City Center Neighborhoods

These are the neighborhoods that surround downtown, which is a very specific area in Seattle鈥攚hat other cities might call the central business district. These neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other (sometimes up to a 30-minute walk).听

Downtown

Downtown is roughly bounded by Pike and Pine Streets to the north, Yesler Way to the south, I-5 to the east, and Puget Sound to the west. There are some condos and apartments with a primarily commercial feel鈥攚hich means a ton of shopping, financial businesses, and shops. There鈥檚 a fair amount of nightlife and restaurants Downtown. The overall vibe here is 鈥渂usinessy鈥� and professional (or at least as businessy and professional as Seattleites get – we鈥檙e veeeeerrrrrrrrry casual here). Westlake Center and Pacific Place are downtown, the Seattle Art Museum, and the surrounding streets are shopping central, and also the city鈥檚 biggest transit hub鈥攖he monorail and the ever-expanding Link Light Rail stop here, as well as almost all the major bus lines. And the ferry! Not to mention, over the summer months there鈥檚 a water taxi connecting downtown to West Seattle. As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, many businesses began closing in Downtown. However, in 2022, Downtown businesses,听 including shops and restaurants are slowly returning and recovering. Most recently, Seattle鈥檚 Waterfront Park got a major facelift, connecting Pike Place Market (Pike Place Market!) to the – you guessed it – waterfront! – with a park, pier, the Great Wheel, and the Seattle Aquarium right there!听

Notable Downtown Restaurants: The Pink Door (Pike Place Market), Lowell鈥檚 Cafe (Pike Place Market – from 鈥淪leepless in Seattle鈥�!), Pike Place Bar & Grill (Pike Place Market), Biscuit Bitch Pike Place, Beecher鈥檚 Handmade Cheese, Pike Place Chowder, Serious Pie Pizza, The Crab Pot Seafood Restaurant (waterfront), Ivar鈥檚 Fish Bar (waterfront)听听

Hotels: Hyatt Regency, Panama Hotel, Sheraton Grand Seattle, Four Seasons Seattle听

Belltown

Directly north of Downtown, Belltown is bounded by Pike/Pine to the south, Denny Way to the north, 5th Avenue to the east, and Puget Sound to the west. It鈥檚 full of apartments and condos, restaurants, bars, and live music venues. The vibe is trendy, upscale, youthful, and at times, not a place to walk around alone after dark. Belltown is home to the Olympic Sculpture Park, and this area is very active on Friday and Saturday nights, but it is quieter and more relaxed during the week. Belltown centers around 1st and Bell, so if you want to be in the thick of things, look on 1st and 2nd Avenues; 3rd Avenue is a major bus route and can be a bit busy, while 4th and 5th Avenues tend to be quieter.

Notable Belltown Restaurants: Six Seven Restaurant (waterfront), Lola, Bagrat Market, Cyclops Cafe & Lounge, Top Pot Doughnut, Virginia Inn听听听听

Hotels: Edgewater Hotel, Belltown Inn, Warwick Seattle, Hotel Max, Seattle Marriott Waterfront, Moore Hotel, The Westin Seattle听听

Lower Queen Anne (AKA Uptown)

Just north of Belltown, Lower Queen Anne is a favorite for many 天美视频 students. Formerly known as Uptown, most of Lower Queen Anne boasts great places to eat and study. Its boundaries aren鈥檛 really well defined, but it鈥檚 approximately the areas directly north and to the west of Seattle Center, which is home to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Repertory Theatre, and even an ice skating rink in the winter. Climate Pledge Arena (formerly known as Key Arena) reopened in the Fall of 2021 and has already featured many headliners in its updated space: “the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable arena in the world”. Queen Anne is a very large hill, and Lower Queen Anne is the base of it on the south side. It鈥檚 about a 15-20 minute walk to downtown, or you can take the monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake Center. Lower Queen Anne is quieter than Belltown, with more parking (though not a ton) and a more family-friendly vibe, but there鈥檚 still an active nightlife scene. In warmer weather months, there鈥檚 a Thursday afternoon Farmer鈥檚 Market. Queen Anne is also home to the famous Kerry Park, one of the best views of the city.听

Queen Anne Restaurants: Queen Anne Beer Hall, Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar, Macrina Bakery, Byen Bakeri, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, Canlis (for very special occasions), How to Cook a Wolf, Grappa, Citizen Cafe

Hotels: The Maxwell Hotel, Hyatt House, MarQueen Hotel (they say this one鈥檚 haunted)听

South Lake Union

Just to the east of Lower Queen Anne and north of Belltown, South Lake Union (SLU) is very central. For years this was primarily an industrial center, but more recently, after the arrival of Amazon and a bunch of biotech companies, it鈥檚 become quite the technology hub, with a growing nightlife and great restaurants at its center. There鈥檚 a seasonal (summer) Saturday Market in South Lake Union. There are new apartment and condo buildings here, as well as some that are still being built. There鈥檚 also the 鈥淪outh Lake Union Trolley鈥� to get you around the neighborhood. Major plus: SLU is right on Lake Union, with its swimming spots, long, beautiful jogging paths, and plenty of options for renting kayaks, paddle boards, and wooden boats. And! The seaplanes take off from Lake Union – which you can take for either scenic tours or travel! Book at Kenmore Air. Finally, don鈥檛 forget to see the famous – famous! Sleepless in Seattle-famous! houseboats on Lake Union as well.听

South Lake Union Restaurants: Re:Public, LOCAL Public Eatery, Duke鈥檚 Seafood South Lake Union (waterfront), M Bar (rooftop), Ba Bar South Lake Union, Cactus South Lake Union, The White Swan Public House, Momiji South Lake Union

Hotels: Silver Cloud Hotel, CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union, Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Lake Union, Residence Inn Seattle Downtown Seattle / Lake Union听

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square is where Seattle was first founded. Even though it鈥檚 just south of Downtown, the two neighborhoods have very different vibes and aesthetics. Pioneer Square has a lot of beautiful old buildings that attract architecture firms, art and design studios, and other creative endeavors. Many have been converted into lofts and apartments, and some of Seattle鈥檚 best restaurateurs are opening new spots here to draw in more people. Lumen Field (home to Seahawks football, Sounders, and Seattle Reign soccer, formerly known as Century Link Field) and T-Mobile Park (home to Mariners baseball, formerly Safeco Field) are down here as well, so if you鈥檙e a sports fan you鈥檒l find a great game-day atmosphere in Pioneer Square. There鈥檚 also an Underground Seattle Tour here鈥攜ou may want to put that on your 鈥渘ew to Seattle鈥� to-do list.

Pioneer Square Restaurants: 13 Coins Seattle, Taylor鈥檚 Shellfish Oyster Bar, Il Terrazzo Carmine, Flatstick Pub听

Hotels: Embassy Suites, Silver Cloud Hotel, CitizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

International District

The International District neighborhood (ID), with a history rooted in Asian and Asian-American culture, is a densely populated area with fantastic restaurants, groceries, and cultural events. With many businesses and transportation options including bus, light rail, and Amtrak, the ID has location, history, and opportunities. The ID is home to the Wing Luke Museum, the Uwajimaya Market, and the historic Panama Hotel and Tea House.听

ID Restaurants: Dough Zone, Momosan, Maneki, The Boat

Hotels: Panama Hotel and Tea House, The Art Inn Seattle听

Central District / Rainier Valley / Beacon Hill (天美视频鈥檚 Home!)

天美视频 of Theology & Psychology is in south Seattle, right at the intersection of three three neighborhoods: the CD, Rainier Valley, and Beacon Hill. The CD is home to the Wa Na Wari Black arts and community gathering space, as well as the Northwest African American Museum. Also be sure to check out two parks: Judkins – right across the street from our campus! And Pratt Park. On Beacon Hill, check out Jefferson Park and Dr. Jose Rizal Park, not to mention Seattle鈥檚 Bouldering Project – one of our city鈥檚 rock climbing gyms.听

Notable CD/Rainier Valley/Beacon Restaurants: Temple Pasties, Jackson鈥檚 Catfish Corner, Cupcake Royale, Victrola Coffee Roasters, Milk Drunk, Bar del Corso

Just-outside-the-city-center Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods surround the ones we mentioned above. They鈥檙e all about a 10-15 minute drive from Downtown (or about $10 for a Lyft). Parking is a bit better in these neighborhoods, but not significantly so.听

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill, east of downtown, is a large and very densely populated neighborhood that is the center of art, music, and LGBTQ+ culture in Seattle. This was the center of the whole grunge thing and is still a primary part of Seattle鈥檚 live music scene (although it now includes many genres, including great electronica and hip-hop venues, among others). The prestigious Cornish College of the Arts is also here, along with a thriving theater community. Capitol Hill has a thriving nightlife, with plenty of options for live music, bars, clubs, and restaurants, and some decent shopping. There is a year round Sunday Farmer鈥檚 Market that happens in Capitol Hill, a favorite of locals. Cap HIll is also home to Volunteer Park, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Cal Anderson Park.听

Cap Hill Restaurants: Melrose Market, Sweet Alchemy, Skillet Diner, Ba Bar Capitol Hill, Terra Plata (rooftop), Poquitos, Smith, Oddfellows, Lost Lake

Hotels: Silver Cloud Broadway, Hotel Sorrento听

Fremont

Just north of Lake Union, Fremont is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown. It鈥檚 a charmingly unusual and eclectic sort of place, full of strange and quirky sculptures (like a 10-foot Vladimir Lenin, an enormous troll eating a real-life Volkswagen Beetle, and hedges trimmed to look like faces)鈥攏ot to mention the annual Summer Solstice parade of naked cyclists. It鈥檚 got some of the artistic cultural vibe of Capitol Hill, but more relaxed. The core of Fremont is smaller than that of Capitol Hill or Belltown, though it does have a selection of good restaurants, bars, and boutique shopping. This area has gentrified a lot in recent years and is now home to the Seattle offices of some big technology companies, including Adobe and Google. Check out Gas Works Park!

Fremont Restaurants: Uneeda Burger, RockCreek, The Whale Wins, Gasworks Brewing听

Hotel: Staybridge Suites Seattle听

Ballard

Ballard, just west of Fremont and about a 15-minute drive from downtown, has been one of Seattle鈥檚 trendiest neighborhoods for the last few years. Old Ballard is right in the middle, with brick streets, boutiques, wine bars, artisan pubs, coffee shops, yoga studios, Saturday Farmers Market, and loft apartments with a vintage/modern feel, and the western edge features incredible views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, including one of Seattle鈥檚 most popular beaches, Golden Gardens. Historically a fisherman鈥檚 town, now with a nightlife somewhere between the frenzied Capitol Hill and the laid back Fremont, Ballard鈥檚 popularity means that there are lots of options. Tour the National Nordic Museum and the Ballard Locks!听

Ballard Restaurants: Brimmer & Heeltap, The Walrus and the Carpenter, Ray鈥檚 Boathouse (waterfront), Ray鈥檚 Cafe (waterfront), Staple & Fancy, Fuego, Matador, Percy’s & Co.

Hotels: Ballard Inn, Hotel Ballard, Watertown Hotel

University District

West of Wallingford is the U-District, the neighborhood surrounding the University of Washington – home to the famous 鈥淗arry Potter鈥� library, and as a public university, you can visit! There are a lot of college bars, good restaurants, and some live music options. Even though the U-District is right in the middle of a big city, it can feel very much like any college town in America. It鈥檚 pretty affordable and a lot of fun, with all the pageantry Division I college athletics have to offer. The U-District also has a light rail station that runs from the stadium through Capitol Hill to the Downtown Westlake Center (and beyond). Also: The U-District boats a year round Saturday Farmer鈥檚 Market! See the Henry Art Gallery, the Burke Museum, and Magnuson Park. Rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards at the Waterfront Activities Center! Shop the University Village and picnic on the Village Green!听

U District Restaurants: MCozy Fusion Cafe, Ugly Mug Cafe, Saint Bread (waterfront), Joey University Village, Ba Bar University Village, Big Time Brewery & Alehouse, Cafe Solstice, Dough Zone, Mamma Melina, Shultzy鈥檚, Agua Verde Cafe (waterfront), The Mountaineering Club (rooftop), Portage Bay Cafe听

U District Hotels: Graduate, Residence Inn, University Inn, Watertown Hotel听

Eastlake

On the south side of the University of Washington is Eastlake. With a large neighborhood of floating homes – Hello, 鈥淪leepless in Seattle鈥�! – , as well as older, more expensive houses, the area can be fun to explore. There鈥檚 also a few hidden beaches tucked throughout, and a great restaurant and bar scene.听

Eastlake Restaurants: Little Water Cantina (patio with water / city views), Serafina, Cicchetti, Zoo Tavern, Carrot Cafe听

Greenlake

Greenlake, north of Fremont and Wallingford, is the neighborhood surrounding its namesake body of water. Swim Greenlake, walk Greenlake – the lake is circled by an incredible, three mile walking/running/biking path that is always packed when the sun comes out – rent paddle boats – hello, 鈥淭en Things I Hate About You鈥�! – It鈥檚 a friendly neighborhood! There鈥檚 a small but good selection of restaurants and bars (parking can be quite tricky if you live near here). Visit the Woodland Park Zoo!听

Greenlake Restaurants: Red Mill, Duke鈥檚 Seafood, Spud Fish & Chips, Bongos, Rosita鈥檚 Mexican Grill听

A bit farther, but still Seattle neighborhoods

These neighborhoods are a bit farther out (10-30 minutes to 天美视频, depending on traffic). They have become popular with students in recent years, as they tend to be more affordable and provide easier access to large supermarkets, more accessible shopping, and even cheaper gas than what you might find in the city center neighborhoods. They also tend to have ample parking (which can cost $150-250 per month if you live somewhere like Downtown). Look along the 15th Street, Highway 99/Aurora Avenue, and I-5 corridors for easy bus access.

Greenwood

Greenwood, northeast of Ballard and northwest of Greenlake, has risen from the bog of its past () to become a busy, family-friendly, affordable neighborhood. With a good selection of restaurants, bars, gelato stops, and coffee shops along Greenwood Avenue, this is one of Seattle鈥檚 up-and-coming walkable neighborhoods. The Interurban Bike Trail runs north from Greenwood, and there are plenty of bike-friendly streets here.听

Greenwood Restaurants: El Chupacabra, Miss Pho, Halcyon Brewing, Alibi Room听

Northgate/Pinehurst/Lake City

Another up-and-coming area of Seattle, these neighborhoods include two designated 鈥渦rban villages鈥濃�攁reas that are walkable with restaurants and nightlife options, as well as convenient transportation. Visit Northgate鈥檚 Northgate Station for shopping and dining, there鈥檚 also a movie theater, and, most fun: the Kraken Community Iceplex for community open skating sessions. These neighborhoods are also fairly close to Lake Washington and the Burke Gilman trail, a popular bike trail that runs along Lake Washington and joins up with the Sammamish River trail farther north.

Restaurants: Elliott Bay Brewing, The Shambles, Pagliacci Pizza, Magnuson Cafe & Brewery听

Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites Northgate, Residence Inn Seattle Northgate, Hotel Nexus, Courtyard Seattle Northgate

West Seattle

Located across Elliot Bay from Downtown, West Seattle is home to Seattle鈥檚 most popular beach, Alki – check out Alki Kayak Tours – and it definitely feels like a beach town. It鈥檚 really laid back and chill, even a bit reminiscent of California. There鈥檚 also a cool central area with some solid restaurants, a great little movie theater, a fantastic record store and a year round Sunday Farmers Market. The trouble with West Seattle is it鈥檚 kind of a pain to get downtown from there鈥攑robably a 30-minute drive, through an area where traffic is often quite congested. During the nicer months, there鈥檚 a water taxi that, even if it doesn鈥檛 save you much time, offers one of the most beautiful commutes in town. Also, Lincoln Park is gorgeous, and hides one of Seattle鈥檚 only public outdoor pools.听

West Seattle Restaurants: Salty鈥檚 on Alki Beach (waterfront), Marination Ma Kai (waterfront), Harry鈥檚 Beach House, Cactus Alki Beach, Il Nido, Elliott Bay Brewing, Ma鈥檕no West Seattle, Jak鈥檚 Grill, Matador West Seattle, Due Cacina, Mioposto

Hotels: The Grove West Seattle Inn听听听

Georgetown

Georgetown, south of SODO and east of South Park, is a fascinating combo of an industrial zone and a trendy neighborhood that offers some vintage shopping, great restaurants, and world class breweries. With its quirky culture and fun hangout spots, Georgetown reflects some of the charm that first made Seattle so unique. Visit The Museum of Flight and Oxbow Park for that famous Hat n Boots pic!听

Georgetown Restaurants: Ciudad, Fonda La Catrina, Mezzanotte, Georgetown Brewing Co., Hangar Cafe, Il Sirenito, BOPBOX, The Corson Building, Loretta鈥檚 Northwesterner听

Hotel: Georgetown Inn听

Columbia City

Everyone鈥檚 been buzzing about Columbia City the last few years, and it鈥檚 easy to see why: Here you鈥檒l find a cozy residential area, a vibrant business district, great restaurants, a seasonal (summer) Thursday night Farmers Market, easy access to buses and the light rail, and just a short walk to Lake Washington and the stunning Seward Park.Check out the Kubota Garden!听

Columbia City Restaurants: Bang Bang Kitchen, Stonehouse Cafe (views of Lake WA), Marination Columbia City, Tutta Bella, Taproot Cafe, Lottie鈥檚 Lounge, Milk Drunk, Black & Tan Hall, Geraldine鈥檚 Counter听

Beyond Seattle neighborhoods

These areas lie outside of the Seattle city limits. Some students find these areas to be more inviting, either because of the cost of living, the quieter neighborhoods,听or the chance to be part of the communities that live here. Although with these areas, it鈥檚 important to remember that the highways are often congested. A commute that takes about 30 minutes during non-peak times can easily turn into an hour or two during rush hour.

The Northside

If you head north out of Seattle along the I-5 corridor, you鈥檒l come to Greater Seattle鈥檚 northern suburbs (Shoreline, Edmonds, Kenmore, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Bothell, Woodinville, and eventually Everett). Each is its own adorable waterfront offering with shops, art scenes, various festivals, beaches, or in the cases of Edmonds and Mukilteo: ferry landings to explore surrounding island communities (Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, or even as far north as the San Juan Islands), for either day or weekend trips, so do venture out of the city, should you have the time, or are able to extend your residency.听听

Northside Honorable Mention Restaurants: The Victor Tavern (Edmonds), Ristorante Machiavelli (Edmonds), Anthony鈥檚 Homeport (Edmonds – waterfront), Arnie鈥檚 Restaurant (Edmonds – waterfront), Ivar鈥檚 (Mukilteo Landing – waterfront), Diamond Knot Brewery (Mukilteo)

The Southside

Head south on the I-5 corridor and you鈥檒l find the southern suburbs of Seattle (Burien, SeaTac, Renton, Federal Way, Puyallup, Tacoma, and eventually Olympia). These neighborhoods offer much of the same appeal as the northern suburbs, though you might also find a busier, more industrial vibe in this direction. In Olympia, visit the state capitol, or in Tacoma, the Point Defiance Zoo!听

Honorable Mention Southside Restaurants: El Gaucho Tacoma, Duke鈥檚 Seafood Tacoma, Anthony鈥檚 Homeport (Olympia), Anthony鈥檚 Hearthfire Grill (Olympia)听

The Eastside

Beyond Lake Washington is what is locally called 鈥渢he Eastside,鈥� including the suburb cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and Issaquah. A lot of Seattle鈥檚 big tech companies have offices in this area (Microsoft, Nintendo, Adobe, T-Mobile, HTC, and others), and a lot of people commute to the Eastside for work. The floating bridges between Seattle and the Eastside make up what is probably Seattle鈥檚 biggest traffic issue. So if you鈥檙e living in the city but working on the Eastside, or vice versa, it鈥檚 worth trying to find a spot that鈥檚 easily accessible to one of the two bridges, WA-520 (a toll bridge) and I-90. Seattle is working on wrapping up the light rail project to connect Seattle to eastside more seamlessly *fingers crossed* not to mention, what a beautiful lakeside train ride that will be! Bellevue features amazing shopping and dining – The Bellevue Collection – and plenty of Lake WA beach access.听听听

Honorable Mention Eastside Restaurants: Joey (Bellevue), 520 Bar & Grill (Bellevue), Monsoon (Bellevue), Din Thai Fung (Bellevue)听

The “West Side” or West Sound

Check out the cities in the Kitsap Peninsula, west of Seattle, across the body of water known as the Salish Sea. It鈥檚 a 35-minute ride to Bainbridge Island on the ferry from Downtown Seattle. A little bit further is Bremerton, and there are two ferry options: the 30-minute Kitsap passenger-only-ferry (foot or bike) or the 60-minute state-run ferry (foot, bike, or car). Once on either island, be it for a day trip or an overnight, there鈥檚 shopping, dining, festivals, beaches, hikes, and things to do galore.听

Honorable Mention Eastside Restaurants: Bainbridge Brewing

Remember that you are moving to, or visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the country! We will be holding each of you in mind as you make your way out to the PNW, and we can鈥檛 wait to see you out here!

[Originally published April 2019, updated 2025]

The post So You’re Moving to Seattle… appeared first on 天美视频 of Theology & Psychology.

听Doug previously worked as adjunct faculty at 天美视频, having taught Practicum I and II, Interpersonal Foundations, and History and Therapeutic Perspectives before becoming core faculty in the Counseling Psychology program in 2016. Doug now serves as Listening Lab and Pre-internship director. Content courses he is currently teaching include History & Systems (CSL 502), Family Systems (CSL 517), Group Therapy (CSL 518) and Professional Ethics & Law (CSL 503).听

After earning a Master鈥檚 degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, Doug moved west to attend Mars Hill Graduate School (now 天美视频), where he met his wife, Laura Wade Shirley. Laura Wade earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from Western Seminary (through Mars Hill Graduate School) in 2002. Doug earned a Master of Divinity from Mars Hill Graduate School in 2006. Doug and Laura Wade are both therapists in private practice, and together they are working to be raised by their three boys: Noah, Luke, and Eli.听 They live in Woodinville, WA, surrounded by bidden and unbidden messengers from the more than human world.

What are you currently reading?

I am a member of Division 51 of the American Psychological Association: the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities.听 I have been actively researching and practicing clinically in the arena(s) of the lived experience(s) of men for over two decades. But I haven鈥檛 been taken by a text bell hook鈥檚 The Will to Change (audiobook, 2020) in quite some time.听 hooks talks very pointedly about how patriarchy has plagued all genders, including those that identify as male or masculine.听 Much has been said about what patriarchy has done to those who identify as female.听 More needs to follow there.听 And, there is also an anti-male bias in the field of counseling, which can be difficult to navigate at times. I鈥檓 deeply appreciative of hook鈥檚 window into how this bias could be addressed by movements towards the 鈥渕utuality of interbeings.鈥澨� To create a society of loving men, hooks argues we must love men.听 This includes the men that show up to counseling, on both sides of the proverbial couch.听 May it be so!

I am also currently reading Johann Hari鈥檚 Stolen Focus (2023), which is helping to put words to my lived experiences as an educator (and a learner) in relation to how and why academic/educational/learning spaces are so difficult to navigate these days.听 We鈥檙e all being taught (by the business that drives the internet and social media platforms) to distract ourselves and to disengage from what鈥檚 (and who鈥檚) in front of and before us.听 Our attention is drawn to somewhere we are not, and we鈥檙e being primed to not register (or even to mistrust) our own lived experience.听 My mind is quite active with imagination for how my reading here might shape my teaching in the coming academic year(s).听听听听听

What have you been listening to lately?

鈥淒ear Evan Hansen鈥� is a soundtrack from a Broadway musical I often turn to when I鈥檓 driving or working out.听 So, too, are Celtic ballads or instrumentals, or some form of drum circle movement.听 Much of the time what I鈥檓 listening to are audiobooks.听 Recent favorites there include Come Together (Nagoski, 2024), Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (Gibson, 2016), What My Bones Know (Foo, 2022), Gathering Moss (Kimmerer, 2018), and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Safran Foer, 2005).

What research do you find yourself drawn to at the moment?

My research team has an open study paying attention to the impacts of the structural changes associated with the counseling field鈥檚 movement(s) towards telehealth on counselor鈥檚 own sense of wellness.听 Our study is picking up traction.听 As a team we have presented at the American Mental Health Counseling Association鈥檚 (AMHCA) annual conference (2023), and at a workshop for the Washington Mental Health Counseling Association in Spring 0f 2024. We were then asked to write a follow-up article for The Advocate (AMHCA鈥檚 trade publication) which should come out in Summer 2024.听 We鈥檙e currently coding our data, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the days ahead.

Any exciting summer plans?

I am typing up this blog post on the day my family and I will head east to spend time with family.听 Both my wife and I are East Coast transplants, so we鈥檙e going back east to spend time with loved ones and also to find time together on a warm, sandy beach with waves that we can bodysurf.听 After that, most of our travel will be soccer tournament related.听 Two of our three sons play competitive soccer, and summer is a time when we travel for such tournaments.听听

If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would they be?

I鈥檓 partial to dinner at home with my family.听 I like to cook, and to hear complaints from my kids about the 鈥渇ancy stuff鈥� I put on their plates.听 I recently turned 50, and my family鈥檚 gift to me was a Traegar smoker. It鈥檚 been oh-so-fun to engage the steep learning curve I face there by way of flavor profiles, wood types, and such.

If you weren’t in your current profession, you’d be…

Our counseling office in Woodinville is right next door to a 7-11 convenience store.听 Sometimes during or after difficult days of counseling, I fantasize about walking next door and asking for a job serving Slurpees.

Who is your literary or living hero?

Per the above, bell hooks is speaking to and healing some deep places in me these days.

The post Faculty Friday: Dr. Doug Shirley appeared first on 天美视频 of Theology & Psychology.

What will my school week look like?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and understandably so. 天美视频 is designed to be a full-time graduate institution, meaning classes (for both low-residency and on-campus students) typically take place during the week between the hours of 9:00am and 7:00pm Pacific, so it鈥檚 rarely feasible to work a typical full-time, 9am-5pm schedule (30-40 hours) while being a student full-time (7-10 credit hours).听

With that said, we try (as much as possible) to provide consistency in the schedule. . Required classes take place Mondays-Wednesdays and electives are offered throughout the week. Some electives are offered in the typical weekly meeting format and others are offered as intensives.Due to intensives and lab-style courses, there will be听 some variance in the days you have classes, but the bulk of your required core-content area classes can be completed in two days per week..听

How many hours a week do students typically work?

Many students work a flexible part-time job between 15-20 hours a week while studying full-time. Some students also choose to work more hours per week and take fewer credits per term. What works best for you will depend on your study habits, class schedule, family commitments, and other factors.听

What else should you know when considering what job will work best for you?听

• Graduate studies in general require a significant investment of time and energy. Graduate studies at 天美视频 invite a level of academic and emotional engagement that increases this investment of time and energy. Be kind to yourself and wise as you explore your own capacity for this work.
• 天美视频 has a trimester system. Fall Term is September through mid-December, Winter Term is January through March, and Spring Term is late-April through mid-June.

A word about volunteering and other commitments听

Adjusting to the work-load of grad school is difficult and both of our degree programs require either an internship or field experience in their final year. For students who regularly volunteer, coach, engage in lay ministry, or manage one or more side-hustles, it鈥檚 important to seriously weigh what you may need to say 鈥渘o鈥� to while you are prioritizing juggling work and being a student. While it may be possible to keep doing all the things while you are in school, it is likely not possible to do them all well.听

What jobs most often work best for students at 天美视频?

There are a few types of jobs common to 天美视频 students. We recommend reflecting on the impact of the type of work you choose as it relates to your emotional, social, physical, and financial health. Some students feel energized working with kids as a nanny, while others prefer having more independent work online.

Nannying

For those of you who love children or might have baby-whisperer skills, nannying is a job with flexible hours and good pay. Here are some ways to find nannying gigs:

• There are websites where you can upload your resume and search for openings. Families can also search for you. Think LinkedIn for nannying.
• There are also respectable nanny agencies that hire you to represent their agency, pair you with a compatible family, and manage pay, time off, problems, etc. For Seattle residents,
• is also a great place to look for job openings. Alumni will often advertise there for their kids鈥� nannies.
• Word of mouth! Amidst this relational work, it seems like people who nanny almost always know of at least one family who has asked them for referrals.听

Work Study

天美视频 does have federal work study positions in multiple departments, including in admissions, the Allender Center, and the front desk (which requires on-campus presence). Open positions will be posted on our Current Openings page later this summer. Here is the important information to know:

• First, once your financial aid has been awarded,听 find out if your financial aid package qualifies you for work study funding. Our Student Financial Services Coordinator, Ligaya Avila, can tell you all about this.
• Second, read the newsletter, which you will begin receiving in your 天美视频 gmail inbox once you enroll. It鈥檚 good to get in the habit of doing that anyway, as the newsletter is the primary way work study jobs at the school get advertised鈥攁long with all the other important community information!
• Third, you can apply for openings just as you would any other job. Fill out the application form (sometimes you have to send an email to request it) and email your resume and cover letter.

Part-Time Jobs with Insurance

For students in Seattle, here are some local companies that offer insurance to part-time employees. Usually they require that you work a certain number of hours, such as an average of 21-25 per week. It depends on the company, so don鈥檛 be afraid to ask.

• Starbucks
• 尝辞飞别鈥檚
• REI
• Trader Joe鈥檚

Also, some companies consider you full-time and offer benefits if you work a minimum of 30-32 hours. Most students find that to be too much to accomplish on top of school, but there are some who do it.

The Restaurant Industry

Waiting tables can offer good paychecks in the city. In Seattle, for example, servers make minimum wage鈥�$21.30+ an hour or more, depending on the company鈥攑lus tips.听

Ministry and Counseling Jobs

If you鈥檙e looking to find employment in the industry you hope to work in upon graduation, you鈥檙e not alone. often has postings from social service agencies, mental health hospitals, and churches, even from around the country. Depending on your previous experience or education, some of these may be a great fit. Mental hospitals and agencies occasionally need on-call staff or overnight workers, and some students have found this to be a schedule that works for them.

With church jobs, depending on your financial situation, this may or may not be enough financial support during this season. Of course, that varies depending on placement.听

Administrative Jobs

Some people like to do temp work because they can say yes when they鈥檙e available and no when they鈥檙e not. Also, it鈥檚 possible to find administrative positions that are part-time at churches, businesses, and in the public sector.

Self-Employed

• In Seattle: For those of you daring enough to try and start a business while attending graduate school, by Jenny MacLeod is a great resource. It鈥檚 also worth a read if you already own your own business and want some advice on how to succeed setting up shop in the Emerald City. Buy it wherever books are sold, or check out our copy from 天美视频鈥檚 Library once you get your student account!
• Other resources for starting your own business:

Remote Work听

For those of you not planning a move to Seattle, or for any who prefer the convenience of working from home, check out:

• This features 65 different places to find and land remote work!听 听

Gyms / Fitness / Dance / Yoga Studio Front Desk听

A wonderful part-time opportunity might be working for fitness studios. Gyms, fitness, dance, or yoga studios are often busy outside of business hours such as early mornings, evenings, or weekends鈥搈aking it conducive for working while navigating daily class schedules. Students have sometimes received perks for these jobs, for example, free or discounted classes at the studios they work for, and the supportive, community-based ethos and empowerment of these communities could be just the space to unwind while not in the classroom.听

How do people find jobs?

Here are the most helpful job searching resources we鈥檝e found.

Internally

• : This is the 天美视频 online notice board. You can find housing, employment, and classified notices here (you can also post them!). All you need to access this page is your personal 鈥淍theseattleschool.edu鈥� email address.

Externally

• : (AWC) is a private, nonprofit, non-partisan corporation that represents Washington鈥檚 cities and towns. The AWC Jobnet board posts various types of positions with Washington cities and towns.
• : An online community for eco-minded jobseekers and employers.
• : Believe it or not, this is a great resource for job openings (Craigslist also has a map search feature that allows you to search for work within specific geographical locations).
• : Find opportunities at more than 25,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 153 countries.
• : It鈥檚 the most popular and most visited job site in the Northwest! Based in Portland, Oregon, Jobdango was built to serve the people of Oregon and Washington.
• : A service of The Seattle Times Company, representing the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
• : The official site for federal jobs and employment information. Search by agency, location, or job type functions.
• : A local job board from a joint venture of organizations dedicated to addressing Washington State鈥檚 employment needs.

Temp Agencies

• : Serves Pacific Northwest companies who are seeking qualified employees in the customer service, office administration, accounting, human resources, and sales fields.
• : Express Employment Professionals makes it easy鈥攚hether you鈥檙e looking for work tomorrow, a job next week, or a career move for the rest of your life. Once they get to know you, they match your skills to client opportunities. The rest is up to you.

We hope these will be some helpful resources as you discern and explore your options for working as a student!

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Introducing Matriculate, a special series on our Intersections blog, where our admissions team, faculty, staff, alumni, and current students come together to welcome and resource incoming students navigating the liminal space between enrolling and fully matriculating.

Starting next week, our Intersections blog will begin featuring regular Matriculate posts for incoming students. Topics will range from recommended reading lists for this summer to faculty introductions to graduate student daily life.

Matriculate is primarily geared towards all incoming students, though we hope it will also offer some relief around the unknowns that can make the prospect of starting graduate studies so daunting for prospective students. You never know, it might just provide the inspiration and support you need to apply!

Now is also a good time to take a look around our Students webpage. It will contain all the information pertaining to important dates, class registration, paying for school, and other details to keep in mind as the fall approaches.

To all of our incoming students, we are thrilled to have you join us in the rewarding and challenging work of transformation. We also know that this time between enrollment and matriculation can feel like you are living between worlds. May the words you read here from members of 天美视频 community, your community, bring you encouragement, inspiration, and wonder as you anticipate this new season of life and work. Know that we too are anticipating your beginnings with us, and even as you come seeking your own transformation, we can鈥檛 wait to see how your presence in our learning community will shape us as well.

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As we entered into our 22nd year as a school Dr. Derek McNeil, Acting President posed the question: What does it look like to sing a new song together? What does it look like to sing songs of redemption in even the darkest or most fragmented places? A new academic year is a new beginning but we always begin with a pause, at Sacred Assembly, (Re)Orientation, and Convocation, to root in our mission of serving God and neighbor through transforming relationships.

We were honored to welcome a new cohort of 90 graduate students to our community last week. We welcome them with the knowledge that the needs around us are great and the culture is even more fragmented. President McNeil named the challenges of our times and what he often refers to as 鈥榳icked problems鈥� and called the students to learn beyond the traditional graduate school frame of learning and training and into a posture of service. It is a privilege to commit to another year of learning and service together. In a world so in need of restoration we are grateful for the opportunity to form and send pastors, counselors, social leaders, and artists to engage with wisdom, courage, and creativity.

As we share these photos to mark the beginning of a new academic year we look forward to singing a new song of redemption together for the sacred work that lies ahead.

听

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Over the course of a year, students will integrate biblical, cultural, and psychological studies as well as respond to being embedded within their own context, culture, and systems. One of the major shifts of the new common curriculum is instituting a greater reflection and response regarding embeddedness within students鈥� contexts, cultures, and systems.

鈥淎s people of faith navigating a tumultuous time in our nation and in the world, I am even more renewed in my commitment to this learning community linked together through our mission of service. There鈥檚 a for such a time as this quality that feels palpable,鈥� says Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Acting President & Provost.

The revised Common Curriculum courses center around the thought of 鈥淚ntersection鈥� as students engage in the places where theology, psychology, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology intersect.

Our Common Curriculum unites students across disciplines in order to develop perspective and better engage in our world鈥檚 ever-evolving challenges. First year students in our Master of Divinity, MA in Theology & Culture, and MA in Counseling Psychology programs will take three intersections courses and two dialogue-oriented labs.

鈥淎t the crux of our Common Curriculum is the desire to help our learners to have a robust curiosity and growing understanding of God, neighbor, and the space between,鈥� says Dr. Doug Shirley, Assistant Professor of Counseling. Interdisciplinary education is core to 天美视频. Studying one particular discipline affords a certain view or 鈥渓ens鈥� of the world, whereas opening the door to different views gives students an opportunity to move in and out of their own perspectives.

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply grateful for the thoughtful, creative work of our faculty and how much they have invested in reshaping our curriculum. I believe we are called to see the complexity in the world around us and engage it with wisdom and courage. It鈥檚 humbling to be a part of a learning community so invested in forming folks for such a call and for such a time,鈥� says President McNeil.

This fall we will welcome our 22nd cohort. We are honored to participate in their formation and we look forward to these sending them to our alumni community of over 1300 pastors, therapists, social leaders, and artists, joining God in the restoration of their communities.

Learn more about our Common Curriculum.

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We started to make our plans for this transition, which involved quitting our jobs, spending four months working as seasonal farm and vineyard hands in New Zealand, and moving 2,000 miles from Arkansas away from family. Just after turning in our resignations, purchasing our (non-refundable) international flights, and signing the letter of intent for 天美视频, we were met with an unexpected disruption. We had no plans of having kids anytime soon but found out we were accidentally 10 weeks pregnant in the midst of this already substantial change.

After receiving the news of this giant interruption, although many of those close to us advised otherwise, we were determined to proceed with our current plans of going to New Zealand and moving to Seattle. Although we were in shock and, at first, devastated, we chose to pursue what we believed was the next step in our calling.

Nine months later, after traveling to New Zealand and giving birth in Arkansas, we arrived in Seattle with our 4-week-old son, right before the beginning of the fall term. Days later, I was offered a job in the Admissions Department at 天美视频. I had no idea before moving here that I would be connected in this way to 天美视频 community. As we began to navigate a new city, new jobs, a new school, and a new baby, the school became a place of grounding for us. Amidst the chaos, this was the one place we could both connect and relate.

My son and I joined my husband in the back of the Large Classroom for his first two classes (spouses and partners can audit classes) and we learned together as a new family unit. Most of my memories of sitting in classes together involve rushing inside because I was running late or stepping out because we were too noisy, but I was still filled by what I was able to take in. Now the school has grown into our extended family in a way鈥攃lassmates have become babysitters, The Commons has become a playground, and every time we bring our son in the building another set of hands asks to hold him.

I鈥檇 love to say that this transition has been easy, but it has been more challenging than anything I鈥檝e done before. Things have not been simple. There have been a lot of juggling schedules, little amounts of sleep, and many overwhelming days. But there has been so much beauty here as well. We鈥檝e found new rhythms鈥�, walks along Lake Washington, and running at the (with our jogging stroller). When we have free weekends, we strap on our baby carrier and go on hikes near the Cascades or adventure at a new city park. There is so much natural beauty here that is easily accessible and kid-friendly. Since we鈥檙e living on a graduate school budget, we are thankful for all of the free places we can continue to explore.

If you鈥檙e considering moving across the country to attend 天美视频 with small children, you can do it! There will be sacrifices and challenges, but also new joys as well. Remember what you鈥檙e passionate about as you鈥檙e taking on a substantial amount of new responsibilities. Talk to your partner or friends about what you鈥檙e excited about learning and find a support system to cheer you on. Make space to rest and find 鈥測our places鈥� that allow you to feel more at home (whether it鈥檚 a farmers market, the water, or a favorite coffee shop). Give yourself abundant grace! Acknowledge the good work you are doing and know that you cannot do it all.

If you ever need some encouragement in your transition with a family, please reach out to me (lpeiser@theseattleschool.edu) anytime!

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Welcome, 2019 cohort!听听

It is August! Which means that the fall term is just around the corner.听 We are thrilled to have you joining us on campus soon. I eagerly anticipate this time of beginning with you.

Here you will find the schedule of events for your first week on campus! There will be opportunities for information, for connection, and for you to breathe as you begin to get acclimated to life in this community. Spouses/partners/families are welcome at all of these gatherings.听 Follow the links throughout the email for more information, including detailed schedules and registration. Note: you will need to register separately for Orientation and (Re)Orientation.

Feel free to ask any questions as you have them.听

Thursday, August 22, 5:00-9:00pm, Golden Gardens

Our annual Welcome (Back) Cookout is a dearly-loved 天美视频 tradition hosted by Student Leadership. We hope you鈥檒l come, meet some of your classmates, and enjoy one of Seattle鈥檚 unbeatable summer nights with us on the beach before the school year gets underway. Student Leadership will be grilling hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Full details are available online

Monday, September 9, 10:30am-3:00pm

Our entire community comes together to welcome, orient, and matriculate new students and their families. New Student Orientation covers logistical details from changing your address in our databases, turning in听 your first assignment* and getting your picture taken for your student ID. The day is designed to introduce you to our community rhythms, to connect you more deeply with each other and with current students through conversations and activities, and to give you time to explore the building and its resources.

Spouses/partners and families (including children) are welcome and encouraged to attend!听 Morning refreshments and Lunch will be provided.听Full schedule, details, and registration are available online

*Your very first assignment as a 天美视频 student is collected at Orientation. Stay tuned to the Matriculate blog to learn more about this 鈥淲ho Am I鈥� assignment.

Tuesday, September 10, 12:00-3:30pm

(Re)Orientation is a time when faculty, staff, returning students, and incoming students gather to (re)connect and (re)orient to the coming year. (Re)Orientation is an important rhythm in our communal life cycle. Participation is required for all students.听 Lunch will be provided. Families are encouraged to attend. Full schedule, details, and registration are available online

Frameworks & Intersections

Wednesday, September 11, 9:00am-2:00pm
Frameworks & Intersections is designed to provide incoming students with context for our learning methods, orient you to the academic resources available to support your learning experience, and introduce you to your first-year Listening Lab groups. Snacks will be provided. Childcare will not be provided.

Schedule:

9:00am 鈥� Listening Lab Orientation
10:00am-12:20pm 鈥� Frameworks & Intersections
12:20-12:50pm 鈥� Lunch
12:50-2:00pm 鈥� Life Cycle Gathering: Generous Read Exercise

on MyCampus to register for this free, but required course.

天美视频 Community Weekend

Each fall we set aside time to celebrate the start of a new year with ritual, play, reconnection, and feasting. Spouses/partners and families are a significant part of our community and are welcome at all Community Weekend gatherings.

Thursday, September 12 | at 天美视频 at 6:30pm. Curated by Sacred Space.

Friday, September 13 | Activities will take place during the day around Seattle, followed by Neighborhood Dinners during the evening. Organized by Student Council and Anamchara.

Saturday, September 14 | at 10am and the Community Cookout immediately following at .

We are ever mindful of you as you lean into this final month of preparation. Stay tuned to Matriculate as our Admissions Team will continue to share timely information and support in the weeks ahead. If there are other ways we can be of help to you in your planning, do be in touch using my email address below.

With Excitement,

Rebecca Shirley, Manager of Student Life Programs

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Earlier this year, two summer-term classes took 天美视频 students beyond our walls (and beyond Seattle). In Engaging Global Partnerships, Dr. Ron Ruthruff, Associate Professor of Theology & Culture, and Cheryl Goodwin, Director of Institutional Assessment & Library Services, led a group of students to Kenya, inviting them to let their assumptions, beliefs, and practices be challenged and clarified by the stories of a place and the people who serve it. That same month, spiritual director and pilgrimage guide (MA in Theology & Culture, 鈥�12) and spiritual director and retired faculty member Tom Cashman journeyed to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona to guide students through a pilgrimage grounded in the ancient Christian tradition of desert spirituality.

Engaging Global Partnerships in Kenya

鈥淲e鈥檙e taking a deep look at the history of colonialism and religion, and the relationship between a place and the people who inhabit it鈥攅specially in places of wounding. How can we enter those wounds in a way that is honoring to others鈥� stories and also helps us reimagine our shared future?鈥�
鈥揇r. Ron Ruthruff

Pilgrimage to the Sonoran Desert

鈥淒uring our time in the desert, we explored the ancient Christian tradition of desert spirituality with an emphasis on the apophatic way and the contemplative path. The word apophatic means 鈥榳ithout image,鈥� and during our time in the desert we sought to abandon our expectations and preconceived notions of God through themes such as awareness, inviting us to non-dual consciousness; surrender, inviting us toward a posture of kenosis or self-emptying; and encounter, inviting us to be present to the desert, the Divine, and ourselves with loving indifference or non-attachment. Ultimately, the fierce landscape of the desert served as teacher and guide on our journey, teaching us how to tend to and be with the sacred and fierce landscape of the soul within.鈥�
鈥揕acy Clark Ellman

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Dr. Winzenried has 15 years of academic and administrative experience in higher education, including as Director of the University of Washington鈥揝eattle鈥檚 and, most recently, Interim Dean for Student Learning at Cascadia College. She has also worked with 天美视频 for more than a decade, including as adjunct faculty and an instructional and accreditation consultant. Her vocational focus is on supporting ongoing faculty development around teaching excellence and equitable teaching practices.

鈥溙烀朗悠� is a place of creativity and praxis, with tremendous potential to reshape theological education in service of equity and justice,鈥� says Dr. Winzenried. 鈥淚 am looking forward to collaborating with faculty and supporting accreditation because 天美视频’s vision of education is hopeful and expansive and holistic.鈥�

Dr. Winzenried鈥檚 interdisciplinary experience has enabled her to develop integrative strategies for supporting faculty in a wide range of disciplines as they reflect on and improve their pedagogy, align their assignments with course outcomes, and integrate course outcomes with program learning goals. This expertise well equips her to support 天美视频鈥檚 faculty as we continue innovating, refining curriculum, and moving through the Candidacy status for accreditation with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 鈥淭he work of Dean is fundamentally people work,鈥� says Dr. Winzenried. 鈥淢y goal as a leader is to create the conditions under which people are able to bring their experiences, their expertise, and their best selves to our work together. On all my teams, I seek to create a culture of compassion, creativity, and clear expectations.鈥�

鈥淭his new role focuses on supporting faculty around curriculum development and movement toward contextual and hybrid learning,鈥� says Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Acting President and Provost. 鈥淢isty Anne brings energy, creativity, and expertise around the technology of learning. I trust her capacity to collaborate with us toward innovation and look forward to working with her.鈥�

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