If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I am not going to tell you whether you are right or wrong. There is no judgement. My job is to help you evaluate yourself. I ask questions to make you think. I provide another perspective when you are feeling stuck. You are in charge.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
I learned a lot about myself in grad school. Not all of it was good. I learned about how my life was affected by the people in it, especially as a child, and how my family played a huge role in everything that lead up to right where I was. I was angry. I had to figure out how to address the feelings that I felt. It was not easy. Once you are aware, that is it, you are aware. It does not go away. You have to find closure. If not with other's then definitely within yourself. Once I realized that I was a product of circumstances, I was able to redefine myself. I was able to make choices based on the new knowledge I had. Better choices. It was life changing.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Typically, client's come in with a particular goal in mind. I ask clarifying questions about the goal, which usually leads to an even more important goal to work towards. Once the goal is established, I am the coach as well as the cheerleader. Can you change a goal? Absolutely! It is ok to change your mind. That is one belief that I am a stickler on; you can change your mind. I know there is something to be said for sticking to your word and pushing through the hard stuff; there is also something to be said to put your own emotional health and well being before some strong held principles you may hold yourself to that really are preventing you from feeling complete.
Specialties
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychotic Disorders
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Loss/Grief
Self-Esteem
Borderline Personality Disorder
Attachment issues
Chronic pain
Communication issues
Divorce & separation
Fees
$100
First Session
$120
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Eclectic Therapy
Training / Certifications
Motivational Interviewing
Licensure
WA, LMHC, LH61025495
Education
Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling, City University of Seattle
Work History
I primarily work in community mental health. I currently specialize in outpatient competency restoration. I work with the forensics population and find it incredibly challenging and rewarding at the same time. In other areas of counseling, I provide individual therapy services as well as couples counseling. I enjoy hearing stories of What Happened, and then evaluating those stories to assist people in unfolding the truth(s), perspective(s), and beliefs that make them feel they are not quite where they want, or need to be. A problem, is not a problem, until it is a problem. There are typically solutions, occasionally there are not solutions. In the times that there are no reasons; then I validate that with you and help you with adjusting to the uncomfortable feelings that have to be worked through, to be a better version of you.
Location
Remote Therapy, Tacoma, 98404, WA