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About MeWhy I Chose This Work Like a lot of psychotherapists, I had experienced counseling myself and knew first-hand how helpful it can be. But I chose to become a psychotherapist because I have the heart—and the mind—for the work. Have you heard of the book, “7 Kinds of Smart”? Using that book’s formula, I’m what they call “smart” in the areas of people (social connections/relationships), self (self-awareness), words (good at talking and writing), and pictures (I like metaphors and use images to help people gain insight about themselves). As for some of the other kinds of “smart,” well, I’ll just say that you shouldn’t hire me to fix your car, and I won’t be drafted for professional sports anytime soon! All of this means that I feel right at home in the work of counseling and psychotherapy. When I’m helping clients articulate their issues, face their fears, and make transforming change in their lives, I feel my whole heart, mind, and spirit engaged in my work. I feel the passion and joy that tells me I’m right where I belong.
This might sound obvious, but I bring myself to my work. I can’t help you if I’m not willing to be authentic with you. Have you ever worked with a counselor who you know is thinking one thing but saying another? Maybe he was trying really hard to smile, and you knew he was actually anxious or upset. Maybe she was trying to show interest, but you suspected that she wasn’t really listening to you. It’s as if lots of counselors and therapists think they can’t just be ordinary human beings when they’re talking to their clients. Or they think their clients won’t notice if they’re faking it. I assume that my clients need a counselor who will really listen. That’s a basic requirement. But I also assume that clients want a counselor who will notice and respond to what’s really going on with them. For example, sometimes it’s important for a client to know that I’ve had a similar upsetting experience in my life: that I’ve suffered a certain kind of painful loss, or had to overcome obstacles that help me understand what my client is going through. If I’ve had a similar experience, I will be open about that while keeping the focus on you and your goals. And if I haven’t gone through anything close to what you’re going through, I’ll be honest and tell you so. Education, Career, and Professional Associations I have worked in the field of psychotherapy for nine years. I began my studies in St. Paul, Minnesota, and received a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) in 1999. I was licensed by the state of Washington as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2003 (license number LF00001982). I have provided psychotherapy to adult individuals, couples, families, and youth in agencies and other clinical settings in Puyallup, Tacoma, Federal Way, and Seattle. I have worked with hundreds of clients over the years who have problems with anxiety, depression, attention, and grief. I am particularly experienced in working with clients who identify as gay or lesbian, and I've helped many clients address their questions about spirituality. I have spoken to several psychotherapy graduate-school classes about various issues, including working with same-sex couples, integrating systemic therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy, and working with children diagnosed with ADHD. I am a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, a member of the Elections Committee of the Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapy , a certified clinician with the Children's Success Foundation , and a proud member of the Greater Seattle Business Association. Finally, just for fun, if you’re interested in various personality typologies or other ways to gain insight about yourself (you know who you are!), I’ll share my “letters and numbers”— |
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What I Bring to My Work
