As we consider how your personal history, family dynamics, and early childhood experiences may have impacted your current beliefs, motivations, and behaviors, we will look to God and His Word for lasting positive change. We’ll also consider practical ways to implement Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In our sessions together, we will establish goals for treatment and determine which therapeutic tools will be most effective for your needs.
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
As your counselor, my goals include walking alongside you and helping you navigate various life struggles, using a faith-based approach with proven therapeutic techniques. My aim is for you to experience healing in every area of your life – physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. By gaining a deeper understanding of what motivates you, your beliefs, and your behaviors around your beliefs and motivations, we can take steps toward realistic and positive changes in your life.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
I offer a nurturing, welcoming environment where you can share whatever is on your mind and heart. Nothing you say will shock me or turn me away. As your therapist, I will be committed to your overall health and well-being. As a Christian counselor, I strive to be a vessel for the gospel of Jesus Christ, extending His truth, love, grace, and compassion to my clients. With God’s guidance and direction, you can experience healing and transformation.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
My counseling practice is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, and I integrate biblical principles throughout our sessions. My goal is to guide you through your healing process using the method of “truth plus grace over time equals healing.” This approach is also integrated through Scripture, building a relationship with Jesus Christ (John 14:6), and utilizing evidenced-based psychological interventions.
Qualifications & Experience
I earned my Doctorate and Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA and my Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands in Camarillo, CA. I have received training in Gottman Counseling Level 1, Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis from the University of Washington, Seattle. I have been working in behavioral health since 2016 and have experience working in outpatient behavioral health, inpatient psychiatric care, and corrections.
My Call to Christian Counseling
My own personal walk led me to pursue a career in mental health, specifically having a parent who lives with a serious mental illness and another parent who was emotionally absent. Although I was raised as a Christian, I struggled with the idea of integrating the concepts of psychology and faith into practice. However, after traveling to Israel in 2019 as part of a culture immersion trip in my doctorate program, my entire view as an aspiring psychologist and Christian completely changed. From that experience, I have never stopped integrating the two concepts to help maximize care and sustainability for those I serve.
More About Me/On a Personal Note
I have been married for nearly eight years. I have a daughter and a son, two crazy doggies, and I am blessed to have my grandmother (who primarily raised me) living with our family. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, fishing, traveling, and anything that is Star Wars. I also lead a men’s ministry group in my church and provide counseling advice to the pastors of the church.
Areas of Expertise/Specialties
- Abandonment and Neglect
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorders
- Couples Counseling
- Codependency
- Depression
- Family Counseling
- Grief and Loss
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Marriage Counseling
- Men’s Issues
- OCD
- Online Counseling
- Personal Development
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Psychiatric Care Services
- Psychological Testing
- Relationship Issues
- Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
- Sex and Porn Addiction
- Sexual Abuse
- Spiritual Development
- Trauma
Severe Mental Illnesses
If you are living with a serious psychological condition, I will be a firm advocate for you and provide a variety of coping skills as well as a place for you to process your experiences. Nothing you say will be too much for me and I will be committed to your care. While we do not know why most of these conditions exist, we know that every child of God is worthy of love, kindness, and respect.
Trauma Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care
In regards to trauma care, I primarily use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to address trauma. This includes developing anxiety coping skills, using various interventions to manage and process trauma, and developing maintenance skills once you have conquered your trauma. This will give you a sense of ownership and control over your experiences rather than them controlling you. I have seen numerous clients benefit from this intervention modality, including veterans, sex trafficking survivors, and adults with a history of childhood abuse.
Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling
When working with couples, I primarily use Gottman Therapy interventions to address various challenges within relationships. Together we will work to redefine your relationship and improve your overall communication and conflict resolution skills.
Men’s Spiritual and Mental Health Issues
As a man, I understand the culture and dynamics many men are raised with and how this can distort our perceptions of what healthy relationships look like, what it means to use emotional intelligence to process our feelings effectively, and how to be the man God calls us to be. Too many men feel alone in the world and feel like there is no space for them. However, as a man who has had to work through this mentality, it’s never too late! Become the man you are meant to be, the boyfriend or husband God wants you to be, the father your children need you to be, and the spiritual leader of your home.
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):
- Puyallup - Fridays
- Online (WA Only) – Fridays
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 Associate (LMHCA), some 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.
