I believe seeking a therapist takes a great deal of courage, care, and humility, and it’s those qualities in you that are such important ingredients to successful therapy. I also realize that sometimes our negative experiences get stored in our nervous system, causing us to “overreact” to little things. As your therapist, I can help you release those reactive tendencies and respond with greater balance and intentionality, thus improving your relationships and how you feel about yourself. Sometimes we simply lack the skills to have the relationships we want or be the person we want to be. Through our sessions I can help you build skills that lead to success.
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
Most of us have believed “lies” about ourselves. These lies work like computer programs – they exist in the background, often unnoticed, but they run our lives. My goal as a Christian counselor is to help you see the truth about yourself from the gospel, because “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). My aim is to help you feel free from anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and limiting beliefs that cause problems in your relationships.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
I offer a confidential, non-judgmental, open-minded, and collaborative environment. Feeling emotionally safe is the “soil” where growth best occurs. Spiritually, I am respectful of a wide range of values and will encourage you to deepen your walk with God, as He is the true healer. In my practice I use a combination of proven therapeutic methods integrated with biblical passages and truths. These all work together to help you clarify your values, see yourself in a more realistic light, see others with greater openness and compassion, and to help your nervous system respond with greater congruence to your values.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
With a compassionate, non-judgemental approach, I will walk alongside you from the perspective of a fellow traveler. I seek to stay open to whatever works best for you, serving as your consultant to help you experience the growth you desire. My approach is very collaborative and flexible, rather than directive and rigid. As a result, clients often tell me they feel seen, understood, respected, and empowered. Change comes from you and from God working in you. I try to create the environment where that change is most likely to occur.
Qualifications & Experience
With 15 years of experience as a professional therapist, I hold a BA in Theology from Ambassador University and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University.
I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), DNMS Protocol (Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy), DBT skills (Dialectic Behavioral Therapy) CETA (Common Elements Treatment Approach), MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), and MI (Motivational Interviewing).
Areas of Expertise/Specialties
- Abandonment and Neglect
- Aging and Geriatric Issues
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chemical Dependency
- Coaching
- Counseling for Teens
- Couples Counseling
- Codependency
- Depression
- EMDR
- Grief and Loss
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Infidelity and Affairs
- Lifespan Integration
- Marriage Counseling
- Men’s Issues
- Online Counseling
- Personal Development
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Premarital Counseling
- Relationship Issues
- Sex and Porn Addiction
- Sexual Abuse
- Spiritual Development
- Spiritual trauma
- Trauma
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Trauma can come in the form of terrible events or emotional pain. In either case, it can cause us lasting difficulties that really amount to our God-given systems trying to either keep us safe, or encourage us to heal. Often this leads to addictions, depression, relationship problems, or feelings of low self-worth. Through my training, prayer, our collaborative understanding, and encouragement to accept God’s grace, I can help you heal and lead the full life God has in store for you.
Spiritual Trauma
Having been through spiritual trauma myself, I understand how it can shake the very foundations of your beliefs in God, mankind, and your own ability to discern. I’m passionate about helping you rebuild your faith and come back to the simplicity and joy that is in Christ!
Anxiety
God made our brains to protect us by looking out for danger, and yet He calls us to “be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6) and tells us that “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18). Our anxiety can help us avoid harm, but it can also become a habit and a natural neurological response. By practicing healthy thought habits and with the help of God’s Spirit, we can overcome those unhelpful habits and find rest in Him. I’d love to assist you in that journey of finding the peace Jesus desires for you.
Premarital Counseling
Nothing gives me more pleasure than helping a Christian couple get off to a good start before they say “I do.” This involves tackling important questions before the big day, which can be hard, but well worth it! Don’t sweep important concerns under the rug. Let’s address them now. It’s a skill and a habit which will serve your marriage in the years to come.
Marriage Counseling
While marriage is one of the greatest blessings God has given us, it can also bring out areas where we could use some growth. Most marriages have periods of difficulty. There’s no shame in that. What’s important is that you address those challenges in a spirit of humility and love, before hurt grows to a point where it’s very hard to heal. I’d love to be a part of making your marriage a success, and everything our Lord intended it to be.
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):
- Spokane Valley – Monday, Thursday and Saturday
- Online (WA Only) – Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups 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), most 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.
