ABOUT ME…

One of the most common questions a child is asked is, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” Well, I knew the answer to that question quite young in life. During my high school years I was very close with a friend who had been adopted. This friend was struggling with many issues involving his adoption; I found that listening was very instinctive to me as was guiding my friend towards resolution and finding inner peace. It was from that friendship that I knew what my calling would be.

It is not just about helping people, but more about getting results and not being afraid to dig deep and ask the questions that need to be answered. I value the relationship, connection and rapport I build with my clients and believe that trust is a crucial element of that relationship. It is important to me that my clients always feel comfortable and safe in our sessions. Whether this will be your first time in counseling or you are returning and looking for a new therapist, it is vital to the effectiveness of your therapy that you feel connected, safe and comfortable exploring even the most deeply felt sources of pain or conflict.

I offer therapy to adults, as well as counseling for traditional and non-traditional families and couples, including military members and their families. My therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of strength-based techniques to facilitate self-awareness and promote personal healing, growth and transformation. Whether we want to believe it or not, at one or more times in our lives, distressing things will happen. At times our lives can seem to quickly spiral out of control. I will help you aspire to regain control of your life and re-establish the balance you strive for.

As a mental health therapist, I have over 20 years of experience and extensive training working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. My specialties include treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, marriage/relationship counseling, parenting challenges, divorce collaboration and issues of sexual identity/orientation. My therapy approach is collaborative, creative, and dynamic and individually designed to help you make the changes you want in your life. I work with each individual based on their unique and specific circumstances. I believe that each person possess the ability and resources to make positive life changes. Together I will help you identify your personal strengths and integrate those strengths to enhance your process of transformation and self-discovery.

The foundation of my approach is the belief that thoughts and feelings create reactive behaviors that play a primary role in the repeated difficulties that individuals experience. Coupled with this belief is the heart of my therapy which is to listen, understand and provide support in a genuinely honest, warm, and compassionate way. This unique balance helps to develop a person’s insight into their life situation, increase motivation toward change, and empower an inner sense of self. In other words, getting you back on track! Getting you back on track, is where I will collaborate with you to develop an individualized plan for life changes which will include a wide array of problem-solving strategies and skill building techniques. Every client will be encouraged and expected to be directly involved in each phase of their counseling experience.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) as well as a Registered Art Therapist. I have been awarded a Master’s Degree from Marylhurst University of Oregon, in Counseling and Art Therapy and two Bachelor’s Degrees from Eastern Washington University, in Applied Psychology and Studio Art. My post graduate work has been in mental health counseling and crisis response services for all ages, populations, and disorders. Due to my advanced training and extensive experience, I have been designated as a Child Mental Health Specialist, Cultural Minority Specialist and a Sexual Minority Specialist for the state of Washington.

When I am not helping my clients problem solve in creative new ways, I am spending time as an artist enjoying making stained glass windows, sculpting in clay, creating beaded jewelry, stamping, and quilt making.