Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Bainbridge Island, WA

Counseling provides a safe place to explore beliefs, thoughts, emotions and patterns of behavior interfering with functioning and well being. Emphasis is solution focused to improve quality of life. Specific training over the last 13 years has included suicidal thoughts, self harm, adolescent and teen transitions, pregnancy, postpartum transitions and depression, chronic trauma/invalidation and its effect on the individual throughout the lifespan. CBT, DBT skills and developmental theory influence my interventions.

I specialize in helping adults, couples, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma resolution. From day one, I am transparent with my clients about how their brains work (using biological neuroscience) and why I am asking them to engage in a certain exercise or dive into a specific aspect of their past. Knowledge is power and my goal is to empower my clients to not only reach their goals in therapy but to develop the insight, wisdom, and skill necessary to enhance all aspects of their lives.

I counsel children, teens and their parents, as well as adults and couples who are experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties due to parent child conflict, major life transitions, grief and loss and recent or historic trauma. My approach is systemic, meaning that I try to understand human problems in terms of the complex set of psychological and social systems in which they are embedded - family, social, cultural, educational and emotional experiences. I have specialized training and experience in treating anxiety and depression and trauma/PTSD using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

My professional orientation is very eclectic. I combine a Jungian philosophy with CBT and DBT interventions with a client centered approach that involves a caring and insightful focus on self, others and community. My intention is to collaborate fully with each individual and to assist him or her in changing the trajectory of his or her life in a positive way. I view self discovery as an essential part of our unfolding experience together and value our time together. To become an agent of change in one's own life takes tremendous courage and strength; I can help facilitate this.

I work with men and women who are struggling with symptoms of depression and/ or anxiety, issues of grief and loss, compulsive eating, relationship/family and family-of-origin issues, as well as life-phase-transition issues. I am particularly attuned to how early life attachment relationships impact clients' interpersonal functioning as adults. Other special interest areas include working with clients with adrenal fatigue, individuals/ couples struggling with issues as related to fertility challenges and working with/ diagnosing clients with ADHD. I am qualified and licensed to conduct ADD/ADHD assessments and to assign a diagnosis accordingly.

If you are struggling with trauma, dysphoria, anxiety, or life in general, I want to help you feel better. I believe you can find the calm, healing, clarity, and joy you seek. I work predominately with adult and adolescent clients who experience trauma and PTSD (including C-PTSD), gender dysphoria, depression, self-harm, and anxiety and adjustment disorders. I'm particularly passionate about unsticking negative message received in childhood and accompanying folx on their gender journey. I have years of experience supporting folx through gender transition and providing support to their loved ones.

I work in an impactful and caring manner helping individuals, couples and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, career challenges, parenting support, sexual concerns, and changing families including separation, divorce and blended families. Additionally, I specialize in helping children and adolescents who are having difficulty in school, with peer relationships and experiencing loss and changing family dynamics. I use a holistic and client centered approach; working together to co-create greater insight, wholeness, self awareness and understanding and increased emotional health. My work includes the use of cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, insight, and solution focused approaches.

I work with clients who want more satisfaction and meaning in life and relationships. The pain of anxiety, low mood, ADHD, addictive or compulsive behaviors, transitions, loss, trauma, or relational distress motivates them to look for change. They are curious about knowing themselves more deeply, through the heart and felt-sense experience, as well as the intellect. To grow beyond the safety of the familiar self in meaningful ways, they are willing to face some discomfort and vulnerability, and commit to useful behaviors and habits. They value this one precious life they have here, and want to make the best of it.

I have experience working with couples, families and individuals of all ages from a variety of cultures/ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and religious beliefs, as well as LGBTQIA+. My approach is integrated, operating from a systems theory background, with a lens that is relational and informed by awareness of how societal factors impact experience. Working as a certified chemical dependency counselor, I address not only the individual substance user, but the impact of use on loved ones. I see change happening through shifts from a person seeing themselves as the problem to seeing themselves as a person up against a problem.