Dr. Helen Kornfeld

Dr. Helen Kornfeld works with adults across the lifespan, with particular dedication to two communities: neurodivergent adults, and older adults navigating loneliness, transition, and late-life meaning. Her doctoral dissertation explored the use of Polyvagal Theory to address loneliness in older adults, reflecting a clinical conviction that connection, with others and with oneself, is foundational to wellbeing, and that late-life disconnection has a physiology that therapy can reach.

Helen’s approach is rooted in a relational psychodynamic framework. Her clinical strengths include empathic listening, deep sensitivity to interpersonal dynamics, and an ability to balance humor with serious therapeutic work. Clients describe her as authentic, humorous, and compassionate. She works alongside clients to build a strong therapeutic relationship, creating a warm, supportive environment in which healing can unfold, while remaining collaborative and direct when directness serves.

Her dedication to the neurodivergent community is grounded in both personal experience and professional expertise; she brings compassion, acceptance, and advocacy to that work. She also recognizes that conversations about identity, positionality, and difference ask real vulnerability, and her experience with clients from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds has strengthened her commitment to equitable, culturally responsive care.

Helen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound and holds a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Seattle. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Washington State, working toward independent licensure as a Clinical Psychologist, with experience spanning community mental health clinics, schools for students with learning differences, and university counseling centers, as well as formal psychological assessment.