The types of clients that tend to get the most benefit from the services that I provide are those who are committed to seeing change in their lives. Often times it can be hard to know exactly what that might look like, sometimes we begin with 1 or 2 goals, but through the course of treatment these clients tend to find that they begin to seek a more effective way of relating to their lives, their partners, and to how they experience the challenges in their day-to-day lives. I am a firm believer that the power of therapy begins in the therapeutic relationship, and the creation of a safe environment where clients seek to tell their truths and in turn desire to begin living those truths can be the beginning of that journey, and can be a benefit all its own. 

People see therapists for many different reasons, sometimes it’s to help manage trauma, other times to learn parenting tools, through to working on specific situational problems. Where therapists differ from that of seeking counsel from a family member, or a friend, can be located in how therapists are able to provide a non-judgmental and objective view that is rooted in extensive clinical training. This clinical training includes assessment and treatment methods that can get to the heart of your problem(s), while being mindful and tender with those more vulnerable parts of your life story, parts that might be hidden from the view of others. The therapeutic relationship is often a vehicle for growth and transformation, where you are the most important person in the room. Sometimes you need a place to talk, and sometimes just having a witness to your experiences isn’t enough to help you move towards your goals. This is where a therapeutic relationship becomes unique and powerful, and where therapists can be caring valuable guides.

Given my training and background, I am able to see both individuals and couples/families, and do so in the formats that tends to work best for my clients, as mutually agreed upon. When working with children, I blend family format with individual play therapy as that tends to provide the best results from my experience. When working with couples, and as someone practicing Gottman Method Couples Counseling, I see both partners together for our first session; have 1 session with each partner individually in order to compete a detailed assessment of the relationship, then consistent sessions with both individuals. My primary rule, when working with couples, is that I do not work with couples who are physically violent with each other as this becomes a safety issue. In these situations I will refer each partner to qualified therapists practicing individual psychotherapy.

Privacy, or what therapists call confidentiality, is paramount in the development of a strong and growth promoting therapeutic relationship. With that in mind, before the beginning of treatment, I will discuss with you the nature of confidentiality, how being a court mandated reporter (as all therapists are) limits confidentiality in specific ways, and help you to know what your rites are as a client. The therapy office is a sacred space for you to feel secure and safe to tell your story, and the first step in that process is for me to help inform you how your information will be safely stored, what I might be legally obligated to report, and how to best proceed when external help might be necessary. 

I am currently accepting new clients, on Saturdays, at my Seattle office.

I accept checks and cash in the exact amount due. I can also accept payment by Paypal, allowing you to use a credit card, for a small additional fee and with prior arrangement.