In order to make the most of the momentum we build up front, I meet with clients on a regular weekly basis at least for the first 3 months. 

Research has shown that meeting less frequently is generally not as effective and in fact more costly in terms of overall time, energy, and money.

When sessions are spread out, each subsequent session becomes more of a summary of what’s happened, rather than working on the core issues that often contribute to those experiences.

I want to help you reach your goals as quickly, efficiently, and painlessly as possible. Let’s direct your precious resources where they’re needed and spare you some heartache!

I work with clients who are ready to do the heavy lifting because they’re worth it. That might not be what you’re looking for, and that’s okay! I’d be happy to connect you with another therapist who may be a better fit goes here

People seek therapy for various reasons, including: a crisis, major life changes, difficulty in relationships, personal growth, etc. In the first few sessions, I get to know you, your strengths and stressors, and what you'd like from therapy. Afterwards, we collaboratively make a plan to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be.

In the early stages, I meet with clients once a week for 50 minutes to build good momentum up front (and give you the most bang for your buck!).

After we address immediate concerns, underlying relationship patterns, and unmet emotional needs, we would gradually space out sessions as you “replicate therapy outside of therapy” (or integrate new skills and resources into your day-to-day life), until you feel like you're ready to end therapy.

Since no two people are the same, therapy looks differently for each person. My goal is to customize the space according to what you desire and need.

In order for meaningful change to occur, we must first know WHAT we're dealing with, so that we can DO something about it. The less we know, the more we go into a reactive "autopilot" mode, which usually generates more issues and leads us deeper into trouble.

If you feel like you run into the same problems over and over again, therapy can help you get "unstuck" by:

revealing your reactive patterns of thinking, feeling, doing, and relating (the WHY you do what you do) and

equipping you with new ways of living (the HOW to do things differently).

No significant, lasting change can be attained without intentional effort and practice. Changing lifelong patterns is hard work, but definitely doable - and you won't be doing it alone!

Much like a personal trainer, I am committed to finding which emotional workout methods that are well suited to your needs and goals, saving you precious time and energy for what matters most to you.

That is a question that only you can answer! I work really well for some people, and not so well for others.

As a therapist who "translates emotions" into English, how you feel matters to me. It’s important for you to feel safe enough to explore painful areas of your life; it's my job to create such a space for you. Your experiences deserve the utmost of care.

Trust your intuition (gut), and ask a lot of questions. After a few sessions, if you feel like I "get" you where you're at, that's a good sign.

If it feels like we're not connecting (for whatever reason), that's alright - I won't take it personally! Please let me know, and I will gladly point you towards someone who may better serve you.

My main areas of focus are:

Emotional Health - difficult emotions (anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, numbness, anger), trauma, addiction, self-esteem

Relational Health - family relationships, romantic relationship, abuse, boundaries

It depends on how much stress or emotional reactivity you are experiencing during this time: the higher your level of stress and reactivity, the more you may benefit from coming in frequently (at least once a week). The more resources, safe connections, and self-control you feel you have, the more space you can have between sessions.

The frequency and length of session also depends on whether you are wanting to focus on a single, isolated topic (e.g., the trauma of a car accident) or on several, interconnected topics (e.g., self-esteem and relationships).

It's important for me to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Whatever resources or skills I recommend is with that in mind, all while honoring your own personal journey and ability to decide what works best for you.

The main purpose of the first session is for me to get to know you. I will be asking some of the following questions:

"What brings you to therapy at THIS time in your life?

What are the most pressing concerns you have?

If you summarize your whole life into a few significant moments, what would they be?

How would you like for your life/relationships to be different?

I offer both in-person and online sessions.

In-person sessions: 720 S. Main Street, Suite 218 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Online sessions (only in Washington State): Through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video link provided per session that can be accessed via computer, tablet, or phone.