Counseling Orientation
My interest in helping people with life's challenges started after working through some of my own struggles. In my recovery from numerous addictions, the healing journey took me down several paths. I was privileged to have guides help me along the way where I learned a different way of relating to myself and the world. I strive to bring what I have absorbed into the work I do with others.
I aim to live by my values of living a slower, more present, intentional and connected way of living. I believe that our ability to heal is connected to, and reliant upon our attunement to our bodies and connections with each other.
I am a relational therapist which means that I am a very real person in the room. I appreciate unconditional acceptance, connection, deep love, laughter, honesty and forgiveness. I also value imperfection, awkwardness and the messiness of life and relationships. I’ll be encouraging and championing alongside you to find new ways of being with yourself and others. My role as a therapist is also as a collaborator, offering a partnership with a person centered approach. Thus I allow our relationship to move at a pace you feel comfortable with, addressing issues as they arise. I strive to assist you in finding your inner wisdom to help you make lasting changes.
When appropriate, a focus on the present moment experience can be used as a tool to help us focus attention and understanding. By recognizing mental and emotional habits we can create new pathways grounded in awareness. I believe that we have the potential to find peace and contentment from within.
In my free time I find joy in getting into nature, connecting with people, and finding creative outlets that inspire me.
Training and Degrees
I graduated with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University in 2016. I was drawn to Bastyr because of their emphasis on the mind, body, spirit connection. This education influenced my view in seeing the person as a whole.
I completed a yearlong internship at Evergreen Recovery Center where I received training as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. This experience taught me about the therapeutic relationship, based in hope, recovery, empathy, and a belief in the possibility of ongoing self-improvement. Following this internship I became an extern at MEND (formerly Seattle Therapy Alliance) where I grew my skills as a therapist from a social justice perspective.
I value continued self study and awareness. I have years of practicing meditation and have attended many silent retreats supporting my path of personal growth and exploration.
My diversity of experiences has provided me with a range of skills which allows a flexible approach each client's unique circumstances. I continue to work from these foundations in my virtual practice seeing clients in all of Washington state and in-person sessions in Port Townsend, WA.