I’m glad you’re here
my why
I have always been intrigued with the deeper questions: How do we find a fulfilling path in life? How can we find meaning in our suffering? What are the threads that tie us together and what are the things that keep us feeling stuck and separate?
In my life I have felt lonely, fearful, worthless, unloveable. I have also experienced the wonder of healing, growth, and connection. Ultimately, I am enthralled with the adventure of being human. I love to explore, to learn, and to somehow be part of the healing process. I consider it a gift to accompany you in that endeavor.
my approach
My therapeutic approach is one of warmth and curiosity. I genuinely want to learn about you and I enjoy the process of ongoing discovery. I believe quality of presence really matters. I do my best to show up authentically, stay awake to my blind-spots, and lead from the heart. As a social worker, I also care about the practical application of our work together. I want your therapy to feel worthwhile in a concrete way. To that end, I provide tools that offer a greater sense of control and confidence in your ability to cope. At the same time, I value the impact of the intangibles: how it feels to work together, how you feel about yourself in the process, what it means to change, and how you imagine the realm of what is possible.
My treatment approach varies upon individual client needs, but I use evidence-based techniques and I am always engaged in learning and growing as a therapist. Together, we can explore what you care about, what you struggle with, and what gets in the way of living the life you want. We can spend time connecting with your felt-sense in the present moment while also working to deepen your awareness of unhelpful patterns.
why therapy
Counseling offers the potential of transformation. It is about understanding yourself in a deeper way. It is about experiencing yourself differently as you move through the world with greater insight, skill, and perspective. And it is about connection - being seen and heard and valued for who you are, exactly as you are.
It takes courage to be vulnerable and to feel things that are hard. But it can also be worth the risk: to grow in hope, to heal old wounds, to get unstuck, and to move forward into a greater sense of wholeness and well-being.
If you feel ready for this work, let’s begin it together.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington state (LW60804509). My education includes a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington (2012) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Macalester College (2001).
I bring two decades of clinical experience into my current counseling practice - first as a licensed massage therapist and then as a social worker in oncology and palliative care settings. I am equipped to work with stress & anxiety in daily life as well as trauma across the life-span. I specialize in supporting people through difficult life transitions and existential concerns, especially associated with serious illness and medical trauma. In that capacity, I enjoy working with patients, caregivers, and families.
I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), and EMDRIA (EMDR International Association).
Training & Experience
Modalities & Techniques
I draw upon a variety of approaches to therapeutic work, inspired by ongoing continuing education as well as professional consultation. Some of the primary frameworks I use are listed below. You can click on each link to learn more about the different modalities.
“The places in which we are seen and heard are holy places. They remind us of our value as human beings. They give us the strength to go on. Eventually they may even help us to transform our pain into wisdom.”
~ Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.