Therapists in Puyallup, WA

Experiencing stress and emotional pain can be overwhelming. It may be difficult to take the first step and seek help, but you don't have to face these challenges alone. As your therapist, I am here to help you navigate these difficulties. I use an insight-oriented approach to help you make sense of your feelings and behaviors. By exploring your internal world, you gain a deeper understanding of how your past experiences affect you today, and pave a way for change & growth. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions (pregnancy, relocation), concerns about relationships, parenting & identity.

Does your child seem depressed, anxious, hostile or irritable? Is he or she underachieving or misbehaving at school? Are you having power struggles at home? Is divorce stressing your family? You are doing the best you can, however, you need more guidance and support to improve your family's life? I'm here for you. I'll teach you and your child effective coping skills to reduce stress and increase well being and happiness in your family. I will coach you how to be both firm and kind so that you are an effective parent who feels empowered and hopeful.

Over 15y I have been helping children understand the hidden rules of successful social interactions with peers & with their family members. I found that when children understand their thoughts & feelings and can recognize those in others, barriers are removed. My experience includes helping children improve communication and problem solving skills, cope with anxiety, and parent training. In addition to individual therapy I have a special expertise in social skills groups for children aged 3-17y. I help children with no formal diagnosis who experiencing challenges as well as children with Asperger's, learning disabilities and ADHD.

I work with adults primarily on issues related to trauma. Trauma often involves lack of control over a situation, so as part of the work, I help my clients regain their sense of power and choice in our sessions. Safety, non-judgement, and kindness are valued in my practice as the foundations of the therapeutic work, and I encourage open communication about the client’s experience with therapy. I offer a flexible approach to counseling because I believe that what works for some of my clients may not work for others, and we learn what that looks like as we work together.

I work with teens, adults, and families. I believe that counseling is, first and foremost, a relationship; positive change can only take place when the relationship is based upon honest and open communication, collaboration, and trust. With individuals, my goal is to help you build upon your existing coping skills, deepen your insight, and work with you to develop healthier approaches that will improve your ability to handle future stressors, challenges, and losses. With families, my goal is to help identify challenges and collaborate on an action plan for family success.