Lummi Island & BELLINGHAM, washington

therapy & retreats

for deep healing & reconnection

A smiling elderly woman with white hair standing outdoors near a tree with hanging branches and leaves.

Welcome

as humans, we are nourished by connection.

Yet so many of us carry relational wounds, be it from childhood or later life, that keep us stuck in patterns of pain and aloneness, disconnected not only from others, but from our beloved sense of self.

Throughout my four decades as a therapist in private practice and community mental health, I’ve been guided by the belief that each one of us matters, that we each have a unique map holding the treasure that we are in this world. My work is to be a companion on your journey back to true belonging and connection.

I welcome individuals, couples and families to my island studio for therapeutic immersions, retreats and circles. Held by the peace and beauty of Lummi Island, I offer respite from the noise and demands of everyday life, and a sanctaury for deep healing and lasting change.

Book a Free Consultation

Client Reflections

  • “As always, myself, my family, and my friends are forever grateful to you. You are the keystone of my recovery.”

  • “ I am the happiest I’ve ever been in my life, and a lot of that has to do with you and the guidance you gave me.”

  • “Thank you for helping me look truth in the face. It's been such a rewarding journey; it's filled our home with joy.”

  • "I was so lost, but you helped me believe in myself again. Your care brought me back from the edge, and gave me my voice."

  • "I am so immensely grateful. You breathed life into me when I felt trampled. You helped me discover who I truly am."

Work with Penny

Two women sitting and talking in a cozy living room with wooden walls. One woman has gray hair, wears a blue turtleneck and black pants, while the other has blonde hair, wears a cream sweater and blue jeans. There is a large green plant behind them and a warm lamp on a side table.

for individuals, couples & families

Therapy & retreats

I offer compassionate psychotherapy, immersions, and retreats on Lummi Island for those seeking deep healing, connection and lasting changing. These immersive, natured-supported containers allow us to go deeper in less time, creating the momentum to experience breakthroughs and metabolize change in accelerated ways.

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A group of six people sitting in a cozy wooden room, engaged in conversation. They include elderly and middle-aged individuals, with some smiling and listening attentively. The room has large windows, wooden walls, a sofa, a chair, lamps, and decorative plants.

groups & circles

Our wounding occurs in relationship, and is healed in relationship. I offer sister circles, therapist circles, and other group experiences where we can share stories, bear witness, and form healing connections. Themes we might explore include healing the mother wound, dreamwork, breath and movement, clay and collage work, etc.

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My Therapeutic Values

emBracing
our humanity

I believe in honouring the fullness of our humanity - with all our layers & paradoxes - and the deep, tender work of recovering our wholeness. I am wary of pathologizing normal human difficulties, using medication as a bandaid, or using diagnosis as a substitute for emotional literacy.

bridging
differences

As the daughter of a minister who regularly addressed racial segregation, I grew up acutely aware of the ways we focus on differences to justify our fears. I practice ethical psychotherapy that emphasizes belonging, a space where all people can participate fully and authentically.

being in relationship

The therapeutic relationship can be fertile ground for healthier patterns to take root. And so, rather than being a blank slate, I bring my full human presence to your experience - both the pain and the joy - so that you know what relational trust, compassion, and safety feels like.

A smiling elderly woman with white hair, wearing a black top, sitting indoors surrounded by green plants and a framed picture on a red brick wall in the background.

about penny hougland

Penny Hougland is a psychotherapist with 40 years experience in private practice and community mental health. Based on Lummi Island, she offers therapeutic immersions and retreats to help individuals, couples and families experience deep healing and connection.

Penny completed a post-Master’s Certificate in In-Depth Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the University of Washington, a full study of the inner workings of our psychological selves and how to bring the hidden or unknown parts into our daily lives.

Her clinical approach is influenced by Active Imagination and Jungian analysis, as well as Relational Life Therapy, Compassionate Inquiry, and the Developmental Training Model from the Couples Institute. Over the years, she has led trainings across a wide range of topics, including childhood abuse, shame, complex PTSD, family systems, inner child and parts work, somatic and emotional integration, and healing the ‘mother wound’.

In addition to her psychotherapy training, Penny is a certified Vinyasa and Relaxation yoga teacher. She incorporates expressive and somatic practices into her work, such as journaling, clay work, drawing, and meditation. She also supports the safe withdrawal from psychotropic medication when appropriate.

Meet Penny