Family Therapy in Arnada, Vancouver, WA

You are not meant to be perfect; you are meant to be whole. A whole life is a mixture of good and bad. Both experiences are needed to for a wider perspective and to allow for a full appreciation of the positives in life. I work with kids, tweens, teens, and beyond, either individually or as a family, to help you achieve the life you want. We will explore your current experience, and where you want life to go, then figure out the needed knowledge, skill-building, and actions to move you (and/or your family) toward your goals and ideal life. You deserve a happy and fulfilling life, whatever that looks like for you.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate at A Better Way Counseling. This is a second career for me. I have spent the last 18 years in the world of public education with a master's degree in Special Education. The majority of my career has been spent supporting families and their children through the education system with the resources they need to succeed. I have worked with children ages 3-21 with a wide variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, visual impairments, dyslexia, communication disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.

Online Only! I work with adolescents through various work experiences. I enjoy working with couples who may be struggling in their relationship because I believe there is no problem large enough that we cannot work through. The same goes for families. The family is a fundamental building block in all of our relationships, through which all other relationships we may have can grow. I work together with my clients to create goals and helps equip them with tools to continue to grow throughout the rest of their lives. I create a safe environment in order for my clients to be able to open up and find healing in all aspects of life.

I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups. My current focus is primarily on people dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, attachment, life transitions, trauma, family and other interpersonal issues. I use a highly respectful approach in helping my clients address their issues and build effective coping and communication skills. This can include identifying and shifting limiting patterns (based on experiences of the past) that have continued to influence their present-day emotions, attitudes, interactions, expectations, and decisions. I work with each individual in a way that empowers them to stay in charge of their own therapeutic process.

Parenting is the hardest job. You've dong everything you can think of to support your kids. And still they struggle. You’re doing whatever you can think of. You’ve sat with teachers, talked with doctors, argued long into the night. Nothing has helped. You’re to the point where you just want to quit. And you feel terrible about it. I get it. I've been there. Your temper is short, you feel grouchy all the time, and time spent at the office feels like a vacation. This was not in the job description.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington and have been practicing since 2011. I have experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma and loss, relationship issues, parenting support, learning difficulties, and developmental disabilities. I have specialized training and experience working with children, teens, and families. In session I use an eclectic approach to therapy that is tailored to the needs of the individual client or family system in my office. I generally combine Attachment and Client-Centered Theory in practice and I frequently use CBT and EMDR in session.

In our sessions, we will work on understanding emotional responses, protective mechanisms, and inner system work. Together we will work to increase yourself-efficacy and compassion to deal with any stressful life situations that can and will occur. My clients will want to work on developing a stronger sense of self. Goals in therapy will be a collaborative process structured to help you along your introspective journey. If you are interested in delving deeper into your personal story, please don't hesitate to contact me to see if we are a good match.

I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients, and have done so since I began practicing in 1994. Psychotherapy can be an uncomfortable experience, and I see myself as a fellow traveler in that journey. I have worked extensively with sexual abuse victims, anxiety, and depression. I am also a sex offender treatment provider.

I help people who desire satisfying relationships and want to live an authentic, peaceful, and fulfilling existence. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, relationship conflicts, and frustration with patterns that continue to be roadblocks to your goals and emotional wellbeing. From systemic trauma, generational trauma, substance use, to mental health concerns, it can feel like you are fighting a losing battle. You don’t have to hold that alone. I'm here to support you on your journey towards a more fulfilling life, deeper connections, and greater self confidence!

Every individual is unique in their own way, and this uniqueness can also bring about different challenges to how one might navigate through their own therapy. One might not know what they need, or even what to expect when they first come into therapy, and that's okay. I'm here to help you discover just what it is "YOU" need. I believe each person has their own path to healing, and not everyone responds to the same things in the same way. "Our yesterday's do not have to predict our tomorrows, when we still have today" -Wendy

I employ a holistic and mindful approach, in which we'll collaboratively create the best plan of action for you based on your individual goals and strengths. I hope to provide you with a warm, accepting space in which we can get curious about your life and experiences, and to explore the tools necessary to better cope, grow, and thrive.

Maitri Mental Health utilizes an integrated and innovative model to provide individuals with optimal health, bringing balance to body, mind, and spirit. We understand that the human experience involves transforming pain and provide care rooted in compassion and dignity for all individuals in the healing process. Through collaboration with our clients, our dynamic staff select treatments from various disciplines to tailor services to best meet the need. It is important that throughout the process, individuals feel safe, heard, and supported.

Welcome! People usually find psychotherapy when their old ways of coping no longer work and they get stuck in dysfunctional patterns or relationships. Therapy is a place where you can increase insight into those patterns, develop new tools and have more fulfilling relationships. I am a multi-faceted practitioner who believes in meeting people where they are at, and building on the strengths and resources that you already possess. It is possible to find joy in the darkest of places.

My goal is to help make counseling feel comfortable, safe, and at your pace. We will work collaboratively to help you find your strength, feel empowered and confident, and rediscover meaning and purpose in your life. Talking through past or present tough experiences or hurts can be difficult. It’s tempting to try and ignore them or minimize how they are impacting you. Therapy can be a safe space to help you take the time needed to address your feelings in a way that will help you truly heal from the hurt, and discover how to engage with yourself in a healthy way that enables you to move forward.

We are not currently accepting new clients and our waitlist is full - Here at A Better Way Counseling Services, our mission is to be of service to our Washington community, far and near. We offer quality mental health counseling, training, and classes on a variety of helpful topics. Our philosophy is to work with people from an individualized, needs-driven, and strength-based focus. We are committed to offering quality mental health services to all people, regardless of religious preference, race, sex, income, sexual orientation, or education. A fundamental principle of our service is to treat everyone with respect and dignity.

Maybe you've asked yourself the question "How did I get here, and what do I do next?" Perhaps you've been struggling with unsatisfying relationships, mood inconsistencies, racial trauma, trauma, motivation, attention problems, or even loneliness. Maybe you've even had difficulty sticking to goals, or even determining what those goals are. Or maybe you've been dealing with something like using too many substances, incarceration, or a problem with sexuality. All of these are valid reasons to begin a therapeutic relationship with a professional.