Qualifications & Experience

I have been counseling for more than 11 years, working with adults and children in private practice, community mental health centers, and correctional settings. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, my Master of Science in Psychology and my Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology General Practice from Carlos Albizu University, an APA accredited university in Miami, Florida. I am also a member of the National Board of Counselors (NCC) and a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC) through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). I have both clinical and assessment training with patients presenting a broad range of mental disorders, addictions, and medical conditions.

My Call to Christian Counseling

After I found my own healing from trauma by pairing the Word of God with clinical interventions in therapy, I wanted to be able to take this blessing to others. I then embarked on the long and arduous journey to obtain my degree in psychology so that I could bring to others the same healing that I so richly received.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

My husband and I moved from Florida to the Pacific Northwest. While we loved the “Florida lifestyle” including boating, swimming, and walking, we traded all that for hiking, camping, and being involved at our new home church. Our 3 ½ pound toy chihuahua, Tinkerbell, also enjoys the outdoors and loves hiking. I was born in Cuba to deaf-mute parents, and grew up in Miami. I am fluent in Sign Language, English, and Spanish, and I enjoy listening to Christian music and Spanish music.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Individual counseling
• Women’s issues
• Psychological testing
• Weight issues
• Abandonment and neglect
• Anger management
• Relationship issues
• Sexual abuse issues
• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• EMDR

Anxiety

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). Anxiety and depression commonly go hand in hand. Anxiety can also include panic attacks. Does your anxiety get so severe you feel like you want to jump out of your skin and run away from yourself? Sometimes we forget that God does not want us to worry about things. We forget that He’s always there and we take on burdens we are not meant to carry. With His help, I will assist you with proven calming strategies such as proper breathing techniques to help you manage your symptoms.

Depression

Counseling for depression can help you understand your symptoms and develop coping skills more effectively. By participating in talk therapy and meditating on the Word, you can learn to process your sorrow and hurt and get through this season of your life. You don’t have to struggle alone; help and hope are available to you.

PTSD

As a trauma survivor myself, it would be an honor and a blessing to help you navigate the sea of confusion and pain involved with PTSD. Together we will find hope in the Lord and implement tools and habits in your life to promote healing and recovery. As the book of James encourages us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV). My hope is that counseling will help you to develop perseverance with God’s help so that you will not be lacking in anything.

Sexual abuse

Trying to recover from having been sexually abused as a child or adult is arduous and ravaging. The decision to heal from sexual abuse is a very powerful and life-changing choice. Even if you have experienced some healing in this journey, the trauma can be so comprehensive that you find yourself needing to dig deeper. As your pain releases itself in the healing process, it can rip apart the structures and foundations you have built in order to survive. I have vast experience in this area and it’s an issue close to my heart. I will listen to your thoughts, desires, and actions without judgment and teach you how to heal and allow God’s glory to shine through your experience. Remember Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you . . . I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”

Women’s Issues

As a professional and a woman, I understand women’s issues very well. We deal with many roles—daughter, wife, mother, sister, leader, caregiver, etc. Some of the challenges facing women in our culture today include issues pertaining to marriage difficulties, domestic violence, sexism, and gender equality. Whatever you may be dealing with as a woman, it would be my privilege to walk alongside you to reach your goals and full potential. As the Scriptures remind us, “. . . there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28, NIV).

Availability (by office location):

• Silverdale – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
• Online Counseling

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 3.7% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.