What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
Most of the important things to know about working with me is that I am going to bring my genuine self into our sessions every single time -- we're going to laugh, we might cry, and we're definitely going to work hard. But it's also important to know that I do not tend to sit in an *expert* role that always tells you what to do. Yes, I'm highly trained and will give you as much expertise as I can, but YOU are the expert on YOU, and you have to be involved for this process to work. Collaboration, humor, real feelings, and real hard work are how I roll in sessions.
What does a first session with you look like?
Our first session, or "intake", will look mostly like me getting to know you better and talking through what is bringing you to therapy. We go over the paperwork that you fill out prior to our intake session, and I usually ask questions to get a clearer/broader picture of what you answered. Our first session is all about setting the foundation for our work together, and it tends to be more informal and getting to know each other. Easy peasy!
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
First of all, I truly believe every person can benefit from therapy. We should all have a therapist we know and trust that we can go to when things aren't going well. That being said, I think for those who are hesitant to try therapy it could be helpful to know that therapy isn't an invasive and constantly awful process of digging into your past. Therapists listen to your input, and if things are moving too slowly or quickly, they should be open to adjusting things so it isn't overwhelming. Also, therapists are not mind readers! We only know as much as you tell us, so if there's something you aren't ready to talk about yet, that's okay! Therapy is what you make it -- we absolutely can extensively dig through your childhood...or we can just be a supportive and listening ear while you vent about something from your week. Therapists are here to help you deal with the stressors in your life, no matter what they are.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Pregnancy, perinatal, & postpartum issues
Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum issues entail any real or perceived problems or difficulties stemming from the childbirth experience. Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum experiences are stressful in many positive and negative ways while the physical body experiences immense stress. Situations vary but may be remedied through therapy and support.
Women's issues
Women’s health is regarded as the holistic being and experience of being female. This extends beyond consideration for illness and other complex conditions but to general considerations of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Issues may include female oppression, socialized gender role, female reproductive issues, motherhood, body image, divorce, and substance use.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Fees
$180
First Session
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Existential Therapy
Feminist Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
Certified CBT+ Clinician (Anxiety disorders, Depression, Behavior Management and Trauma-Focused CBT)
Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) - In progress
Licensure
WA, LMHC, LH.61145282
Education
Master's of Arts Degree is Psychology, Existential and Phenomenological Psychology, Seattle University