My Approach
There is no "one size fits all" model...especially here.
As a therapist I aim to create a warm, inviting space where my clients feel safe, comfortable, understood, and accepted. You can find me bringing my compassion and warmth as well as humor sprinkled in during our sessions. I believe in a client centered approach where together we will identify those things that are holding you back, keeping you stuck, or stopping you from living a more mindful, connected life. I specialize in working with athletes and am particularly passionate about mental health with this population. I also work with technical and analytical individuals and couples who are dealing with life's transitions as well as other concerns that may be impacting their lives.
In practicing therapy, I use a combination of theories and techniques in order to provide care that works best for each of my clients. Specifically, I frequently draw from emotion-focused therapy (EFT), with influences of attachment and family systems theories.
I also work from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-sexual perspective, which means I see individuals as whole beings. This helps me when treating clients in a holistic manner where all of these different aspects intertwine. If you decide to discuss spirituality or sexuality in session I am more than comfortable discussing the topic, however if you don't feel the need to that is totally alright with me too.
Working with body image issues and athletics has introduced me to both the "HAES" and intuitive eating approaches from which I practice from. Working from this approach means that I believe that health comes in every size and that I do not believe that dieting and weight loss are solutions for health. Both of these approaches are about creating a healthy relationship between your mind, body, and food while removing the rules of diet culture.
Some of my Clinical Experience and Additional Training
I have provided psychotherapy to a range of clients from children and adolescents, to pregnancy and postpartum wellness with women, as well as working with couples and families dealing with life's transitions at a private practice down in Tacoma, WA.
In addition, I also worked at Opal Food & Body in the University District as a milieu therapist supporting those in eating disorder recovery.
I’ve had additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Prepare/Enrich Premarital Facilitator training.
My Credentials & Associations
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Washington
Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, Seattle Pacific University
AAMFT American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
WAMFT Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
