Qualifications & Experience

I have an MA in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Trauma & Abuse from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies from Messiah College (now Messiah University). I am also certified in Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC) Level 2 from The Allender Center.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I believe that the Lord called me to this career to be a part of seeing Jesus heal His bride. He has revealed and strengthened some natural giftedness in this area of being a counselor, which has brought confirmation to me being in this field.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

Some of my interests and hobbies include hiking with friends; going to coffee shops to enjoy a latte, mocha, matcha, or chai; supporting Liverpool Football Club and keeping up with the English Premier League; thrift shopping; reading books related to the intersection of trauma studies, attachment, psychology, and faith; being involved in my church community; and game nights with friends.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Lifespan Integration
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma

Trauma

Trauma is a negative event or experience that significantly alters the course of a person’s life. The effects of trauma on an individual can take many forms, which can sometimes make it difficult to spot or understand. In addressing trauma and its effects on your life, we will explore the emotional and mental symptoms most relevant to you presently. By exploring, understanding, and identifying these symptoms, the goal is to get closer to the traumatic event itself. As we get closer to the root event, the goal is to take a posture of self-compassion and curiosity. Events of trauma and abuse steal these things from you. Instead, shame, guilt, and self-contempt often take their place. Together we will address the lies of shame and self-contempt, with the end goal of helping you feel fully alive in your relationships with God and others.

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can stem from a range of everyday issues and concerns and manifest in a variety of bodily sensations, thoughts, or emotions. These feelings and thoughts can sometimes inhibit our ability to be present with friends and loved ones as well as prevent us from completing everyday tasks. In therapy, we can address anxiety by learning coping strategies, practicing mindfulness, and addressing the underlying issues that cause anxiety to spring up. These techniques can significantly improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Anxiety does not have to have the final word.

Sex & Porn Addiction

If you are seeking help and guidance with addiction, I want to welcome you to the healing journey and honor your step of bravery in pursuing transformation. Sex and porn addiction can be characterized by repetitive sexual activities, numerous unsuccessful efforts to reduce sexual activity or porn consumption, and continued sexual behavior and consumption of pornography despite experiencing negative life consequences that result from the sexual behavior. These behaviors are often paired with lying and secrecy about the addictive pattern itself.

Therapist and minister Jay Stringer says, “Addictions are often perceived as a destructive way to bring comfort or release to our bodies, but the greater issue I see is in their ability to influence us to hate ourselves through ongoing self-judgment.”

Confronting sexually addictive behaviors and patterns means getting into the dirt of your own story to uncover how sexuality was formed in you. Together we will work to uncover the deeper needs, understand structures of desire and longing, and establish accountability practices to promote continued transformation and sobriety in daily life. Jesus desires freedom for you. Let us walk toward it together.

Anger Management

Anger is one of the primary emotions that we often do not know how to cope with. It can show up with intensity and can slowly build to a fever pitch over time. Anger often shows up in instances where a personal boundary has been crossed, where an emotional or physical need has not been met, as well as when you have experienced or witnessed injustice. Ephesians 4:26 tells us, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Feeling and experiencing anger is not a sin. However, if your anger is left unaddressed it can have negative effects on your overall well-being. Therapy is a space to bravely feel, process, confront, and release your anger without shame or guilt. Together we can engage your anger with curiosity and welcome.

Men’s Issues

Our society has adopted a stigma and stereotype about men who seek out help. There is often a narrative of shame attached to not being “strong enough” or “man enough” to handle things on your own. In reality, these narratives often perpetuate the problems, stress, and anxiety that men face. You do not have to suffer in silence, and there is no shame in asking for help. Therapy can help provide a space to understand what it means to be a man in this world, as well as understand what biblical manhood is, and what God speaks over you as a man created in His image.

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):

• Bothell – Tuesday and Saturday
• Greenlake – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, 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 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 Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), 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.