My Approach to Helping
Creating a safe space where clients can feel comfortable is my top priority. Sharing your challenges and struggles with someone you've just met can feel overwhelming. When we start working together, we will begin by building a comfortable therapeutic relationship. For some people, that may only take a session or two; for others, we will take a little more time to get there. We will go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. As we get to know each other, we will also work together to stretch your comfort zone little by little to help you progress toward your goals. I graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2008 with a Master's in Social Work. I immediately went into advocacy work supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma in a variety of settings. I have worked as an advocate helping survivors navigate the court system and in shelters, and I have worked in supervisory and senior leadership positions to develop survivor support programs in domestic violence and violence advocacy agencies. In 2018, I applied my advocacy skills to the mental health field. Now, as a licensed clinical social worker, I work with individuals with a history of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I work primarily with adults, using a psychodynamic approach. This means that we will have conversations and dive a little deeper into the patterns that come up to help you better understand yourself. I also use techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. Each person is unique, and I have found that drawing from various techniques makes for an individualized experience tailored to your needs.