseling center prior to opening her own private practice in Olympia in 2001.
Dr. Short works with adolescents, couples, and adults, typically focusing on: stress management, coping skills, depression, anxiety, eating and sleeping issues, mind-body health and wellness, chronic health conditions, grief and loss, trauma, relationship struggles, and difficult life changes.
Dr. Short’s basic approach to treatment is psychodynamic, though she also uses an integrative approach, which includes psychodynamic, relational, motivational interviewing cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based methods to best meet the needs of her clients. She has special interest and expertise in attachment and family-of-origin issues. In couples therapy, Dr. Short utilizes elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and psychodynamic methods.
Most importantly, Dr. Short sees the therapeutic partnership as having the potential to promote self acceptance, healing, and positive changes in a client’s life experience.
Dr. Short lives in Olympia, Washington with her husband of more than 20 years and their two adolescent children. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking skiing, traveling, doing yoga, and spending time with her friends, family and pets.
Meet Dr. Aaron Belz
Dr. Aaron Belz is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been providing therapy and related services for over 20 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in U.S. History from Princeton University, later studied psychology at the University of Washington, and earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Arizona State University. He completed a postdoctoral internship at Western State Hospital, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Child Study Treatment Center (both in Lakewood, Washington).
Dr. Belz was the lead psychologist for 11 years at Green Hill School in the Washington State Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Administration, where he provided clinical treatment and evaluations, staff training, and directed program development. He has served as a staff psychologist at Madigan Army Medical Center for the past five years and has been in private practice for six years.
Dr. Belz works with children and adolescents as well as adults across the life-span. He works with a range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and adjustment issues.
Using a range of therapeutic techniques, Dr. Belz’s work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT). He has specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. He is especially interested in working with clients to apply active approaches to treat anxiety, using mindfulness strategies, and utilizing elements of motivational interviewing.
Dr. Belz lives in Olympia, Washington with his wife of more than 20 years and their two adolescent children. In his free time he enjoys hiking, traveling, playing basketball and tennis, reading, listening to music, and spending time with his family and pets.
Why We Make a Great Team
Dr. Short and Dr. Belz have a combined 50 years of experience in helping clients become their healthiest selves. They aim to provide care and support to their clients by creating a safe and engaging environment. Sharing their passion for improving the well-being of their community, Dr. Trish and Dr. Aaron are determined to help anyone suffering from mental health issues.