Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Counseling is my second career and something that I am extremely passionate about. I came into this work with a deep love of learning about people and behavior, an insatiable curiosity about what makes us who we are, and the ability to attune to the needs of others, allowing for connection with those who often feel unseen. This can be attributed, in part, to childhood adversity, the rest to my many years spent working with children as a preschool teacher, a paraeducator in public school Special Ed programs, and a one-to-one aide in a primary Montessori setting. As a parent, and full-grown adult, unraveling the threads connecting my early life to my grown-up struggles sparked a deep thirst for knowledge and self-discovery. This journey led me first to therapy, then, ultimately to my return to school in 2021, to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University Seattle.
Experience
During my three-and-a-half years of training at Antioch University, I completed six months of practicum where I provided mental health counseling services to clients weekly in the AUS Clinic as well as facilitated weekly meetings for new parents through PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support). After practicum, I completed a year-long internship in The Counseling & Resource Center at Edmonds College, where I provided therapy to a diverse array of clients from many cultures, backgrounds, and ages, experiencing a variety of challenges. Post-graduation, I stayed on at Edmonds for an additional six months to continue building clinical skills and expertise.
By nature, I am a curious, compassionate, and open-minded person, and was drawn to this work by a desire to help others. As a multiculturally-oriented practitioner, I enjoy working with women, adults and teens from all walks of life experiencing a range of challenges, not the least of which may be a direct result of marginalization, discrimination, social injustice, and other forms of oppression..
My Approach
My approach provides warmth, presence, and validation in conversational style sessions. Much of my counseling orientation is rooted in the belief that people have an innate wisdom and compassion that can be cultivated. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to best suit the needs of each client, including: Attachment work, Mindfulness practices, Humanistic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Feminist therapy. I offer walk-and-talk sessions for those who want to incorporate movement as a therapeutic tool. Ask me about this option if it appeals to you.
If you choose to work with me, together, we will create a space for inner healing and empowerment where you will be able to cultivate a more authentic relationship with yourself. The development and practice of self-awareness, self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, coping-strategies, self-acceptance & self-love can lead to greater self-worth, inner-peace, self-empowerment, and increased satisfaction in relationships.
I believe wholeheartedly in the power of therapy because it has played such an integral role in my own life, contributing fundamentally to my growth and wellbeing. How do we know what we don’t know, until we learn it? I am passionate about bringing that learning to others and helping people become the best version of themselves.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) MC 61590893