First Health Therapists in Silverdale, WA

Clients primarily request services with me to work on communication between partners and other members of their family systems. I am contracted to work in the capacity as an LMHC with Summit Health Management in Gig Harbor. Please contact (253) 858-7056 to schedule an intake. I am currently accepting new clients and will work with you in person or via telehealth at the Summit Health Management office in Gig Harbor, WA. In addition, I also utilize games such as Dungeons and Dragons with families, kids and teens, to roleplay therapeutic scenarios out in a safe environment (I also run a weekly social skills teen group on Thursdays).

I have worked with a broad base of clients and stay grounded in a trauma informed, person-centered approach. I work with both teens and adults. In my career as a therapist, I has worked with patients ranging in age from 6 years old to over 70 in a variety of environments. I see each of my patients as the expert of their own lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Washington State and New Mexico), Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Prescribing Psychologist (New Mexico Only). I am an Affiliate Faculty in the PsyD Clinical Psychology Program at Antioch University, Seattle. My private practice (Lifespan Psychological Services, PS) is located on Bainbridge Island, WA. I am also contracted, as a prescribing psychologist, with the Family Medicine Center at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM.

Are you looking for someone who can help you understand the unique challenges you are facing in your life? Do you want someone who truly listens to you? Artistic Affirmations Counseling offers a unique combination of looking at family relations and implementing creative modalities to help you reach self enlightenment. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, adults, families and the LGBTQ community. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in Art Therapy. I combine many theoretical approaches to fit your needs to maximize your journey towards a greater insight into your own well-being.

My therapeutic approaches/techniques are tailored specifically to you, providing you with a higher level of comfort and facilitating change.rnCHILDREN: Use of play therapy techniques to provide a positive experience and means to openly express themselves.rnrnTEENS: An open, accepting, and safe environment for self expression so that together we may address their individual challenges in a positive manner.rnCOUPLES: A neutral and structured atmosphere where each individual may feel comfortable to express and address their concerns. Together we work to introduce new elements into the relationship to resolve conflict and strengthen the relationship bond.

Sometimes in life we find ourselves dealing with issues we never imagined would happen. We struggle in our job, or we struggle within a relationship. Sometimes we don't know why we're feeling the way we are. Throughout life we face a variety of struggles and sometimes it's great to know you're not alone. My goal is to help you find hope, encouragement and healing through a self compassionate and trauma perspective.

Where does one begin their search for relief from a vague feeling of discomfort, the source of which is difficult to locate, or from emotional/physical pain that announces itself clearly and loudly, the source being well-known? Perhaps you've tried to think your way through the problem or to read self-help books, and neither have helped. You have the thought that if you reach out to someone, relief may follow as you move from isolation to connection and relationship. So you arrive here and I welcome your call. My therapy approach is collaborative and grounded in family systems, psychodynamic, and somatic-based interventions.

I am passionate about being present with individuals as they experience disappointment, pain, despair, and joy in life and relationships. Sometimes, we need help navigating. I believe together we will discover the power and insight already within you. We undergo a process of examining your inner life, dreams, fantasies, and imagination to discover the inspiration that will allow you to live an authentic life. My approach is individually-focused and relationship-driven. Whatever challenges you are facing; that with a bit of goodwill and openness, much can be uncovered in a relatively short period of time.

Life is hard; no one said it would be easy. Nothing that has value comes easily. It seems the things that can bring us lasting joy are the things we have to work to achieve. We are all unique in history. Where we come from, which family, which culture, impacted who we are and who we will or have become. Yet, all of us are the same in that we need human interaction. We come into this world seeking others, touch, interaction. We are neither meant to be or have to be completely alone. *(I am an approved WA State Supervisor and am currently taking on LMHCA supervisees).

I provide treatment for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobia, Social Anxiety, Relationship Problems, Parent-Teenager Conflicts, Problems with Suicidal and/or Self-Injury Behavior and Sexual Impulse Control Issues. My goal in treatment is to provide an environment where my clients feel they have the support and validation they need to overcome the issues that lead them to seek out treatment.

I provide a combination of evidence-based and relational therapies to provide individuals, couples, and families the best possible outcomes toward their goals. Combining compassion and information to help people identify the specific obstacles in their lives that hold them back from being satisfied and content in their lives, I help them decide on a plan of action to effect the change in their life that they desire. My goal is to provide you with the tools you need and work together to learn how to effectively implement them and utilize them for life.

My clients seek counseling, guidance, support and new skills to resolve issues. We work together to explore personal and family relationships which can include work-related problems and trauma. A deeper understanding results. We work on improving communication skills, perspectives and attitudes. With therapy, self confidence and depressive states show improvement. I specialize in the treatment of depression and mood disorders, anxiety, panic, trauma, PTSD, and chronic health issues in a safe and comfortable environment. I work with adolescents, adults of all ages, and couples.

I am dually licensed in mental health and addiction issues. This dual licensing provides me with the skills and experience to work with individuals struggling with addiction related issues and mental health issues such as recovery from depression and anxiety. Although I have a license in chemical dependency, a great deal of my client's have come to me seeking support in areas that are not addiction related. My areas of specialty include co-occurring issues, relational issues, female specific issues, ACOA issues, codependency, and depression & anxiety issues, life transitional issues, self-esteem work, and grief and loss issues.

Parenting a child with autism or other developmental delays can be challenging. The usual strategies that work with other children often do not work well at all with a child who struggles with sensory processing differences, anxiety or other issues that go along with neurodevelopment conditions. Expert guidance from our autism specialists can help you feel and be more effective as a parent and fully enjoy your relationship with your child. Our behavioral services (ABA) is designed to accelerate your child's development and build lifelong skills for learning and independence.

Searching for a counselor can be a scary process, and I celebrate the efforts you’re making to build your support network. Through my work, I try to support my clients first and foremost by appreciating them exactly as they are — individual peculiarities, cultural context, and all. I understand that every person is unique in their hopes, fears, and aspirations: I am dedicated to meeting my clients where they’re at and supporting their growth in ways that feels right for them.

I provide therapy not only because I am passionate about personal growth and connection, but because I believe therapy works. I am inspired by the vulnerability and strength that goes into the healing process. I sincerely believe you have within you what it takes to heal and that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. Through therapy, I hope you feel renewed, motivated, confident, and safe enough in your thoughts and body to fully engage in life. I have had the honor to support those who are seeking out relief from their trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and/or anger.

Someone in my family was asking me recently "What is the most important consideration when looking for a therapist? " The fit, the feel, the vibe you have with the therapist really is best way to decide if this is a good match. A good fit, you will work well together. We will work with the issues that you are currently experiencing, noticing the internal roots of conflict, and finding ways to make meaningful and purposeful shifts or changes in your life. Experiencing difficulties from depression, relationship endings, truama, abuse, addictions, let's talk. - My practice is typically full but can offer wait list for new consultations