I am continually inspired by the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. My work is informed by the belief healing occurs when a person feels truly heard and understood. Trust is the integral component needed in order for this healing to take place.
My approach is grounded in Existentialism in conjunction with Mindfulness based cognitive-behavioral (CBT) strategies. Existentialism examines a person's uniqueness by looking at the context of his or her life not just symptoms. It is an attempt to expose previously unknown choices and help you create a deliberate life. From the Existentialist perspective, problems are not seen as something to overcome, they are viewed as what is holding you back from realizing your potential. Mindfulness based CBT compliments this approach by providing tools to help you let go of negative thought patterns and belief systems to allow for a healthier perspective which supports rather than undermines your wellbeing. The overall aim is to assist you in strengthening your own resiliency in the face of personal adversity.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Master's degree in Psychology from Seattle University. My undergraduate degree is also in Psychology, with a minor in Culture Studies from Antioch University. I am certified in EMDR basic training through the EMDR Institute. My training is continuous. To enhance my skills and provide the best care for my clients I attend pertinent workshops as they become available.
My experience as a psychotherapist has connected me with clients of diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences. In addition to my private practice I have worked in local community agencies providing therapy for disadvantaged populations. My work has also brought me to Belize, Central America where I provided therapy and advocacy for domestic violence survivors, as well as social education as part of the Global Fund to combat HIV/AIDS.
Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I worked for 10+ years in commercial real estate. Desiring more than a paycheck, I made a life-altering decision to seek a career that I could be passionate about. After some stumbling, I found a career that feels right and allowed me to realize my potential.