Niko Palacios

My name is Niko Palacios and I am a queer, Christian, therapist. My own personal journey of integrating faith and sexuality began at a very young age. I struggled to make sense of my attraction to men while being an active member of my church. I grew up with a South-American Catholic father and a mother with strong evangelical beliefs. Finding my voice proved to be more difficult than I ever could have imagined. Like many, I struggled in silence over the years.

It was a combination of research, spiritual discernment, and ongoing therapy that helped to provide a way out of the darkness and create a new grid for integrating my faith and sexuality. Therapy helped me to be more hopeful and realistic about what I could expect from myself and my family. I’m happy that our family continues to navigate these complex dynamics and maintain loving relationships. But, boy do I wish there had been someone to counsel us through the painful times!

I am licensed in the state of Washington as a Marriage and Family Therapist and hold a state endorsement as a Child Mental Health Specialist. As a Theologian and psychotherapist, I have the ability to speak to religious questions including those of gender and sexuality. I work to reframe conversation that has become stuck in rigidity, volatile emotion, and lack of empathy. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, therapy will always be respectful of differing viewpoints and beliefs. I work with my clients to find a life-giving balance in the middle. My own journey has caused me to believe that, more than ever, mental health is the cornerstone and foundation for developing a flourishing personhood.

I have my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and a Master of Theological Studies from Fuller Seminary. I specialize in psychodynamic theory which my clients have found to be a useful way at getting to the root cause of their pain. As a therapist, my goal is to offer a space of hope, where you are empowered to find your own path forward.

My husband Drew and I live with our three adorable dogs (Kyubi, Ekho & Hamish) in Seattle, and spend much of our free time wandering in nature and drinking copious amounts of coffee.