"You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world — that is something you are free to do and it accords with your nature — but perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid."
– Franz Kafka

Counseling Philosophy

Thank you for considering me as a potential therapist. By way of introduction, I have chosen this quote because, with one sentence, Kafka's words embody a very important reality quite unpopular in our culture — that suffering and pain are both an inevitable reality and necessary in order to live a fulfilling life and relate deeply with one another. Often we assume when we are hurting that there is something wrong with us, and we attempt to hide our pain both from ourselves and from others.

Typically our efforts to circumvent that hurt only increase the pain and isolation. Left unaddressed, this pain can take on a life of its own, manifesting itself in numerous ways — depression, anxiety, addiction, and relational difficulties to name a few. Therapy provides an avenue not by which you can live a life without pain, but rather how to step into the pain of your life and the lives of others in meaningful, life-giving ways.

Who Comes to See Me?

Many of the clients I see have come to therapy to address some of the following:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loneliness
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Addictions (internet, sex, drugs, etc.)
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Eating disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Sexual abuse recovery
  • Trauma

I work primarily with older adolescents and adults from a psychodynamic and relational approach.

Education & Experience

I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary (currently known as the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology). In addition to my private practice, I have also worked in the Student Counseling Center at Seattle Pacific University, and as a Marriage and Family Therapist at Stone Gate Resources in Larkspur, CO.

I served as Adjunct Faculty for Seattle Pacific University in the School of Education, as well as at Mars Hill Graduate School as a Practicum Facilitator for therapists and clergy in training. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of Washington (LH#00010879) and a member of the NWAPS (Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study).

Fees

50-minute session (individual): $115
Student without insurance: $100/session