Substance Use Therapists in Seattle, WA

My approach to therapy is dually focused: I offer evidenced based interventions that teach skills and concepts to help you better manage emotional and mental discomfort. I also focus on insight, so I like to explore the deeper self, your existential curiosity, core beliefs, and values. I have found this approach can increase resilience, foster healing, and allow growth. I am collaborative, encouraging, and enjoy incorporating laughter and humor into sessions when appropriate.

The lasting impacts of past or current traumas, grief, or addiction, can leave us questioning who we are and how to imagine or build a present or a future we are hopeful for. By bringing these personal narratives into the space of therapy, the process of integration, compassion, self-discovery, lament, empowerment, healing, and ultimately freedom, can begin. As a therapist, I am deeply passionate about helping others build, create, uncover, and discover the people they were meant to be and to live in the fullness of the light they were created from and for.

My greatest desire as a therapist is to offer a space where you feel seen and heard in your entirety as a human. My hope is to develop a relationship that is completely judgement free, safe, authentic, and sincere so you can dig deeper into understanding the "why" behind self- sabotaging behaviors and thought patterns. Whether you've struggled with a recent tragedy, a relational challenge, anxiety management, depression, substance use , or just need a place for expression- I am here to offer my expertise and walk alongside you at a pace that is right for you.

Telling the truth of your life is one of the bravest things you can do for yourself. For many of us, telling the truth of our lives means addressing stories of pain, trauma, confusion, disillusionment, fear, etc. We long for joy and peace but we lack the understanding and tools to know how to find it. I see therapy as a place to begin telling your truth on behalf of the life you long for. The therapeutic relationship serves as a container & safe mirror to explore your internal realities so you can build tools to help you move more freely toward the healing you deserve and desire. Our pain does not have to be the end of the story.

I am a licensed psychologist who provides telehealth services to California, Washington State, and PSYPACT state residents. While I've spent much of my specialist practice at the intersection of substance use , PTSD, and co-occurring disorders in adults (18+), my generalist training has also prepared me to support those experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, boundary issues, deep wisdom experiences of grief and relational transitions, and overworking/burnout related to high-pressure or exploitative work environments. I regularly engage in culturally responsive training to support members of marginalized groups.

I am a Nationally Credentialed Mental Health Counselor and an Internationally Credentialed Clinical Addictions Counselor working with individuals struggling with mental health or substance use issues in Washington, Colorado, and North Carolina. I use a strengths-based approach and believe that everyone has the tools to solve their own problems and that each person is the expert of his/her own life.

My therapy style blends the use of a compassionate, curious, and non-judgmental approach. I see clients that have a history of trauma, substance use , anxiety, depression, codependency, and perfectionism issues. I help clients achieve freedom from limiting beliefs, compulsions, and emotional distress. I create a sacred and safe space for you to share your story with me and to be vulnerable in your therapy. You deserve to learn the skills to manage symptoms of emotional distress and build a peaceful and rewarding life.

I am the Agency Psychologist for the Center for Systematic Therapy and Research Services (CSTARS). I work full-time after a career in research (University of Washington 1987-2004) and faculty appointment (John's Hopkins, Department of Mental Health [2004-2007]). I currently focus on directing two clinical programs with Clinical Director Melissa Byrd: 1) Relapse Prevention for advanced recovery in addiction and codependency (Group and Individual), 2) Sexual Victimization recovery from childhood and young adult PTSD (Group and Individual). I conduct neurodevelopmental assessments for Dr. Stumme-Parks' work with CSTARS' ADHD clients.

I offer therapeutic sessions for individuals, couples, youth, and families. I help facilitate a process where people can develop insight and understanding of what may be holding them back from wellness, joy, and personal growth. Sometimes this may involve family patterns, behaviors that are not in line with one's values, or relationships that are no longer serving you. My job is to create safety for people to share their authentic selves, honoring strengths and navigating challenges together. My intention is to honor your gifts and to expand new ways of thinking or approaching situations to better meet your goals.

Are you feeling not right in your body or as if you don’t belong to the gender you were assigned at birth? Are you afraid to come out to someone you love? Did your partner or spouse tell you he/she/they are transgender and you are left with confusion and fear? Are you a parent of a child who came out to you and identifies as LBGTQIA and you don’t know how to process your feelings or take a deeper look within? Do you use substances and feel stigmatized by being called an “addict” with no hope for support? Do you use substances and are not ready to stop, but want someone to talk to that will accept you where you are at?

Life is a journey. It can be joyful, sad, messy, and complicated (sometimes all at the same time!). My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, supportive space for you to explore all of these aspects of your life. I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, trauma, stress, life transitions, and problems with self-esteem.

You may have heard a saying that depression arises from living in the past, anxiety from living in the future, and the antidote for both is living in the present. Many of us push away the present moment with distractions, automatic behaviors, over-committing, substance use , and screen-time. Other times when we slow down enough to be present, we might not like the person we find ourselves to be - out of alignment with our environment or acting in ways that don’t match our values. However you are trying to get "un-stuck" or find a more authentic self, it helps to have a guide who can help you find footing.

I provide individual therapy and couple’s counseling for people experiencing a variety of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and marital or relationship discord.

Congratulations, you have just found my profile on Psychology Today! I truly appreciate your choice in arriving at my profile. I am a duel credentialed clinician. Originally from Chicago, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Substance Use Disorder Professional in the State of Washington. I completed my undergraduate psychology degree at the University Of San Francisco. Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Seattle University. I have been in the behavioral health field since 2007. I provide direct clinical service; intake evaluations; diagnosis; individual, group, and family psychotherapy,Psychoeducation