About

As a WA State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I have a Master of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University Seattle (Dual majors in Mental Health and Couples/Family Counseling) and a B.A. in Comparative Literature with a focus on Education from Seattle University, as well as Alcohol/Drug Studies from both Seattle and Bellevue Colleges.

My clinical mental health experience consists of 20 years of Mental Health and Social Work experience, of which 12 years is working at: WA State Men’s Psychiatric Prison (as a Correctional Mental Health Counselor-2) and remaining years with other multiculturally diverse adolescents, adults, and elderlies in a variety of settings: state & city government agencies (court-ordered protection of children/families), correctional institutions (rehabilitation for juveniles), in-home private settings (crisis evaluation/investigation), other psychiatric hospitals (with children, adolescents, and adults), and non-profit organizations.

As seasoned therapist/counselor (LMHC), my role in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe environment that is non-judgmental, respectful, compassionate, and multiculturally sensitive & competent for a diversity of clients (from adolescents to the elderly). My style is welcoming, approachable, responsive, and engaging with a blending of my clinical approaches in a supportive and optimistic atmosphere resulting in a collaborative treatment plan signed/customized to meet your unique and specific needs.

Recipient of the Employee Sea Mar STAR Card due to Excellent Service by the following:
“She was extremely compassionate and patient with me, and she went above and beyond her daily activities to understand my unique situation, while making me feel comfortable the entire time…” “Hero,” “Accurate,” “Patient,” “Complete,” “Mentor,” “Role Model,” “Discreet,” “Understanding,” and “Prompt.”

As an LMHC, I work collaboratively with others to help enhance their own personal well-being, decrease stressors, and manage & resolve crisis. I focus on an individual’s life functioning (from adolescents to the elderly) both personally and in their relationships with others, as part of a family, group, and organization. Specifically, I counsel individuals (from adolescents to the elderly) with emotional/behavioral problems affecting life’s functioning, such as: school/work, educational/career concerns or substance abuse issues, family/relational transition issues, legal issues, or overcoming disabilities/chronic medical issues, and facing retirement.

Therapy involves addressing both the typical, as well as more severe psychological symptoms, in the mental health spectrum which that occurs at varying stages/transitions of the lifecycle. Subsequently, therapy requires an assessment of the specific and unique needs of the client(s), diagnosis, and a collaborate on a treatment plan. When necessary, clients are referred to other professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or an Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner.

My clinical approaches are (but not limited to): Strength-Based Perspective, Personal-Centered or Rogerian, Brief Solution-Focused Therapies (Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative & Rational Emotive), Dialectical Behavioral (i.e., Mindfulness), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural Sensitivity & Competency, Adlerian Therapy (Disabilities/Chronic Illnesses), Addiction/Chemical Dependency Counseling, Couples/Family Relational Dynamics, Family Life Cycle & Transitions, Grief/Loss: Existentialism & Spirituality.

In addition, the specific approaches I use with individuals relating to families and their social group are a blend of the following: Bowen, Experiential, Psychoanalytic, Structural, Cognitive-Behavioral Family Systems, and Gottman’s Choice Therapy.

The procedures and techniques used within counseling include, but are not limited to: Individual, family and group counseling mental health assessment and diagnosis and treatment formulation/outcome, Crisis intervention and trauma management, and referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or ARNP for medication evaluation, Blend of psychotherapies which are tailored to the client’s unique needs, and Continuing education & Clinical consultation

I recognize your courage and wisdom in seeking counseling, but most importantly, I acknowledge your individual strengths, achievements, and motivation to help work on creating positive changes in your life! Ultimately, I look forward to the privilege and honor in collaboratively working with you towards achieving your goals!

Years of Experience: 20

Services Offered: Messaging, Phone, & Video

Licensing: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LH 00011376) and Counselor Agency Affiliated Registration (CG 60163533)

Special Interests/Hobbies (not limited to): Active in a Catholic multicultural/ethic church community and a native Seattleite raised as an American Asian Filipina and involved in other various ethnic communities, such as: Chinese/Japanese, Native American, Spanish/Mexican, Judaism, etc. Enjoys attending theater: operas, musicals, plays, and church instrumental/vocal performances. Plays classical & jazz piano and engages in creative therapies (i.e., Psychodrama, Art, Music, & Dance Therapies) and practices Martial Arts & Meditative Deep Breathing (Chinese Chi Gong) and endorses Asian/Native American healing remedies (i.e., Yoga, Sweat Lodge, and acupuncture, herbs, massage, etc.).