| It is not always easy to reach out for support. It takes courage, and you have it! I would like to introduce myself and give you an idea of what you can expect from this experience.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated from the University of Washington in 1994 with a master’s degree. In addition to social work, I studied psychology and child development. I have worked in a variety of settings with diverse populations. My practice includes individuals, couples, children and families, people struggling with eating disorders, childhood sexual abuse and trauma, transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
The following is a brief description of how I view things and what you can expect. Know that therapy is work. It’s an inner kind of work that takes time, effort and a willingness to grow and change. It is my wish to be of service to you in helping you find your own inner strength to live in a way that brings you happiness and joy.
Individuals seek therapy when life becomes more difficult than joyfull. Often old wounds arise and demand to be addressed. We can work together to heal from these painful memories and experiences.
Couples seek therapy to improve communication, work on their negotiation skills and to rekindle the love and passion they felt for each other in the beginning.
Parenting Support and Education: We are not born knowing how to raise our offspring. Most people tend to raise their children in the way they themselves were raised, even when they vow not to. Parenting is the hardest job any of us can do. We are taking on the responsibility of another human being who is completely dependent upon us.
In working with parents, I always view the parent as the expert of their child. My job is as an expert in observation. Unlike adults, children communicate non-verbally through their play and behavior. It is in allowing the child to lead the play, tracking behavior, reflecting on feelings and setting limits that I read a child’s emotional make-up and struggle. I can make suggestions and explain what I see, but it is ultimately the parents who decide what is best for their child. I often suggest reading material for additional information and support. I look forward to getting to know you and your child.
Eating Disorders: Anorexia and bulimia are complex and dangerous personal struggles. I have worked with people both in-patient and on an out-patient basis. I believe that these disorders develop as a response to the inability to process emotions. When abuse is involved in childhood, the child has no language or skills to cope with the situation. Eating disorders can manifest as a way to have some control over something, a way to drowned out feelings and a way to escape into another realm. By using an intuitive and empathic approach, I can show you how your eating disorder serves you, where it has come from and what it is trying to say. With strong support and guidance, I will help you to learn the language of emotions and be with you as you begin to feel once more. It is only when we have access to all our feelings that we can live a full life.
Grief and Loss: Losing someone (human or animal) that is close to us by relation or proximity can be devastating. Grieving is the process by which we go into the pain and come out again a different person, a stronger and wiser person. I provide a nurturing place to explore the complex and painful feelings involved in grieving. I hope to give each person a safe and non-judgmental space to experience the healing that can come from grief.
Other areas of expertise:
Attention Deficit Disorders
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Medication: Working with your doctor to provide a balance of care for
physical and emotional well being. |
