Janet Ulukivaiola

I bring a culturally responsive and compassionate approach to mental health counseling, grounded in a Master’s degree in Psychology and over a decade of experience in behavioral and mental health care. My work has spanned a variety of settings, including adolescent residential treatment, acute inpatient care, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient counseling within critical access hospitals.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting a wide range of individuals and families, including toddlers, adolescents, adoptive families, legal guardians, and adults. I am experienced in navigating complex systems of care, with a strong background in case management, residential and outpatient services, and community-based support.

Having worked extensively across Alaska, I understand the importance of culturally informed care and the unique challenges faced by diverse communities.

My goal is to create a safe, respectful, and collaborative space where clients feel understood and supported as they move toward meaningful change.

My approach to therapy is rooted in connection, authenticity, and meeting you where you are. I believe that building a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation for meaningful change, and I often incorporate humor, music, and cultural understanding to help create a space that feels comfortable, human, and real.

Together, we’ll explore how you connect with the world. We’ll walk through your relationships, your family experiences, and the environments that have shaped you. I work alongside you to better understand patterns, strengths, and barriers, while supporting you in building healthier, more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.

I have experience guiding clients through anxiety, loneliness, depression, and moments of crisis. When safety is a concern, I focus on helping you access the right level of care and support, ensuring you are not navigating those moments alone.

When it comes to trauma, I believe in moving at your pace. We begin by creating a strong sense of safety and stability before gently exploring deeper experiences, always with care, respect, and your readiness in mind.

My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered as you move toward greater wellness and balance.

Your first therapy session is a space for you to show up exactly as you are. No expectations, no pressure to have everything figured out. If you need a place to laugh, let’s do that. If you need a place to cry, we’ll create a safe, judgment-free space where you can do so openly.

We’ll start by exploring what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping for. If you’re looking for answers, we can begin figuring out where to find them, together. There’s no “right” way to start this process.

If you’re unsure of what you’re feeling or don’t yet have the words to describe your experience, that’s okay. Whether it’s emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations that are hard to explain, our time can be a place of discovery. We’ll take it step by step, working to better understand what’s coming up for you in a way that feels supportive and manageable.

You can expect a collaborative, compassionate approach focused on helping you feel comfortable, heard, and understood from the very beginning.