I help highly sensitive people embrace their gifts and live more authentically. Sometimes the path of creative, sensitive, deep feelers is lonely and saturated with self-criticism. You might struggle with experiences of low self-esteem and self-worth, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and stress. You might experience confusion and self-doubt as you navigate life transitions, trying to figure out who you are and what you want versus what others' voices tell you. You might come to devalue your creative spark and sensitive spirit after experiencing trauma or as you encounter dominant narratives telling you to harden up and power through. You are not broken or defective, you don't have to try so hard to be perfect, and you don't have to figure it out alone!

APPROACH TO COUNSELING

I believe you hold a lot of wisdom. Rather than being some sort of expert, my goal as a therapist is to be a collaborator, supporting your connection to your own know-how, values, and preferred realities for your life. I hold the belief that who you are is larger and more complex than any given challenge you experience.  There are many skills, experiences, yearnings, wonderings, and versions of yourself that you bring to each moment, that exist even in the midst of the challenges you face, and that are important to be known and understood. Additionally, I believe our struggles are not just private, individual events, but are connected to and influenced by forces larger than our individual selves (including but not limited to: racism, transphobia, homophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, sexism, ableism, ageism, capitalism, and colonization). 

​In my view, the counseling process is less about "fixing" whatever is "wrong" with you, and more about:

• Discovering and embracing who you are
• Being curious about who you are becoming
• Honoring your gifts and strengths
• Trying on new ways of relating to struggles and pain
• Clarifying your values and commitments
• Taking action in alignment with your values
• Finding healing and joy in community and relationships ​
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​I primarily work from a narrative therapy framework, but have a growing interest in interpersonal neurobiology and other integrative and mindfulness-based approaches. Sometimes it is useful to explore new skills and frameworks of relating to thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, so we may explore elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) together. Additionally, I am trained in EMDR therapy, and have found this modality useful not only for processing past traumatic experiences, but for addressing any "stuck" patterns and beliefs holding you back from being you.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE

Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor: LH#61613675
MA in Counseling, Saint Martin's University
BA in Religion, Pacific Lutheran University
EMDR Basic Training - Trauma Recovery/EMDR HAP 
Foundations in Narrative Therapy Training - The Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy

Throughout my clinical practice experiences, I've worked with clients in a variety of settings including community mental health, group private practice, and Tribal health settings.