Adoption Therapists in Monroe, WA

I believe everyone has innate wisdom within themselves to overcome whatever obstacles are in front of them. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and families that have experienced trauma and consequently suffering from anxiety, depression, attentional difficulties, sleep issues, developmental obstacles. Expressive therapies offers a unique way to language those issues using art, painting, clay work, journal writing, sand tray play and canine therapy, and they begin to externalize worries and concerns, crisis and trauma through symbols and mastery is gained. When families in pain begin to play together, perceptions of each other are changed, communication is accomplished and individuals experience their true potential.

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck, facing unexpected life experiences. Without knowing which way to go or how to make sense of things, we are left seeking answers, options, and direction. I specialize in guiding people through their family-building options, fertility challenges, reproductive assistance, surrogacy, adoption, and pregnancy/postpartum adjustment. These life transitions can bring grief, loss, stress, anxiety, and depression. Together, we will work to identify your goals and increase your awareness, insight, and understanding so that life feels more manageable and fulfilling.

Looking for a more active and experiential approach to therapy? Working with children, adolescents, adults and families I use horses as part of a treatment modality for issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, oppositional disorders, and adolescent issues. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is highly active and quickly engages even clients who have become disillusioned with more traditional therapeutic approaches. Horses and activites are combined to help clients recognize their typical approach to problems, what may or may not be working, and how to move forward.

My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space in an effort to empower my clients so they can begin to heal and work towards personal growth. I believe in providing compassionate care for all of life's experiences to everyone. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. I hold certifications as a lactation educator and postpartum doula in addition to my counseling license.

When life becomes overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to turn. I offer a safe place for individuals and couples to explore these difficult times and start to make sense out of the chaos. Going to therapy does not mean you are weak or your relationship is going to end. It means just the opposite. It means you are taking the time to put yourself and or your relationship first. Counseling gives you the freedom to explore who you are without judgment or criticism and to start to understand yourself on a deeper more compassionate level.

Many people say life doesn't go according to plan. We all know that to be true. Life goes up and down with many bits and pieces that make our story. As we are going through our life we may not understand or want parts of our story that entail grief and pain. YOUR story is what makes you, what has happened in your life, and what hasn't happened in your life. Many of us tend to have expectations of who we are supposed to be and how to navigate life, that we may forget to live life. Life isn't about pushing through, dread and pain. It's about the hope that pain and loss can be grieved and change can happen in your heart.

Welcome! Life can be challenging and can lead us to unexpected places sometimes. Whether you’re feeling stuck or experiencing stress, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, parenting issues, trauma, or other concerns, I will come alongside you to help navigate your journey towards hope and healing. With my gentle, yet direct, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach, I can help you discover the tools that you have within yourself for learning new skills that serve you better to create lasting, positive change. Let's work together to help you set and achieve your goals!

The thing that is universal to why someone is seeking therapy is that they want a place to talk about thoughts, feelings and relationships without fear of being judged or of hurting someone's feelings. It is always an honor to be trusted to hear people’s thoughts, feelings and experiences. I do not believe it is my roll to tell someone how to do things, how to feel about things or how to think about things. I believe my role is to ask you questions, offer relevant information and skills but mostly listen to what you what. To do this, I use a variety of different techniques, skills and theories.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy with mental health diagnoses as well as relational conflicts. I strongly believe that family is the fundamental yet the most important and influential factor for each individual's physical and emotional well being. I have witnessed many individuals broken and wounded because of their dysfunctional family systems and lack of courage to seek out the help they need when they needed.

I have many years of experience working with children, teens, adults and families in varying situations. I have an extensive background in working with children, teens, families, LGBTQIA+ folks, adults, and those who are retired. I have done work around complex trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, transitions, self-esteem, parenting issues, as well as a specialty in grief/loss, anticipatory grief, end of life, hospice and chronic medical issues.

I am most skilled at working through trauma and helping clients understand why they have the issues they do. I can help you identify the real source of your issues, so you can begin to transform your life. I also do a lot of work around gender exploration.

I love to laugh and be playful! My superpower is connecting with children. When I spend time with children in the playroom, I am always inspired by their inner resilience and ability to process and organize their world via the play and art materials around them. As a counselor, I play a role as a witness and a companion in this process. What a gift to be able to accompany a child on this journey, which leads to a greater understanding of themselves and others and a world that is a little less scary and confusing!

Clients I work with include women and girls of all ages and family counseling. I particularly work with clients who suffer from anxiety disorders and families experiencing reproductive trauma or grief.