“I treat people, not disorders, and will battle on for you!”
The mission at Battle On Therapy is to provide personalized care to individuals which fosters growth, resilience, healing, and self-advocacy. My goals in treatment are to elicit healthy changes both cognitively and physically by providing culturally responsive, evidence-based therapy to older adolescents and adults—particularly those of color.
First off, thank you. Thank you for not only taking an interest in me, but thank you for taking the time to potentially form a relationship with someone you can be vulnerable with. One of the biggest challenges of therapy is simply accepting that changes need to be made and asking for help. So whether you’re starting the search for your first therapist or searching for a new one to transition to, you’re in the right place and I’m here for you.
My name is Christopher Batalon—you can call me Chris. I am a fully licensed mental health therapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, men’s issues, identity issues, and multi-cultural issues. Although these are my specialties, the biggest measure of success in therapy when dealing with any issue, is trust and connection. If you have a therapist that you do not connect with, the change process can feel nonexistent. Connection can come in various forms. For instance, you share an area of the U.S. where you live and speak the same cultural language, or the person you are sitting across from simply looks like you. Whatever the case may be, a powerful connection is representation, and working with someone that you feel a strong connection with will greatly elevate the therapeutic process.
About Me
Born and raised on Oahu, I spent my first few years on the island before moving to Washington state. Although I have spent the majority of my life in Seattle, I still consider Hawaii my home. I got my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington in 2010 before working ten years at non-profits, employed within different roles. Working for these agencies highlighted the need for therapists of color to promote positive mental health which is often a taboo subject for many marginalized communities. Recounting their stories of disenfranchisement and trauma played a role in shaping the state of individuals' mental health—of whom I worked with. By holding space and providing resources for them, it allowed for these individuals to feel heard and empowered, thus changing their lives for the better. I then went to graduate school and obtained my Masters degree in Social Work, with a specialization in clinical mental health. I have since worked at the International Community Health Services, a federally qualified health center primarily seeing immigrant, refugee, low-income, and medicaid patients while obtaining independent licensure. My personal mission is to continue to work with individuals within communities that are most marginalized, and provide therapy for folks who are often disenfranchised and feel as though they do not have a voice.
Freetime:
You can catch me on the weekends hanging with my wife, son, and my dog Mr. Peanut Butter.
If I’m not in pursuit of something physical fitness-related or learning about a new therapy technique, I’ll probably be playing a video game or watching a movie. I also absolutely love trying new restaurants and traveling with my family when possible, so feel free to shoot me suggestions during our session!
My Goals With Patients:
My mission with every client is to provide personalized care that fosters growth, resilience, healing, and self-advocacy. My goals in sessions are to elicit healthy changes both cognitively and physically by providing culturally responsive, evidence-based therapy. During our time together, I cannot promise that a strong connection will be made between us or that your goals will be met. However, I can promise that I will come to every session with an unbiased, non-judgemental, accepting, open mind to accomplish my aforementioned mission. If you are to stay and work with me—great! If you choose to do one session and decide it is not a great fit, I harbor no animosity or bitterness as we are our best self-promoters in terms of healing, which I am truly a supporter of.
Success would be defined as going through treatment, gaining the necessary skills and tools, and living a life where you no longer need a therapist.
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approaches I use in therapy
I believe therapy works best when there is genuine connection. Sometimes that comes from shared culture, background, or simply feeling understood. Representation matters, and finding someone you connect with can transform the therapeutic process.
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Meet My Administrator Joanne
Aloha and Mabuhay! My name is Joanne Harleman and I am the office administrator for Battle On Therapy.
I am grateful to be part of an operation that helps those on a journey of healing.
I am a wife and mother, and when I have free time, I enjoy baking. Other than my family, my joys in life are visiting national parks, road trips, and being in remote places where I can unplug and reflect on the beauty of God's creation.
Why Choose Battle on Therapy
My Core Values
Evidence-based conflict resolution in Seattle and Bellevue to improve communication, boundaries, and problem-solving at home and at work.
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Qualifications & Licenses
I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on clinical mental health and now hold an independent license in Washington. I’ve worked with the International Community Health Services, supporting immigrant, refugee, and low-income individuals on their paths to healing.
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