My Therapeutic orientation

One of my core beliefs about the therapeutic relationship is that we meet each other as human beings — I will always show up as myself, bringing empathy, compassion, and humor along with professional experience.

I use an integrated style, primarily informed by Gestalt and humanistic principles, with theories and skills from existential, emotion-focused, somatic, mindfulness-based, and behavioral therapies. I also draw knowledge from the current research on trauma responses and polyvagal theory.

With couples, I work within the Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy framework, which aims to identify each partner’s role in the couple’s particular “dance,” or cycle. Once identified, we work to soften or expand the established roles to re-engage connection, understanding, and meeting each other’s needs.

I am welcoming of all backgrounds and intersecting identities, and am anti-oppression, queer-friendly, trans-affirming, and respectful of all ethical relationship structures. In working with disordered eating and body image, I use a Health At Every Size mindset, actively working against fatphobic systems and diet culture. I value a harm reduction model when working with substance abuse or self-harm.

While I use diagnoses for billing purposes, I am wary of over-utilizing or over-identifying with them, as I’ve found it can be limiting. Together we can explore your own experience of mental health, regardless of whether it fits neatly into diagnostic boxes.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor, #LH61330697
Minnesota Licensed Professional Counselor, #02755

MA in Psychology, Seattle University

2+ years in private practice, working with adults of all ages and focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, disconnection from emotions and body, eating disorders, negative self-talk, life transitions, and existential questioning

3 years working in intensive eating disorder treatment, working with clients 18+ with eating disorders of all ED diagnoses and various presentations

1 year internship in community mental health, working with adults on issues of depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse and sobriety

2 years training with Gestalt Associates Training Los Angeles (Seattle chapter)

EMDR Basic Training (EMDR Consulting, 2022)

EFT Couples Therapy Externship (MNCEFT, 2023)

Various trainings in DBT, RO-DBT, somatic therapy practices, emotion-focused therapy, body acceptance and Health At Every Size, expressive arts therapy, and professional ethics