My Training

I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in private psychotherapy practice on Bainbridge Island. I received my M.A. degree in Psychology from Seattle University in 2016. My graduate internship was at Sound Mental Health in Seattle working with adults with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. After completing graduate school, I was employed at Sound as a Clinician/case manager for three years before leaving to open my private practice. The population I worked with provided me with extensive training on diagnosis and the complexity and plasticity of the human brain. It allowed me great flexibility in utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities.

During graduate school I was also a crisis volunteer with the Crisis Center of the Peninsulas for one year, handling crisis phone calls and working with the on-call Mental Health Professionals.

I am also a trained mediator through the Dispute Center of King County and proficient in assisting people in relational conflicts. I mediated weekly in small claims court for 3 years. Additionally, I am trained as a Collaborative Coach for couples seeking a less adversarial approach to divorce.

Clinical Focus

My clinical focus is on adolescent, adult, and couples’ therapy. As a therapist, I provide support for those experiencing a variety of issues including; depression, anxiety, trauma, and family conflict. It takes courage to do therapy and I am open and willing to work with anyone committed to doing this work. My orientation is grounded in a psychoanalytic understanding of the subconscious, attachment styles, and mental processes. This approach focuses on your experience of self in relation to yourself, to others, and to the world. Through the relational dynamic in the therapy session your patterns appear and we are able to work together to lessen symptoms of emotional distress and create change. My approach is flexible and individualistic. I have training in additional modalities, including CBT, DBT, Focusing, Mindfulness, MI, Object Relations, Trauma, and various neural process orientations, including CIMBS.

Additional Experience

In addition to my psychological training and clinical experience; I have a background in art and teaching that I bring to my work as a psychotherapist. Prior to my psychological training; I received a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Washington University in St. Louis. During school I was employed by a large hotel chain. I continued working after graduation, progressing up the career ladder to become a Food Service Director in hospitals and long-term care. There, I worked closely with persons with dementia and their families. I left that career to teach and was an adjunct instructor at Olympic College teaching various art courses for 13 years. I continue to pursue my own artistic work in addition to my psychotherapy practice.
All of my work is informed by these various strands of my training involving both psychology and creativity. My interest lies in the intersection of these different modes of expression and in the creation of meaning. How do we understand who we are and become fully ourselves? How do we bring all that is within us to fruition? In therapy I will apply all of my knowledge and experience to help you open pathways for healing and growth.
For more information please download my resume.

Fees

I charge $150.00 for the standard 50-minute session either in-person or by telemental health utilizing video conferencing.
I am an out-of-network provider for insurance. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for out-of-network providers. Upon request, I will provide a statement which you may submit to them for reimbursement. If financial considerations are impeding your ability to get the treatment you need, please discuss with me at our first contact.
I require payment at the time of service for our sessions by cash, check or credit card. Links to my disclosure statement and intake paperwork are available on this website, please review these documents and bring them with you to our initial appointment.

Please contact me to schedule an initial consultation at 206-300-4412 and to answer any questions you may have. We can discuss what your goals and concerns are, and see if we are a good therapeutic fit.