Qualifications & Experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Registered Play Therapist with over 20 years of experience working in the counseling field in various capacities. I received my BA in Psychology from Evergreen College, my MSW from Walla Walla University, and my Ed.S (Play Therapy) from University of Mississippi.

My Call to Christian Counseling

My father was a Social Worker for the state of Washington and my older brother is a Social Worker. While I was growing up, I had the opportunity to visit my dad’s office and would observe the social workers working with various families and children. I knew very early on that God had given me the gift of helping and serving, and it is my privilege to be able to serve others in this capacity as a career.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I enjoy traveling, reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Coaching
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Professional Development
• Psychiatric Care Services
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Weight Loss
• Women’s Issues

Anxiety

Anxiety can show up in many ways and look differently for different people. It can be triggered by an unexpected event or added stress in one’s life. The good news is there are many tools you can learn to decrease your anxiety and help you function better. As your counselor, I will teach you techniques for breathing and dig deep into your thought process to see if some of your unhelpful thoughts are contributing to your anxiety. My approach is to work alongside you to come up with the best strategies that will work for you. I can also provide you with resources that can be helpful in-between sessions. As believers, we have an intercessor who is working for our behalf. His Word says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Depression

There are moments when events happen that can contribute to feelings of sadness and despair. However, if the sadness lasts for long periods of time or comes daily and starts affecting the way you function, it is time to seek out help. There are several ways depression can be treated; counseling is one of those ways. In individual therapy, you will learn ways to manage your depression. Some of these ways include challenging some of your negative thoughts, adding self-care routines, or participating in physical activities. Depression can leave you feeling hopeless and out of sorts, but just remember that you have the strength to overcome the pain. His Word says, “He restores my soul. He leads me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)

Children and Teens

We are living in such an unpredictable time right now. Our children have so much to cope with – bullying, depression, self-esteem, body image, the pressures of social media . . . the list goes on. My passion for working with children and adolescents started early on in my career. While working with families, I would see families torn apart over conflicts in their relationships. I became determined to find a way to change the negative patterns. I work with families who are struggling with their child’s behaviors, and I assist children and adolescents who are having a difficult time expressing themselves due to life events or unresolved pain. My goal is to provide a safe space for children and adolescents to express themselves openly while being their authentic selves. Depression, anger, anxiety, self-esteem, body image . . . these are all things that can interfere with our ability enjoy life. I use evidence-based interventions to help children and adolescents navigate their feelings and work through unresolved emotions. His Word says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)

Women’s Issues

Today’s women are faced with a variety of issues. Many of these issues can affect the way we manage daily. Oftentimes, women are seen as the rock of the family, the glue that holds the family together. But what happens when the glue starts to come apart? How is it possible to give your best in every area, whether it be career, children, or spouse? There are so many factors that can interrupt a woman’s life. My goal as a counselor is to first and foremost get to know you as an individual and to acknowledge the experiences that are interrupting your life. I want you to know that our Savior has created you for such a time as this. His Word says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Kent – Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
• Online (WA only)

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, families, and groups 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 Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), 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 adolescents, 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).