About Me
I decided to become a therapist based on my own challenges with mental health. My personal therapy journey helped me in profound ways, and I was drawn to wanting to help others in that same way. I realized through my experience that it is possible to not only survive in this world, but to gain a new understanding and perspective on what it means to truly live and thrive. Grappling with my own anxiety and trauma has been (and still is) a terrifying and invigorating process, and I feel honored to hold that space for others as they navigate through their own journey. In addition to my lived experience, I was always fascinated by psychology and rather academically driven, which led me down the path of entering this field. I have found immense fulfillment, passion, and joy in doing so!
Outside of therapy, I am passionate about the outdoors and spend most of my time out on trails, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and paddle boarding. I also love music, gardening, spending time with friends/family, eating good food, cuddling with my cats, and creating art!
Credentials, Trainings, and Memberships:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Washington University
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from City University of Seattle
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Advanced training in trauma-informed counseling, IFS, and DBT (please note I am not yet certified in these two modalities, however I am able to use them in practice)
ACA and WMHCA member
My Background
My approach to therapy is eclectic, meaning I pull from many theories and practices. I always work from a relational, person-centered, trauma-informed lens, which means that my top priority is always to actively listen to you, hold space for your thoughts and feelings, to validate and normalize your experience, and to show you unconditional positive regard. It is important for you to feel safe, respected, and trusting of this process. I strongly value the human connection we will build. I will laugh with you, I will be real with you, and I will be myself with you! I encourage my clients to tell me how they feel therapy is going so that we continue to maintain an honest, productive relationship. Therapy is hard work - while it is collaborative, I cannot “fix” things for you and I cannot work harder than you.
I tailor my approach to what we collaboratively believe will work best for you. In addition to the framework listed above, I predominantly work from an existential, IFS, and polyvagal lens. You can find out more about these approaches by clicking the button below. I believe these modalities emphasize your strengths, your ability to make choices, and your ability to take power and control back in your life in the most impactful ways. I find these approaches to also be extremely compassionate - no behavior, thought or emotion is “bad.” You’re a human trying to survive in a harsh world, and working from these modalities offers grace and understanding. I believe you have the power to change your life by taking a deep dive into what has happened to you, how you make sense of it, what parts of yourself have taken on pain and act in ways to protect you, and how your nervous system reacts to perceived threats to safety. By knowing yourself deeply, you can shape your environment, your values, what you need from others, your emotional reactions, and your core sense of what is meaningful. I am grateful to assist, guide, and facilitate your experience of putting all of the pieces together to get back to who you truly are.
To learn more about these modalities, as well as additional frameworks I use, click below.