To me, the counseling process is formed as we work together to explore the nature of your struggles. It is my belief that humans are relational beings who are meant to experience deep, satisfying relationships with others and with ourselves. Often our most significant relationships include dynamics in which our greatest joys mingle alongside our deepest hurts. Through this we may discover internal places where we are dull, dark, rough or jagged. It is often difficult to be accepting of these aspects of ourselves. My hope is that by exploring these spaces, we come to understand their origin and in turn, find healing and self-acceptance. And in this place of relating and exploring together, transformative outcome occurs. You gain relief from that which made you seek out therapy in the first place, and as a result are able to more freely enjoy life.
This theoretical orientation is influenced by my trainings in relational psychotherapy, british object relations, attachment theory, interpersonal and feminist psychologies. I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LH60498732) and Clinical Associate seeking my certification in analysis though Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Additionally, I am a member of Center for British Object Relations and the Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study. I also have worked in the education setting, past teaching experiences include Co-Instructor, at The Seattle School for Theology & Psychology and for the Center of British Object Relations.
and to tell you a bit more about myself...
As an athlete, artist, and passionate pursuer of life, I care about working towards wholeness, specifically through the work of mental health counseling. This includes working with the biological, social, psychological and spiritual aspects of being human. My journey into this work has been far from direct, however the constant, consistent thread has been the desire to bring about transformation - seeking wholeness - wherever I have landed. Upon graduating from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree is Secondary Education (Mathematics), I decided to forego being a high school math teacher to take on non-profit mentoring work with teenagers. My experiences in mentorship became the catalyst for me to decide to pursue further training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Working with people is my passion, and I wanted to gain more understanding so that I could be better equipped in walking through life alongside others. I completed my Masters in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. As part of my training experience, I had the opportunity to work with college age men and women at Seattle Pacific University, helping them work through mental health and relational issues. Since then, I've been working with adolescents and adults, supporting them in their mental health needs and in helping grow into their lives.
Personally, I enjoy being active. I was a collegiate level basketball player, have run several marathons, and exploring the city on the two wheels of my bike. When not outside, I can be found reading about psychology, critical social theory, systems of oppression or a good novel, and playing with my dog.
I look forward to meeting you and join alongside you, discovering who you are and facilitating your own growth into wholeness.