Education:
- Bachelor of Social Work (2004)
Pacific Lutheran University - Master of Arts in Child, Couple, and Family Therapy (2009)
Antioch University
Work Experience:
- National Nonprofit Crisis Outreach program (2006-11)
Family Advocate/Child and Family Therapist - Seattle-based Community Counseling Organization (2008-09)
Mental Health Clinician - HIV Vaccine Trials Unit (2006-09)
Recruiter - Nonprofit Family Services (2004-06)
Family Support Specialist
Effective counseling from experience
I espouse an eclectic approach to therapy with a belief in a holistic methodology. I am not wedded to one specific psychotherapy perspective. Having studied a variety of theories and approaches, I have concluded that they all lead clients down a similar path of personal growth. My clinical philosophy begins with the belief that we have all been hurt in some way. In adulthood, as in childhood, we rarely receive all of what we need to thrive. It is my role to facilitate your knowledge of self, and bring authenticity to the surface. This is accomplished by countering the bombardment of oppressive and painful messages we have received since infancy. Redressing our family of origin is often the key element in becoming more enlightened. We are all precious and “worth it.” I'm here to prove it to you.
I have worked directly with individuals for the last eleven years. I began my career protecting vulnerable children from abusive homes, and providing counseling services to families and children in crisis. I have also worked with a local organization whose primary focus is the LGBTQI community. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with youth, individuals, people of color, the LGBTQI community, couples, and families (of choice or origin) in the Community Mental Health field. My areas of specialty include: Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Intimacy, Gender Variant and Gender Queer individuals, past and current abuse, substance abuse.