Trauma-focused therapy that helps your child carry what happened differently.

Locations: Telehealth

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and adjustment issues. I also work with children and parents on behavioral issues and family relationships. I love being able to have a wholistic approach to the family system and see children, adolescents and adults in my practice.

It is an incredible privilege to work with people in the therapy space. I feel that is an honor to sit with someone and be a part of their life and journey. I love helping people see themselves in a positive light. In sessions, I am present and available to listen to joys, sorrows, confusion, and victories. I think that lots of small steps are more sustainable than big goals. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is built on trust and that therapy is a place to heal from past hurts, learn more about yourself, and grow into the person that you want to become. In sessions, I use directive and non-directive play therapy techniques, cognitive behavioral
therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solutions focused therapy and narrative therapy. I value the relationship between client and therapist is over theories and techniques but understand the importance of theories and evidenced based practices to guide and inform the therapy process. In working with children and adolescents, the relationship with parents is also incredibly important and I strive to maintain communication with parents while honoring the child’s space in therapy.

I graduated from California State University, San Bernardino in 2007 with a Masters in Social Work. I obtained my BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington. After graduate school in California, I had the opportunity to work in a community mental health setting with
children who had experienced trauma using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). I worked with young children and their parents using Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and did play therapy with children.

The call of the Pacific Northwest was strong, and our young family moved back to Seattle in 2010. After I moved back, I continued to work in community mental health with children and families, strengthening my knowledge and expertise in play therapy and cognitive behavioral
therapy. After working in community mental health for a few more years, I had the opportunity to join a group private practice and expanded my practice to include working with adults. I am thrilled to be at Counseling Services for Wellbeing and continue to see children,
adolescents, and adults in my practice. Outside of work, I think coffee is the best way to start my day, exercising is hard unless it is hiking or skiing, and ending my day with a good meal with friends and family is the best.

Locations: Telehealth

My Approach

At its core, therapy is an opportunity to process and understand our past while also growing into the people we want to be. Life can be so brutal and complicated; we deserve a safe place to talk and explore. I want to take a moment to recognize your bravery in beginning this counseling process. Life throws us curve balls, and everyone sometimes needs some assistance in learning to cope effectively. You have incredible value and are capable of conquering your hardships. I strive to maintain a safe, comforting, and trusting environment in which to explore. Considering a person’s many roles and experiences is vital to the therapeutic process. I work with my clients to understand their own stories, strengths, and goals. My clinical approach is based in mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). I strive to integrate these techniques into our collaborative process in hopes of helping you become the truest version of yourself. As your therapist, I provide space and tools to encourage growth and change. 

Education

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Washington University. I also received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Washington State University.

Experience

I provide therapy services to children six years and older, teens, and adults – including couples and families. I began my career in mental health by working at the local and national suicide prevention hotlines. This experience allowed me to learn what can be helpful for those experiencing emotional pain. I have also provided school-based therapy for elementary students in Washington. I specifically have worked with
children, teens, and families who have experienced trauma. I have experience working with people in various stages of life – those just starting out, those rebuilding later on, and those managing the effects of aging.

My therapy space is a sanctuary for all, regardless of cultural backgrounds, identities, or relationship structures. It is a safe haven for all members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. In my practice, I am deeply committed to being non-judgmental, accepting, open-minded, and collaborative. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels not just welcomed, but truly accepted and respected.