Qualifications & Experience

I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in cross-cultural studies.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of therapy and exploring the human mind and heart of another. I was on staff with a campus ministry at Penn State and realized that my favorite part of the job was meeting with people one-on-one. In the process of going deep with them, I started to encounter all kinds of struggles related with abuse, eating disorders, codependency, relational issues, past trauma, etc. I wanted to be more equipped to walk with people through those things and help them find healing in deep places of woundedness.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I am a proud aunt of four nieces and two nephews. I live with my very goofy cat, Hauschka (aka Mr. Whiskers). I enjoy working out, cooking for people, playing guitar, singing, writing, reading, being outside, salsa dancing, and conversation around a fire. I have an interest in working with adoptees and adoptive parents because I was adopted. I’m also a pastor’s kid and missionary kid, so I understand the unique complexities involved with ministry.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Codependency
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Depression

The world can be an incredibly overwhelming place. We all have times and perhaps seasons when we feel overwhelmingly sad, stuck, or even numb. We can feel a lingering heartache that stays with us for much longer than anticipated. I would be honored to walk with you through whatever may be weighing you down and making your day-to-day life difficult. I can’t promise it will be easy, but I can be there with you in the darkness so you don’t have to walk it alone. Peeling back the layers takes time and care, and I will offer both of those things to you as you travel the path toward healing and hope.

Grief and Loss

Through Christian grief counseling, I will provide a space for you to tell your story of loss, whether it is a physical death, a betrayal, an unexpected transition, or the many other ways you may experience grief in your life. I firmly believe that grief and lament are holy ground and can be powerful times of shaping and transforming us. I believe we can only know joy to the degree we’re willing to open ourselves up to sorrow, which is why I am passionate about creating space for you to grieve and lament.

Sexual Abuse

It is indeed a sobering reality that sexual abuse can occur within seconds, and yet the effects insidiously last a lifetime. It can also take years for survivors to realize that what happened was indeed sexual abuse and name it accurately. I will walk with you through the confusion and anguish of being both a victim and a survivor of such trauma, while always bringing you back to a place of kindness and patience toward yourself and your body. Telling our stories of harm takes such courage and is part of the healing process. I would be honored to bear witness to yours.

Spiritual Development

Do you feel confused, anxious, overwhelmed, or even angry at God? I would love to walk with you through whatever you may be facing. I believe doubt and faith are not mutually exclusive, and it is healthy and normal to feel all kinds of emotions when in relationship with another person, even if (especially if) that person is God. I am constantly reading and learning to sharpen myself spiritually and theologically, and would love to connect with you regarding your spiritual health, should you desire to discuss it during our sessions.

Trauma

Tragically, we live in a broken world that is filled with trauma of all kinds. Our bodies were created to respond to situations of danger (think fight/flight/freeze), but sometimes these patterns can repeat themselves even after the danger has passed and we can get stuck. Often we try to comfort ourselves by saying, “It could’ve been worse,” or “At least it wasn’t as bad as such-and-such,” when in reality, we are just distancing ourselves from the very valid and legitimate trauma we have experienced. Whether your trauma has been primarily physical, emotional, mental, relational, or some other kind, I will partner with you to explore what occurred and work together on what you feel may be most helpful for your healing (likely a combination of somatic work and also narrative processing). Trauma does not need to have the last word for you.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Online (WA only) – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and families looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to some insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 3.7% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.