About

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Washington state. I have over 20 years of experience working with adults who are struggling with life choices, relationships and challenging circumstances. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief/loss and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I spent many years working with families experiencing fertility issues and adoption related concerns.
As I work with clients, I concentrate on recognition of the importance of the early caregiving relationship in addition to later patterns of relationships. In initial sessions, I focus on gathering information to help increase my understanding of the needs of all parties and the dynamics at play throughout the client's life. I believe that humans thrive with appropriate levels of connection and belonging and seek to help people provide a safe stable environment where they can feel supported in their individual developmental trajectory. As we move through the therapeutic process, I encourage clients to develop an increased awareness of emotional responses and build their window of tolerance to increase emotional regulation and stability.
When I'm working with kids it is important to note that I believe that children learn through play and endeavor to offer a therapy space where children and their parents can have fun while building a healthy sense of connection, felt safety and security. I utilize connecting and empowering strategies while maintaining a careful balance of structure and nurture. I use many theoretical interventions within the context of the child’s development, cognitive ability, family circumstances and ability to co/self-regulate. I may see a child individually, in a group with other children, or with parents or other family members. I may also see parents or caregivers without the child being present, if appropriate. Interventions, modalities and theoretical foundations that maybe utilized are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Directed Play Therapy, Trust Based Relational Interventions, Theraplay, Polyvagal Theory, Safe and Sound Protocol, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Theory. It is my belief that progress is best made when I work with parents and children to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship as a primary source of healing and teach parents the necessary skills for managing behavioral challenges from a needs based perspective.
If the client feels they want to integrate their identified religion or spirituality into therapy, it will be fully respected and honored within the client-therapist relationship. I am affirming of the LGBTQ+ community and welcome clients just as they are. I work collaboratively with the client to develop treatment goals and modify treatment plans as progress occurs.

I look forward to working with you!