(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a fat liberation focused therapist, and a survivor of diet culture, who still struggles with disordered eating. I live and work on Duwamish land, and serve clients all over the tribal land in what is considered Washington State. I live and am part of the 2SQTLBG+ community as a parent and Omni romantic person. I'm a poly and kink friendly therapist, and didn't realize the importance of mentioning this until I had someone say that was the reason they chose me. I believe it's important to be open to learning about relationships outside of my own expectations. I have the good fortune to work with amazing collaborators in fellow therapists, naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, PCPs, and nurse practitioners. I practice from a lens of learning and compassion for the person you are, whether you are here to heal, or here to learn more about yourself.
Our first session is learning about each other to form this professional relationship. I will discuss my disclosure, and hear your story. You get to discuss what you would like out of therapy and in your sessions.
I became a therapist later in my life, so had a lot of my own story that helped shape that. I have learned on a less medical model, yet still rule out medical needs in my practice. I had a former supervisor hire me because she noticed I just sat and let people be who they needed to be in that moment. That was 13 years ago, way before I even considered being a social worker, and I've tried to keep that part of myself since. That doesn't mean I stand down from a challenge. I will sometimes ask a client "do you need a shoulder, or a problem solver today?"
I have worked with people in all walks of life. I'm also a lifelong learner, which makes the clinical process more comfortable for my clients, knowing they have a therapist that wants to understand them, and be a good fit for them. Helping clients shape their lives and narratives has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing that role.
Other specialties
I identify as
EMDR
I utilize EMDR to get to needs that may need work, and have helped people feel better and have more hope for their future, while working on their past.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)
I work under a military informed lens for this, which also adds the use of firearms, that I feel was really important to understand in the conversation around suicide prevention.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT for me, is how a person discusses needs, and I help them cognitively move through the need. I feel it's a mindful way for people who have everyday mild mental health needs to question the world around them.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize DBT skills as part of my CBT practice. It helps people come back into focus better, especially when the thought process may be "stuck" at a certain age. The duality of DBT may be an easier way to process, especially if you have had diagnoses of bipolar disorder, or personality disorders.