When beginning with a new client, my first priority is to build a non-judgmental, trusting therapeutic relationship. Our relationship will itself, in time, become a powerful agent of change.
I often work with well-functioning people who are motivated toward change, healing or self-growth. I'm interactive in sessions, and my style is warm and collaborative. Using a strength-based approach, I work with a wide range of life's problems.
Over the past 30 years, I've been guided by the belief that most times we have our own answers, but that sometimes we need help trusting our instincts or uncovering our own answers.
Issues I enjoy working with include: life or relationship transitions, growth related to life stage, changing patterns/boundaries that are no longer helpful, issues specific to women, issues specific to mid-life, grief & loss, and re-writing distorted beliefs which originated in childhood. I work collaboratively with each of my clients to create a specific plan based on strengths, needs, and goals. Depending on your specific needs are we may: 1. work psychodynamically (explore your history to learn how it's affecting your current life), 2. work cognitive-behaviorally (explore & challenge distorted beliefs/thoughts which may be holding you back) or, 3. work to resolve trauma, physical or sexual abuse by weaving back and forth between the past and the "here & now".
As a Washington State Approved Supervisor, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to provide clinical supervision to new generations of Psychotherapists. In addition to providing supervision, I also provide consultation to other Licensed Clinicians, individually and in group.
You'll find more detailed information on my experience, approach and philosophy in my "Psychotherapist Disclosure" statement which can be found at the bottom of the "Fees, Forms and Insurance" page.
I'm devoted to my work, and consider it a privilege to be part of therapeutic change process.
Feel free to contact me if you feel that you and I might be a good therapeutic "fit".