Qualifications & Experience

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Martin University and my Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Clinical Therapy from Walla Walla University. I am trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Person-Centered Therapy, and the Gottman Method (Level 1).

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Codependency
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Relationship Issues
• Spiritual Development

Anger Management

It is said that the root of anger is fear. It is also the root of unforgiveness, resentment, and holding and blaming self and others. When we hold on to unforgiveness and resentment, we become prisoners, surrendering power to the person who wounded us.

We can acknowledge the pain while recognizing that remaining angry does not resolve it. Instead, as Christians we can learn to trust God for the outcome. We can invite Him into the pain, disappointment, and feeling of betrayal. Together we can take the difficult step of releasing justice to the Righteous Judge and seek to grow into His perspective of forgiveness.

Aging and Geriatric Issues

As Christians who are growing older, we can use our faith perspective to live well with the days that God has provided to us. Your faith perspective and current goals can make a difference in how you see your physical challenges and struggles. Setting reasonable goals and expectations with positive support through Christian counseling can provide a wealth of opportunities to age well. As your therapist, I will help you learn to accept the changes, identify the accommodations and supports that are needed, and provide hope for tomorrow. I am here to help you in the journey of living well as we age well.

Counseling for Children

I will spend time building rapport with your child and offer a place of emotional safety. I listen attentively to your child and help them identify struggles and challenges, such as when their emotional thermometer is not regularly calibrated. I use a variety of methods and approaches when working with children, including play therapy, integrating Kinetic Sandbox play, and using sensory toys, board games, card games, interactive books, and art therapy tools.

Relationship Issues

There are many challenges in relationships, but one of the greatest is communication. One of the ways to improve communication in a relationship is to be attentive to your non-verbal communication expressions when you are speaking with someone. Your facial expressions may be speaking louder than your speech.

We do not have control over how people internalize what we say, but we can ask the question, “What did you think I said?” Allow them to repeat it without interrupting, then clarify or restate your response. This simple practice can decrease the likelihood of being misunderstood. In sessions, we can practice these and many other communication techniques to strengthen your relationships. Our God is not one to bring confusion; He is a God of reconciliation.

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss involve a plethora of emotions that do not go away quickly. Emotions come over us like waves at the beach. We never know when the big wave is coming; we only know that it will come. Becoming self-aware of your moods and internal feelings such as being overwhelmed, experiencing deep sadness, and feeling more tired than usual can help prepare you for the waves that come in. Together we can put together an action plan to help you manage the grief when it comes. Be encouraged that our God is El Roi, the God who sees. He is the God of all comfort who can bring us peace in troubled waters and comfort in the storm.

Availability (by office location):

• Lacey – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Online (WA Only) – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

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 Social Work Associate (LSWAIC), some 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 children, adolescents, and adult individuals.

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 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.