Therapists in 98038

My ideal client is a married couple with relationship challenges and I use some of the Gottman material. I also thrive while working with women or men facing depression or anxiety in addition to those who are transitioning to the golden years of life.

My style of therapy: I adapt quickly to the culture and values of my client. I am client-centered and non-judgmental in my work. I appreciate cognitive therapy as I listen to my client's feelings and connect them to their thoughts and beliefs--especially in the treatment of depression. I employ trauma therapy approaches when working with anxiety and panic disorders. When isolation is a problem, I am attentive to the social context of my clients, including family of origin and other support people. Finally, I am solution-focused, meaning we face forward by setting goals and taking small risks to increase my client's comfort zone.

I believe that counseling is a practice of instilling, promoting, and maintaining hope and restoring the wounded person to wholeness. What inspired me to go into this field is a quote by Russell A. Barkley, “The children who need love the most, will always ask for it in the most unloving ways.” To some degree, this can be said about adults as well, so I dedicate what I do in helping individuals no matter how they ask.

As a parent to a struggling teen, you're wondering how you can help them feel better. It seems like you've tried everything, from punishing them to bribing them, but nothing seems to work for long. While things are not great right now, you are starting to see signs that it is getting worse like scars from where they may be cutting themselves, or you think they may be using drugs/alcohol. You've tried to talk to them about this but it quickly turns into an argument. You're hoping you can find someone that can connect with them, help them learn how to get through these difficult years, and also keep you informed along the way.

I have over 20 years experience helping high school aged teens (14-18), adults, couples & families. My therapy style is friendly and casual. I believe humor is healing & I use it often. My treatment approach involves talking through the issues/concerns, guiding clients towards personal insights/growth, and giving direct feedback/direction. I also teach theory guided interventions/skills that are effective at creating desired change and reducing negative symptoms. My approach has been refined by my clients. They want to be heard & understood, but they also want to learn & grow. I would like to partner with you to reach your goals.

As a therapist, it is my mission to help you live a joyful, vibrant life, even if you are facing life circumstances or mental health issues that are less than ideal. I specialize in helping individuals and couples, and have experience helping with compulsive sexual behavior, ADHD/ADD, depression, OCD, anxiety, and/or PTSD resulting from abusive situations. I also help couples who feel as though they no longer "connect" or who don't feel as close as they once felt. I believe you have the strength to reach your goals, and lead a joyful life.