Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Tacoma, WA

Where is the real you? Where is the formerly highly motivated, energetic and adventurous version of you that you recognize as your best self? Well, amidst global health scares, social unrest, isolation and insecurities at seemingly every turn, it can seem your needs for power, freedom, fun, love and belonging have been all but eradicated? For you, the committed adult who is being plagued by the gnawing feeling that you are not living the life you should be, I am passionately committed to helping with issues of loss, anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship problems. These problems need not keep you from greater fulfillment.

***I accept First Choice Health insurance, which frequently contracts with some Kaiser plans. Please call to confirm I am in-network with your plan.*** I approach therapy from an evidence-based perspective by letting you know what the research has shown to be the most effective way of handling whatever problems you’re struggling with. From there, we can work together to adapt that type of therapy to fit your specific needs & life circumstances so we can figure out how to make our sessions most helpful for you. I specialize in CBT, DBT , CPT/PE, Schema Therapy & Mindfulness-based therapies amongst other evidence-based psychotherapies.

As a clinician, I believe therapy looks different for everyone and there is no 'one-size fits most' approach. Therapy should be client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and focused on what you hope to get out each session. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and develop an individualized treatment plan with each client. In sessions, I utilize a variety of interventions, including evidence based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT ).

Now accepting new clients! My theoretical approach is one of self-awareness. Having a healthy relationship with you in order to have healthy relationships with others. The modalities I use the most are CBT, DBT , and ACT. In these we learn how to communicate more effectively, detach from negativity, embrace positivity and live an intentional life. We address trauma, boundaries, emotional self-management, and how to have relationships that work. LGBTQA+ friendly. As a certified domestic violence, and substance abuse clinician, I am well versed in trauma informed care and systems needs.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Do you have a sense that you have no control over your life, thoughts, or feelings, causing you NOT to be an active participant in your own life? Do these feelings cause you to feel that you are drifting through life, becoming depressed and anxious? My goal is to offer a safe, supportive space, to walk with you on your journey, explore aspects of the 'self' that you would like to build, and discover strengths that can be used in your present and future, in order to construct the life you desire. Remember, the steps you take don’t have to be big, they just have to be heading you in the right direction.

Accepting New Telehealth Clients - I provide trauma focused therapies for adults and adolescents with a non-judgmental, collaborative and strengths focused approach. This means that it is my highest priority to ensure therapy is a place where you feel equally empowered and cared for. Traumatic experiences rob us of a sense of autonomy and it is my hope to create a place in therapy where you can reconnect and show love towards all parts of yourself.

Currently accepting new telehealth clients. Hello! I want to commend you for seeking therapeutic mental healthcare. Life is about learning and growing, and we all can benefit from person-centered support. I would be honored to support your recovery, development, and pursuit of self-actualization. I provide evidence-based mental health therapy interventions rooted in the latest theories of the social sciences. I work with a small number of clients during weekday evenings, exclusively through telehealth. Feel free to reach out!

Is your life in turmoil? Difficult relationships? Feeling depressed, anxious or overwhelmed? Allow me to walk beside you through your current struggles or past difficulties and provide you with tools and insight that can challenge areas blocking you from feeling satisfied with some or all areas of your life. Therapy is a relationship where you can express how you feel openly and honestly without fear. I want to hear your story so I can have a better understanding of your world through your eyes.

Have you diligently worked to create a life that thrives, but still feel stuck by childhood or continuing harm? Is your past contributing to anxiety or depression in your current life? Often the coping strategies we form in childhood survive past their "effectiveness date," creating an invisible force that holds us back from thriving. In session, we will create a space for you to explore past, present, and hopes for the future. We will hold both harm and healing, as we create a framework for developing skills and a making adjustments that bring a freedom to thrive. Together we will forge a path that accounts for the beauty and harm.

I use several therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT , SFT Narrative therapy to support individual clients, and families. I work with youth 10 or older, couples, parents, and adults seeking professional counseling.

My ideal clients are motivated to explore the origin of unhelpful patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior. I am a certified clinical trauma specialist and primarily work with adults and adolescents who have experienced adversity and/or trauma. My clients often present with a feeling of being stuck and through a collaborative process of reflection and skill-building we identify the most effective personalized strategies. I am also a certified compassion fatigue specialist and work extensively with professionals around compassion fatigue and burnout.

I am grateful to be a guide to individuals during difficult life challenges: depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, and relationship issues. I work collaboratively with you to understand and define your current issues and find solutions. We will explore how to build upon strengths and help develop new coping skills to manage life's challenges.