My background

Since I was a child I have always felt drawn toward helping those facing adversity. People say that they connect with me because of my openness, empathy, sense of humor, and nonjudgmental curiosity. It also seems to help that I have had an unusually broad range of life experiences. This has allowed me to draw upon a wealth of practical knowledge and to really “get” how people are feeling.

I earned a Master of Counseling Psychology degree from St. Martin’s University in 2012 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College in 1993. Between those years I worked for a number of agencies, where I specialized in supporting families, adults, seniors, and people with developmental disabilities.

In recent years I have been employed by a community mental health center as a children’s therapist where I worked with the entire family. Part of my work also included being a therapist in both a middle and a high school. This required coordination between myself and school counselors, and sometimes with teachers and parents.

I have also worked with families referred by Child Protective Services to teach parenting skills and provide therapeutic case management. This has included providing therapy to families in particularly difficult situations, such as those who were experiencing homelessness. I have often coordinated with a variety of Thurston County nonprofits to get families into temporary shelter, and later, into their own homes.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington and have seven years of experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. My license number is LH60863735. I have the additional credentials of Mental Health Professional, Child Mental Health Specialist, and Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Specialist.

My approach

How we proceed in therapy depends upon your unique needs. I use a variety of approaches, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, and trauma therapies.

No matter what therapeutic path we may take, my focus is always on assisting you to build upon your strengths. I help you to see your exceptional value and to trust your inner wisdom.

For example, in our society parents often hear more negative than positive comments about how they raise their children. Because of this, even people with strong parenting skills can begin to doubt themselves. And when challenges arise, parents may feel desperation, hopelessness, and paralysis — which can lead to their challenges growing even bigger.

I help parents develop a new sense of hope, which unlocks their ability to solve problems that they didn’t think they could. Along the way they learn practical skills that can result in a more enjoyable and healthy relationship with their children and significant others.

It is an honor for me to witness and support people in this process. Learn more about my range of services, the cost of sessions, and how to contact me.