Qualifications & Experience

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I’ve always had a desire to help people and felt very strongly that the Lord was calling me to this specific career field. I’ve been blessed to witness up close how burdens can be lifted off individuals through counseling. Having witnessed those things firsthand, I was inspired to provide a safe space for people to process life’s trials, receive support, and work through emotional and mental struggles.

Also, after working in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) with autistic children for several years and seeing the drastic differences in progress when the individual had family and community support, I decided I wanted to focus on systems therapy specifically.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I enjoy spending time with my family and church family, having quiet time and reading the Word, hiking and being in nature, reading books for fun and on various models of therapy, watching movies, and playing basketball.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bipolar Disorder
• Coaching
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Lifespan Integration
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Weight Loss
• Women’s Issues

Marriage Counseling

The dynamics of marriage can be challenging at times, which can leave partners feeling discouraged and alone. My goal is to help you and your partner communicate more effectively and connect on a deeper level. During sessions, we will address the underlying patterns that hinder communication, intimacy, and trust. I will provide you with tools to not only problem solve as a team, but find adequate solutions that work best for your relationship. My hope is that together we can navigate the challenges that arise in your marriage and move toward stronger connection, greater communication, and commitment that is more aligned with God’s plan for your lives.

“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:6 NKJV

Family Counseling

Family dynamics are complex and may be difficult to tackle. My goal is to pinpoint where the breakdowns in communication are and address the patterns of conflict that so often arise within the family unit. My focus is to cultivate an environment in which every family member feels safe to express their perspective, emotions, and concerns. Together we will explore tools to improve communication, resolve disagreements, and support one another. My hope is that each family member begins to understand how they impact the family as a whole while gaining a deeper understanding of one another to build stronger bonds and deeper connections as a family unit.

“Children’s children are the crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” – Proverbs 17: 6

Depression

Depression can be isolating and exhausting. It can be difficult to find hope when your world seems to be variations of grey. My goal is to create a safe space to address those difficult emotions. During sessions, you will be met with compassion and understanding. We will explore the underlying factors of your depressive symptoms to help alleviate negative thought patterns and restore a sense of well-being. Together we will work toward rediscovering your purpose, joy, and peace. Let’s take steps together to help you feel more in control and hopeful.

Anxiety

Anxiety can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. During sessions, we will explore how anxiety shows up in your life through identifying patterns and triggers. My goal is for you to obtain a sense of control over your symptoms rather than your symptoms controlling you. We will explore where your symptoms stem from and practice effective coping skills to reduce anxiety-provoking thoughts. I will support you in building confidence in the face of anxiety to allow you to live a life with more freedom and peace.

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can often feel like you’re stuck reliving a past event over and over again, having no way of moving forward to the next season of life. Trauma symptoms can change how you view yourself, others, and even the world around you. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore past experiences at a comfortable pace. During sessions, we will explore tools to help manage difficult emotions and triggers. We will process past experiences as we embark on the journey of healing and wholeness. Together we will take steps toward a brighter future as you rediscover your inner strength.

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):

• Tacoma – Wednesdays and Fridays
• Puyallup – Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Online (WA Only) – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups 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 most 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 Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), 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, and couples.

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 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.