My Goal as a Christian Counselor
My goal is to create a space where you feel completely at ease to explore the issues in your life that prevent you from living fully. As a trained psychotherapist, I aim to empower you to work toward positive change, both personally and relationally. I strive to encourage and support my clients while challenging them to think deeply about their own thought processes and behaviors, so that they are able to achieve lasting, positive change.
Focus Areas
My special focus areas in counseling are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Trauma
- Aging and Geriatric Issues
- Codependency and Boundaries
- Sexual Abuse
- Hearing God’s voice
What I Can Offer You as a Christian Counselor
I can offer you a safe, welcoming place to work toward health and wholeness. I believe positive transformation is best accomplished when you feel affirmed in your strengths, challenged in your weaknesses, and loved in your relationships; I will do my best to make these a part of your counseling experience. As a Christian, I am happy to pray with you and to explore Biblical responses to your concerns—yet all are welcome in my office, regardless of faith.
My Counseling Approach: What You Can Expect in Therapy
My counseling style varies from client to client, and I endeavor to tailor my approach to each individual who seeks my help. Most of the time, I rely on a variety of techniques, including Biblical, and cognitive behavioral therapeutic LI (Life Integration) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) methods. My approach tends to be collaborative: together we will brainstorm how our time can be best put to use. If you are a person of faith, I try to incorporate your spirituality into our sessions. Above all, you can expect an enthusiastic partner and respectful professional who is dedicated to you and your goals.
On a Personal Note
I have a network of wonderful friends and family who have supported me through every challenge of life, and I endeavor to have both older and younger people in my life at all times. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing other people accomplish their goals. In my spare time, I enjoy playing music, entertaining, getting outdoors, and spending time with the people I love.
Education & Work Experience
Before deciding to pursue my career as a Christian counselor, I taught music education in public schools and worked in various ministry support roles. In 2010, after realizing that God was calling me to a career as a therapist, I returned to school, earning my MA in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University. I have been in full time therapeutic practice since my licensing, first from my private office, and now through Seattle Christian Counseling.
My Call to Christian Counseling
I decided to become a Christian counselor after years of witnessing my friends, family and myself, struggle through issues that were not easily resolved. Whether teaching in public schools, volunteering with street children, or speaking with a friend, I always felt passionate about helping those who wanted healing. So, after realizing that God was calling me to serve others as a therapist, I decided to switch careers midway through life—and I am so glad that I did!
More About Me
I became a Christian during the Jesus Movement of the 1970s. I am a trained cellist and play in a community orchestra, as well as several chamber music groups. I love to spend time outdoors, and in my free time I read, dance, volunteer, and play games with my friends.
Focus Areas
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Sexual Abuse
- Aging and Geriatric Issues
- Codependency and Boundaries
- Hearing God’s voice
- Trauma
Depression
As a Christian counselor, I have been privileged to help many clients process and manage their depression. This debilitating condition can be a lifelong struggle or a temporary experience; it can feel like a vague sense of sadness or completely prevent the sufferer from enjoying life. Either way, depression is almost always an extremely lonely experience. But if you are depressed, you don’t have to suffer through it alone. I take a holistic approach to treating depression, examining physical symptoms alongside past traumas and present situations. I know the unending exhaustion depression creates, but together, we will work toward healing and recovery so that you can rediscover the joy of life.
Issues Surrounding Aging
I offer counseling for people of all ages who struggle with the particular challenges that arise with age. Whether you are wrestling with your own journey into the later years of life, or are a caregiver for an elderly loved one, it can be extremely difficult to come to terms with the unique issues of aging. As you face these transitions, there are ways to manage your fears and relationships that will enable both older and younger people to love one another fully. If you are struggling with an issue related to aging, please know that I am here to help you confront and process your concerns.
Relational Therapy
I believe that our significant relationships are the foundation of our lives. We learn about ourselves by looking at how we interact with our friends, families, workmates, and God. When a relationship becomes a source of pain, it is important to take a closer look at the relational dynamics at play in our lives. In my counseling practice, I help clients explore healthy models of relationality, as well as the unhealthy patterns of relating that they have adopted. We can discuss what God intends for human intimacy, and collaborate to understand how to build positive relationships. God wants to heal our bonds with himself and with others; I want that for you too, and I know it is possible.
Sessions: I offer 53-minute Stet 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):
- Redmond - Monday and Wednesday
- Mill Creek - Tuesday and Thursday
- Online (WA only) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, and Stet, 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 (LMHC) a majority of insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to what they cover.
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 3.7% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.
