Meeting with a therapist is a delicate process, and my job is to make sure you feel comfortable and safe enough to explore challenging aspects of your life. I believe that taking part in mental health therapy is a decision one comes to at a time of change and opportunity, and that the work of therapy can shed light on areas of your life and relationships that you may have had trouble seeing before. 

In our time together, my goal is to help you identify your own innate strengths. I approach the counseling relationship with a deep reverence for your personal history and narrative. Ultimately, it is the relationship between the counselor and the client that creates an environment where change is possible. In order to ensure a positive working relationship, I strive to be honest, straightforward, and gentle. My hope is that together we can find levity in the darkness and tenderness in the midst of tough feelings.

In supporting you as you find your own path, I see my role as one of witnessing, respecting,  and reflecting your process.

Although I am not married to a specific form of therapy, I draw on many modalities, including:

• Self-Compassion and Mindfulness

• Internal Family Systems/Parts work

• DBT

• Trauma focused CBT

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Motivational Interviewing

Working with Children and Teens

Children and teens know how to guide their own healing process. They need to be given choices and power in their expression, and it is my job to help that happen.  We will work together to find creative outlets through art, writing, games, or traditional talk therapy. Please note that I am not a licensed play therapist, and the work I do with kids and teens centers around grief or major life transitions. My hope is that the child/adolescent I am working with finds safety and solace in the therapy space.  From there, they can develop a sense of empowerment and strength to navigate life's challenges.

Background

I started my career in community mental health working with adults experiencing severe mental health challenges, homelessness, and substance abuse concerns. After earning my Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington in 2002, I worked as an inpatient psychiatry and emergency department social worker. In 2013, I earned a post-graduate certificate in Psychological Trauma Treatment  from the University of Washington. From there, I served as a hospice social worker and later became the Clinical Director for a grief and loss organization called the Healing Center. Throughout my career I have had the honor of facilitating support groups and conducting trainings around suicide loss and prevention, children’s bereavement, and trauma. Prior to joining Seattle Counseling and Wellness, I held a private practice in NE Seattle, working with adults, teens, and kids experiencing trauma, depression, grief, and major life transitions. In addition to my duties as Clinical Director, I serve as an Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work.

Working as a mental health clinician is a true honor and joy in my life. Every day that I am afforded in this career cements my belief that mental health matters, and that talking about your experience in a safe and authentic environment matters. It is a true act of courage to be vulnerable, and a substantial gesture of self-compassion to engage in therapy.