Why do I choose to do this work?
You might wonder: Why do I choose to work so closely with pain like complex trauma and emotional neglect? Frankly, because I've been there. I can offer a genuine kind of support that only a survivor can. I know how these issues can dominate your life, rob you of healthy connection and feeling like your best self.
I tell you this because it can be profoundly healing knowing your support has worked through a similar struggle, accessed similar resources, has personal experience with their own arduous yet rewarding therapeutic process. However, all stories are unique. Our counseling sessions will prioritize your story and your unique way of healing. As you work through your pain, you can count on my empathy, reliability, and devout belief that you have the ability to move through this. We can do it together.
“My work is to be good company, to allow people to lean for a while on my unshakeable belief in their inner fire”
My story has inspired me to research human development and why people might do the things they do. I love attending workshops, conferences, and trainings geared toward emotional healing and world peace. My personal experience gives me insight into healing, but my passion for academia and research gives me necessary knowledge and training to offer you informed, competent counseling. I understand both the emotional and intellectual sides of trauma and pain and this makes me darn good at what I do!
Thanks for reading. I hope we can work together.
Putting it into practice
A Story About Me
You’ll get to know me a bit in our sessions. Relational therapy relies on mutuality, exploring shared feelings and experiences, which is built over time. However, right now I can share where I come from and some of my story.
(Note: I’ve always been long-winded and love writing down a story the way my quirky mind remembers it. If you’re not a fan of this style, feel free to scroll down to the bottom of this page to see my fancy academic, professional info. If you are a fan of this style, welcome & enjoy!!)
I was raised in Auburn, WA always feeling a little out of place. I looked “regular” but I never really connected or acted the way my peers did. I always wondered why things took so much effort for me when everyone else seemed to navigate life so effortlessly. Not knowing how to describe my feelings to my parents or teachers, I spent a lot of time on my own, which actually suited me just fine!
When I was a kid my parents went to couples counseling sessions. My mom was open with me about the concept of counseling and what therapists do. My parents always seemed different after their sessions. What went on in there??? One day I got to go to one of their sessions for lack of childcare. I was about 8 or 9. I loved talking to their therapist; Fred was his name. I was so interested in this idea of a person listening to people share their struggles, secrets and explore their true selves. People connecting and keeping it real! It was a dynamic I craved since forever and couldn’t find among my peers. In hindsight I know this is when I realized my passion and true purpose. But it was a long time before I worked up the courage to pursue it.
Since no one wants to keep it real or connect with a 9-year-old I put this passion on the shelf and sort of forgot about it. I was a typical weirdo, lost soul maybe, doing strange things, testing boundaries, making questionable choices. I felt an emptiness that comes with knowing you’re different, but also not wanting to change because you kind of like the way you are. I liked me, but as my first therapist said “could never find my peeps”. I felt stuck for a long time! I knew I wanted to be a therapist, but all those years of training and school were so intimidating especially after suffering through middle school and high school.
I attempted several jobs and careers, even heavily focused my first two years at community college on nursing, which taught me the medical model and I do not get along. Duh…my dream was to be psychotherapist, not a nurse or physician. My dream involved a holistic, nurturing care model. I tried, but I couldn’t find that in the medical field. So off to university I went accepting that if I wanted to feel truly purposeful I would have to surrender to all those years of school. Turns out I love school!
And the rest is kind of history. I was right. Being a therapist is my purpose and the twisty-turny road that led up to this was so worth it. I love spending one-on-one time with all sorts of people. Showing people empathy, honesty and love. Keeping it real, telling hard truths, persevering. Therapy can be hard. And I love that I get to be the person who supports my clients through it.
Fancy academic resume stuff & more
I graduated with my B.A. in Community Psychology from UW, Bothell. I earned my Master's of Arts in Community Counseling from Seattle University in 2016. Seattle U's program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). I am proud to have completed a program that is held to exceptional accreditation standards. I completed my yearlong graduate internship at Edmonds Community College (2015-2016) where I had the honor of working with students of all ages and backgrounds, as well as folks in the community (non-students) who needed free counseling services.
I opened my practice shortly after graduation in 2016. I’ve recently returned after extended leave to give motherhood my full attention. Witnessing the collective pain, agony and uncertainty experienced by our community in 2020 has made leave unbearable. Thus here I am, back in my therapist chair ready to provide some much needed rest, validation, and reassurance in a time of great need.
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) through the Board of National Certified Counselors.