“...to learn how you understand and experience the world, and from there to provide you with the tools to empower yourself...”

I believe that every person has intrinsic worth and the capacity to develop resilience. I take a client-centered approach to treatment.  My goal in counseling is to come alongside you to learn how you understand and experience the world, and from there to provide you with the tools to empower yourself to make choices about how to live a life that better aligns with your personal values and goals. Counseling is a collaborative effort. I acknowledge that I do not have all the answers; I am open to feedback and will adjust my style based on your needs, preferences, and your cultural lens.

I am currently a WA State Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Dallas and my Master of Science in Applied Psychological Science from Pacific University in Oregon. I have worked in mentoring and teaching roles with children and adults throughout my career in positions such as Americorps volunteer tutor with K-2nd graders, Teaching assistant/graduate assistant in university courses, Home Care Aide for people with trauma histories and developmental delays, and Skill Builder for adolescents with social skills deficits. I began working as a Mental Health Counselor with adults at a Domestic Violence center. In this role, I provided counseling, safety planning, advocacy, resources, and psychoeducation to survivors of domestic violence and abuse. My experiences have provided me with a commitment to trauma-informed care and a sense of cultural humility that I hope to continue to develop throughout my career. I am very grateful for the opportunity to take the next step in my career with a full-time position at King Health Associates, and I look forward to providing my clients with a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship in which to explore their mental health concerns.

Individual Counseling

I offer individualized treatment approaches from a foundation of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindful Self-Compassion. I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and I hope to assist you in identifying and working towards your own personal values and goals. The methods I use all aim to provide tools and strategies to help you cope with difficult thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in order to accept the past, be mindful of the present, and work towards a meaningful future. Together, we can identify which tools work best for you and your unique strengths.

Couples Counseling

Most people are not explicitly taught the communication and conflict resolution skills necessary to maintain intimate relationships and must learn these skills over time. Even if both parties have great communication skills, there can be roadblocks when two people have differing needs or perspectives. Sometimes, it can be easier to learn about yourselves and each other with the help of a neutral third party - a therapist. I provide a designated safe space for both, for honest expression of uncomfortable feelings, and a time for exploring mutual resolutions to barriers. Together, we can identify tools to ensure that both of your needs are being met.

Teen & Child Counseling

My approach with teens between 13 and 18 begins with recognizing that although you are still growing and developing, you are your own person, with your own thoughts, concerns, and goals, which may be different from those of your parents. I provide tools and information to help you develop age-appropriate responsibility for your behaviors and to increase your ability to think flexibly and adapt to your changing environment. I approach with a genuine and straightforward outlook that facilitates a safe space for you in which to share vulnerable topics without fear of criticism or shame.
 
In my past work with children under 13, I have discovered that the majority of the work is not with the child, but with the parent or caregiver. Young children do not have the ability to change their own environment to suit them but instead must work within the parameters of what adults are willing to provide them with. The number one resilience factor that will help a child heal from trauma or other mental health concerns is the unconditional support of a safe and trusted guardian. I work to provide children with a space to learn how to identify and express their needs to another person, and then I provide the parent with information about the tools we are using in therapy so the parent can practice with the child at home. I also strive to respect the caregiver's observations and wishes, as they are the person who knows their child best and is ultimately responsible for their child's wellbeing.

 

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