My natural instinct is to create an environment of safety in which you can reveal yourself, and I can get to know you.

My desire is to help you have the most loving and accepting relationship with your ‘Self’ that you can, and to bring its expression forward into your life.

I want to understand the struggles you’ve had in your life: how you’ve been hurt, how you’ve gained strength and coping abilities, and what your journey has been in becoming the person that you are. I want to know how your coping habits are working in your current life situations; to strengthen those that are serving you well, and to help you shift negative patterns that are blocking you from getting what you need from your life and relationships. I want to help you gain insight into the mystery of your own being… to increase your self-understanding, and to help you feel empowered to make conscious choices that serve the highest direction for your life.

My Services and Approach

I provide individual therapy services for ages 18 and up. My specific areas of focus are:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety or Worry
  • Family of Origin Issues
  • Life Transition
  • Trauma Survivors
  • Identity Issues
  • Adolescent Issues
  • Grief and Loss
  • Behavior Problems
  • PTSD
  • Self Expression
  • Self-Image
  • Relationship Conflicts
  • Intimacy
  • Motivation Problems
  • Stress Management
  • Career Change
  • Sexual, Physical, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect
  • Spirituality
  • Women’s Issues
  • Artistic Struggles
  • Partners with Addiction
  • Codependency
  • Attachment Issues
  • Breakup/Separation/Divorce
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Communication Skills

My approach to therapy, and its length, depends on your particular needs and goals. I have an eclectic approach that I tailor to each client’s specific needs, including, but not limited to: client-centered, insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral, existential, psychodynamic, humanistic, emotionally-focused, somatic, psychoeducational, attachment- focused, and internal family systems-informed therapies.

Most importantly, though… I begin by being available for a genuine relationship with you based on trust, and unconditional positive regard. From that place, I will explore with you your relationship with yourself, with your family of origin, other significant relationship stories, and any past traumas, to increase my understanding of where you’ve been hurt, and where your strengths and adaptations lie.

We will continue to work together to help you understand the links between these experiences and current life struggles, and will utilize potent strategies to heal old hurts and develop new ways of holding old pain. We will uncover thought and behavior habits that are creating distress, and will utilize new strategies that you help you untie old knots and consciously think and act on your own behalf.

I will follow your lead to sense which approach is most helpful for you as we work together. My job is to help you discover and process difficult feelings, and to increase your coping skills and your ability to care for yourself with the challenges you face.

About Me

I’ve been in private practice since 2001. In addition to my love for the healing arts, I’m a musician and appreciator of the creative arts. I love creative writing, reading and philosophy. I also like to walk, urban hike, jog, meditate and do yoga. I like road trips, local and world travel, camping and hiking, and feel inspired and connected in the outdoors. I’m married with one child, who’s teaching me all kinds of things about life.

My Qualifications, Education, and Experience

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – State of Washington, 1998 to present
National Board Certified Counselor, 1996 to present
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Michigan State University
Master of Arts, Counseling, Oakland University

I received my graduate degree in 1996, and did a variety of agency work until I began my private practice in 2001. My work has been with children, adolescents and adults in private practice, private and community mental health environments, clients’ homes and schools, providing both individual and group therapy. I was an approved child mental health specialist, and have done work with couples and families.

Information For New Clients

Insurance
My practice accepts clients with coverage from these insurance providers:

  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Lifewise Healthplan of WA
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Premera First

My Reviews
I’m happy to share my reviews from past clients, all of which were accompanied by “5 star” ratings.

Payment
My current rate for individual psychotherapy is $150/hr. The initial visit is $175. Accepted forms of payment are check or credit card.