frequently asked questions

As part of my commitment to individual wellbeing and community health, all sessions are provided via telehealth or phone. There are a number of telehealth options and I will work with you to find the platform that works best for you. What types of clients do you see?

I work with individuals, relationships of all configurations (married, partners, poly, open…), families (bio and chosen), and various groups (work, activist, communal living, bands, art based collaborations, collectives). What does ’embodied framework’ mean?

I have extensive experience working on issues around trauma, violence, and abuse including but certainly not limited to individual, systemic, relational, intergenerational, political, and family of origin. (LINK to full list page) I integrate an embodied approach to counseling. This can look very different for different people in different contexts and there is not one single way to engage in embodied healing work. I also specialize in working with addiction or addictive relationships to all kinds of substances and behaviors. I do not view addiction as a medical disease, but a learned coping and survival skill or strategy that is often a means to manage and/or numb emotional (or other kinds of) pain. I will work with you to find ways to embody healing, meet you where you are at, and support you and your process.

It means working with the body. Trauma impacts and lives in our bodies. My healing work integrates an awareness of the body. I incorporate skills and tools for attending to the body, cultivating an awareness of the brain-body connection, and helping both of us learn to listen to the wisdom and knowledge your body holds.

Somatic practices are exercises, skills, movements, or other implementations that cultivate an awareness of the body, creates ways to cultivate mind-body awareness, and support the practice of listening to and learning from our bodies and all the information they hold.

One of values is accessibility. In addition to my flat rate, I offer a sliding scale and a pay what you can scale. Please get in touch for more information and to go over any questions you have. I do not currently bill for insurance but I do see a number of clients who pay out of pocket and are reimbursed by their provider and am happy to help and support you in that process however I can.

My office is located in the Central District. The closest big intersection is 23rd and Yesler. Once we confirm an initial session I will send you a one sheet which has information about the office, parking, bus routes, the initial session, and other introductory details.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. I have additional certifications in a variety of therapeutic modalities and areas of study and am happy to go over them with you if you like. I have studied various family systems, individual, somatic and body based, and relational psychological modalities. I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Washington. I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Washington School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University in Seattle. I am certified level II in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

In addition to going over paperwork, payment, and scheduling, the initial session will be about getting to know one another. Some people come to the first session ready to dive into material together and see how it feels to work with me. Others want to spend some time going over questions, or begin with an overview and general history. There is not one right way to begin, but generally our first meeting is to explore if I feel like a good fit for you.

There are many different types of therapists and we all have different styles and personalities. The most important thing is that you feel like you can work with the person and that they meet your needs. There is no one right way to find a therapist. Some people have a list of questions to ask, others want to set up at time to meet face to face and see how it feels, others may have logistical considerations such as location or insurance that will inform their decision.
In addition to the questions above, here are a few more that people sometimes use to see if someone is going to be a good fit.

1. How would they describe their style of therapy?
2. What are their credentials and experience?
3. Do they have any specialty areas?
4. How do they work with clients around _______ issue(s)?
5. Are there any issues they prefer not to work with?
6. What types of clients do they see?
7. What are fees/rates? Are there any fee reductions or sliding scales?
8. Where is the office located?
9. Is there anything that you like to tell potential clients?