Hello and welcome! Congratulations on taking the next step in your healing journey. It takes a lot of courage to seek out a therapist and I respect you for your decision.
I look forward to seeing whether we might be a good fit for each other. Here's a little more information about me to help you to decide whether you'd like to learn more.
I use an interactive approach to therapy. I will gently challenge your negative beliefs or self-defeating behaviors to help you to make positive changes in your life. This is different from standard talk therapy in which the therapist tends to be more passive. Because I am a more active participant in your healing, results tend to come more quickly. I often tell clients that I am an expert on my approach and they are the experts on their lives. Therefore, I will follow your lead as far as pacing counseling sessions goes. You know yourself better than anyone ever will and I respect that. Over the years, I have used a combination of therapeutic techniques and have found mindfulness-based and EMDR approaches to be most effective. Both involve connecting the mind and body, with a focus on using the body to process through difficult life experiences and to disrupt addictive patterns.
It is my profound privilege to be witness to others' healing and transformation. The courage and resilience I have seen in my clients over the past 15 years have been a great source of inspiration for me. I am grateful to be able to do this important work.
Credentials/Experience
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA state, LH60486511)
- Substance Use Disorder Professional (WA state, CP00006293)
- National Certified Gambling Counselor - Level II (1191)
- EMDR trained therapist
- Chair, Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification Committee
- Vice Chair, Washington State Problem Gambling Task Force, 2020-2021
- Board Member, Sun Services
- Created the Responsible Gaming Certification Program for casinos for the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
- Created 12 week group treatment manual – “Mindfulness-Based Chemical Dependency Treatment”
- Co-authored 26 week Responsible gambling program curriculum for Lummi Nation
Professional Presentations
- PEACEFUL PLACE AND CONTAINER RESOURCING TRAINING FOR CLINICIANS – February 28, 2020 (didgʷálič Wellness Center, Swinomish, WA; 7 hours)
- PEACEFUL PLACE RESOURCING FOR CLINICIANS – December 6, 2019 (Tulalip Tribal Wellness Center, Tulalip, WA; 2 hours)
- COURAGE TO HEAL: OVERCOMING FEAR OF SHAME AROUND GETTING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT IN A LOCAL TRIBAL COMMUNITY – October 3, 2019 (Four Directions Conference; plenary session; 90 mins)
- HARNESSING HOPE: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES - October 2, 2019 (Four Directions Conference; panel; 105 minutes)
- RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMS AND TRIBAL NATIONS – May 2, 2018 (Focus on the Future Conference; panel; 90 mins)
- KEEP IT REAL: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING YOUTH IN PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS – April 27, 2017 (Focus on the Future Conference; 75 mins)
- BUILDING TRUST: RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING OUTREACH AND TREATMENT AT LUMMI NATION – March 9, 2017 (Washington State Gambling Commission; 30 minutes)
- FROM THE GROUND UP: AN EFFECTIVE MODEL FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING OUTREACH IN A TRIBAL COMMUNITY –September 13, 2016 (Four Directions Conference; 75 mins)
- SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS – 2014-2019 (4 hours; annual presentations to 50-70 fourteen and fifteen year olds; topics include gambling addiction, drug/alcohol addiction, self-care, mental health, healthy relationships, mindfulness, EMDR resource building/installation)
- SUBSTANCE ABUSE TRENDS IN OUR COMMUNITY – June 8, 2011 (presented to Tulalip Tribes 250 person staff; 60 mins)
- GAMBLING DISORDER/TRAUMA TREE “TRAIN THE TRAINER” RECURRING PRESENTATION (60 mins)
- MEDICINE WHEEL OF SELF-CARE RECURRING PRESENTATION (60 mins)
- GUIDED MINDFULNESS PRACTICE RECURRING PRESENTATION (60 mins)