About Therapy
Explore your curiosity about therapy
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions even thinking about starting therapy. Anxiety, fear, and panic are all common as is feeling a strange pull and curiosity.
I try to make my space as inviting and comfortable as possible. I have an air cleaner that exchanges and cleans the air (yes, COVID too!) so you don’t have to worry about your health and safety while we talk.
You have a lot going on; come sit and tell me about it. Prefer therapy from your home or car? That works too! I now offer telehealth services so you don’t have to come in to the office!
This will be your time to bring whatever is on your mind. Self-care is extremely important, and therapy is a big part of that.
If you would like to know more about how I work, go to the My Approach page. I am always reading and going to trainings to learn more to better help people, but you will get a general idea of what it is like to talk with me.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
A glimpse into the profession of therapy and my takeaway from an ethics course:
Therapists are required to take continuing education classes to renew our licenses. As part of that, we must take an ethics course every two years.
Most of these classes focus on what not to do: everything from, “You can’t date your clients” (Wow, that really has to be stated??) to “How to keep information private.” Basically, boring stuff.
I recently took one of these classes taught by Jim Jensen (giving credit where credit is due). He brought up this idea that we focus on what not to do instead of what to do. Sort of like, “Look over there! Now back away slowly” (or maybe run, in some cases!).
Then Mr. Jensen talked about the saying, “…a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” He pointed out that you can take a thousand steps but be walking in a circle and not get anywhere.
The saying is then changed to: “…a journey of a thousand miles begins by facing the direction you want to go.”
Stop walking in circles and come find your direction.
You CAN feel good about yourself for most of the day, nearly every day. I know what it feels like to live in self-doubt, questioning everything you think and feel. I also know how to turn that around.
About Me
I am a Pacific Northwest native. Born in Eugene on the winter solstice, moved to Vancouver when I was 11, up to Seattle for five years for my education, and have been back in the couve since 2007.
My master’s is in clinical psychology, and I also am certified in school counseling.
I am one of the lucky people who knew what they wanted to do at a young age. By 19, I knew I wanted to be a counselor and have never had any regrets.
Life has not always been kind to me, but it is my personal belief that everyone has challenges. No life is without struggle. I have experienced great loss as well as profound joy and happiness. I have been lucky in some areas and unlucky in others.
If you have ever had someone say to you, “I don’t know how you do it,” you can relate to one of my favorite quotes:
“You just do it. You force yourself to get up. You force yourself to put one foot before the other, and goddamn it, you refuse to let it get to you. You fight. You cry. You curse. Then you go about the business of living. That’s how I’ve done it. There’s no other way.” ~Elizabeth Taylor
I have an amazing daughter who brings me joy and frustration every day!
I am so grateful that my education has allowed me to prioritize time with my daughter while also having a career that is deeply fulfilling. I try to remain humble and grateful throughout everything.
In my personal life, I enjoy yoga/pilates, long walks through the suburbs, and of course time with family and friends. I live in a zoo, we have two dogs, two cats, and two rats!
Work/life balance is very important to me, and I love planning my next excursion. My daughter and I enjoy Disney, Great Wolf Lodge, and Seaside.
I am not perfect and have not had a perfect life, but I try and make the best of every situation – and to learn and grow along the way.
Through my education, training, work and life experiences, I have reached a place of acceptance with compassion for others as well as myself – and I revel in experiencing joy in the moment. I want to help you do that, too!
Now, let’s talk about you.
Come find out how awesome therapy can be! Someone once said I was like a best friend who had really good advice and I will forever cherish that description of what I do.
Call me at (360) 637-6693 or email today!