My Approach to Helping
Sometimes we are just stuck or struggle with our feelings. I strive to offer a place where you can explore what brings you to counseling and to be an open, compassionate and caring listener to collaborate with you on how to address your needs. I suggest an initial no-cost phone consultation to see if you feel I am a good fit for your counseling needs and then schedule our first in-office session. I like to periodically check-in with you to make sure this is meeting your objectives and is helpful. I work with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationships, family-of-origin issues, self-injurious behaviors, trauma, emotion regulation and effective communication. I believe counseling can be extremely beneficial and helpful and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
More Info About My Practice
I utilize a variety of approaches depending on what will be most helpful to you. I am not limited to one theoretical type of therapy, but pull from several therapeutic styles. I have been specifically trained in DBT, CBT and Trauma-Focused CBT. I have co-facilitated DBT skills groups and utilize DBT where appropriate. I am certified as a community mediator where I mediated parenting plans, divorce and relational disputes. I have worked as an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University where I taught graduate counseling students.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
In addition to my experience as a counselor, I have also worked in the corporate and non-profit worlds. I understand what it is like to raise children, be married, deal with family and relational issues and work through various life stages. I have had a variety of emotional journeys of my own that I feel can give me perspective as to what others may face. These inform me as a counselor and guide my therapeutic approach. I will use my experience, concern and sense of humor to help address your needs in an affirming and caring manner. I would consider it an honor to be able to provide a space for whatever you need to discuss.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
I believe the Client-Therapist alliance is the most important aspect to success in therapy. I think finding a therapist who you feel comfortable with and with whom you feel it is safe to share your feelings and concerns is what allows for the greatest change and work to be done. I am very much an advocate of this as the foundation to a successful therapeutic experience. I am happy to work with you to find another Therapist should we meet and you are not feeling this is the right connection for you. I look forward to working with you on your therapeutic needs.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.