Education and Experience: I earned my BA and MA in Psychology at the University of Washington. I completed my practicum work at the Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle, where I focused on treatment for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety (GAD), social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, OCD, selective mutism and school issues.
I always knew I wanted to help people feel better and enjoy being alive more. I knew it would be so powerful to help people create healthy psychological and emotional foundations, and so started my professional career as an early childhood educator, working with infants and toddlers in the Montessori philosophy. This training introduced me to child development and attachment theory and helped me learn the importance of primary adults in a child’s early life as they develop their self-image and other core aspects of self. After teaching for several years and deeply enjoying leading educational groups for parents I felt I wanted to go deeper into the social/emotional/psychological world and develop skills to help people when there were challenges. So I went to school at the University of Washington, earning both my bachelors and masters degrees in psychology, with a focus on clinical work with children and families.
I am also a certified yoga teacher and astrologer and have been practicing yoga, breath work and mindfulness for over 15 years. Although my yoga and astrology practices do not show up directly in counseling work, my connection to and understanding of the spiritual and subtle dimensions of reality create a larger framework for helping and holding personal struggles.
Style and Approach: I am dedicated to using evidence-based treatments in my practice while also creating a safe space for self-exploration and healing. I will always opt for evidence based treatments when appropriate, but with client consent I am open to utilizing techniques that do not yet meet criteria for evidence based practices. There are pros and cons to each of these methods and so I will always have a clear conversation with my clients about all possible approaches and we will decide together what is best.
Treatment modalities I use include exposure therapy ( Exposure and Response Prevention /ERP), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), skills modules of DBT, Behavior Activation, HNC (Helping the Noncompliant Child) and other behavioral approaches as well as play therapy techniques for younger children. I also teach and use mindfulness practices whenever clinically relevant. I view therapy as a collaborative process, where the client’s goals and desires inform and guide treatment. I see the therapist’s role as helping to support individuals or families in achieving their goals and ultimately to foster skills, attitudes and practices that create a foundation for health and happiness. Most importantly, therapy is a unique and personal process and no two people’s experiences will look identical, even when following evidence-based therapies. There are many ways to heal, and I look forward to helping you or your child find what works for you.
More about me: When I’m not working, you will find me spending time with my husband and two kids, doing yoga, playing piano and singing, hanging out in the garden, watching movies or trying a new delicious recipe.