“All the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.”
~Shantideva
Mettā is the simple wish: may all beings be happy
About August Jensen, Couples Therapist in White Salmon, WA
My Background — East meets West and the Psychology of Awakening
I’m August Jensen, a couples therapist based in White Salmon, WA, and the founder of Mettā Therapy. My work integrates mindfulness-based, Buddhist contemplative psychology with attachment-focused approaches like PACT and Hakomi to support individuals and couples who want to heal disconnection, navigate conflict, and live with more presence and compassion.”
What I offer: the same qualities of mind that each person will discover when they look at their own mind long enough —Empathy, Acceptance, Unconditional Friendliness
As a therapist, I understand the importance of continually learning and growing, not just from textbooks or courses, but from my own lived experiences in the realm of relationships, both with myself and others. It’s through these personal encounters that I gain deeper insights into the complexities of human emotions, communication, and personal growth. Every interaction and every moment of self-reflection serve as valuable lessons, enriching my ability to empathize, connect, and guide my clients on their own unique journeys. This ongoing process of investigating the self fuels my commitment to providing the most compassionate and effective therapeutic support to those seeking guidance.
Being a therapist has been an incredible source of learning and growth for me. Each day spent working with individuals and couples presents a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate dynamics of human relationships and psychology. I am continually amazed by the resilience, strength, and vulnerability of my clients. Their stories and challenges offer profound insights into the human experience. Witnessing their transformation, witnessing the power of empathy and connection, and witnessing the potential for healing and growth reaffirms my passion for this profession. It’s not just about imparting knowledge or guidance; it’s about the reciprocity of learning and evolving together on this shared journey towards better understanding and self-discovery.
You are already free
Western psychology holds that a better quality of life comes from improving our sense of self, as well as improving our life circumstances. These are not wrong, as having a stable job and a secure home is important to our well-being. Yet, any freedom gained here is based on a set of conditions needing to be a certain way in order to experience this freedom, and much of these conditions we don’t have a lot of control over. The buddhist view asserts that freedom is found in how we relate to our experience. So it’s not about being anxious or depressed and getting rid of these states, but it’s about being fully alive, right in the middle of the anxiety or depression. Freedom arises from a willingness, and eventually, a deep-rooted trust, to stay with ourselves, no matter the circumstances.
