My goal in psychotherapy is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel non-judged, accepted, and can share his or her deepest thoughts and experiences, which will play a role in the healing process.
While I have been trained in a variety of counseling theories, I tend to draw from analytical, developmental, and mindfulness perspectives blended with neuroscience and cognitive behavioral therapy. In depth psychotherapy, a primary goal is to help clients gain insight or become aware of how unconscious feelings and motives play a role in behavior. A developmental perspective, attachment theory focuses on our first relationships in life and how these connections influence our behaviors in our current relationships. By understanding our attachment style, we can learn how to be in relationship with others in healthier ways. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches us how our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are connected.
In working with you, I may teach you coping skills. I may ask you to journal, experience art, share dreams, experience imagery or use your imagination to help bring the unconscious into awareness to deepen your experience in therapy.
I have had success in helping clients with low self esteem, depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, PTSD, grief and loss, finding meaning in life, life transitions and aging.
If you have questions or concerns about what I am doing as your counselor in therapy, you have the right to ask me about your concerns. My hope is that we will form a relationship where you feel comfortable enough to question anything that happens in therapy. I also welcome any new ideas you have that you feel would be helpful in your healing process.
I welcome you to this therapeutic journey we will take together.
Professional Experience
2016 to current, Sunrise Services Behavioral Health Sedro Woolley and Concrete WA – Mental Health Professional and Clinical Lead at the Sedro Woolley and Concrete offices completing intake assessments, diagnosing, crisis intervention and stabilization, working with a variety of mental health issues and supervising case manager.
2014-2016, Sunrise Services Behavioral Health, Mt Vernon – Case manager and Mental Health Professional working with depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, anger, and grief and loss.
2013-2014, Interfaith Community Health Center, Bellingham WA – Intern counselor providing individual and group counseling working with individuals challenged by depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma related disorders, anger, grief and loss, substance abuse, and co-lead a pain management group.
Education
2014, M.A Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Antioch Seattle University
2009, B.A. Human Services, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA
2006, Associate Degree, Skagit Valley College, Mt. Vernon WA