Therapeutic Philosophy: “Cutting the Cord of Influence”
Therapy is a deeply personal journey requiring courage, honesty and self‑reflection. It isn’t the right fit for everyone; meaningful change calls for realistic expectations, openness and a willingness to work together. My role is to provide a supportive, empathetic space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely, knowing you have full autonomy over your decisions. Together we’ll identify your strengths, cultivate self‑compassion and clarify your values and identity.
At the heart of my approach is the idea of “cutting the cord of influence.” Many of us carry the imprint of past experiences or relationships that continue to shape our emotions and behaviors. By recognizing these old patterns and understanding how they show up in the present, we can loosen their grip, heal unresolved wounds and build healthier ways of coping.
I take a person‑centered, relational approach and draw on a range of evidence‑based methods to suit your unique needs. My experience includes helping people heal from trauma, manage depression or anxiety and navigate complex relationships and personality patterns. We’ll collaborate to set clear goals and tailor our work to your circumstances.
Depending on your needs, I offer both counseling and therapy. Counseling often focuses on specific challenges or transitions and can be short‑term and solution‑focused. Therapy involves a deeper exploration of past experiences and patterns and tends to be longer‑term to support lasting growth. Together we’ll decide which approach best suits you. While our sessions provide insight and structure, meaningful change depends on how you apply what we discuss to your daily life. I’ll support you in building new skills, but your commitment between sessions is essential. If this collaborative, reflective process resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out when you’re ready.
Therapeutic Techniques
In our work together I use a blend of evidence‑based approaches tailored to your needs. Some techniques help you notice and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, while others focus on managing intense emotions and building healthier relationships. I incorporate strategies that enhance mindfulness and psychological flexibility, explore how past experiences shape your present, and offer structured ways to process traumatic memories. We also pay close attention to how your connections and social roles affect your well‑being, working to improve communication and deepen your sense of belonging. This integrative approach supports people living with trauma histories, mood‑related challenges and complex personality patterns, allowing us to address both current symptoms and deeper relational dynamics within a safe, collaborative space.
Is Therapy Right for You?
Therapy is a personal commitment and it works best when you’re ready to be honest, curious, and supported in making changes, at your pace.
Therapy might be a good fit if you want to:
Understand how past experiences or relationships still tug on the present.
Steady big emotions, reduce anxiety or low mood, and build coping skills.
Improve communication, boundaries, and relationship patterns.
Replace stuck, all‑or‑nothing thinking with more balanced choices.
Turn insight into action between sessions, small steps, consistently.
Therapy might not be the best next step if:
You’re seeking a quick fix without time between sessions to practice new skills.
You need documentation, evaluations, or letters only (without ongoing care).
You’re in immediate crisis or don’t feel safe right now, please use the crisis resources listed on the Contact Page for urgent help.
What to expect early on:
In our first meetings, we’ll clarify what you want from therapy, set workable goals, and map how past influences show up today, the “cords” we’ll gently loosen. Sessions focus on practical skills and insight you can use right away, with a pace that honors your readiness.
If this approach resonates, reach out to explore whether we’re a good match.
About Me
I’m an independently licensed therapist (WA State License: LH61508367) with an MS in Psychology and certification in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. I work with primarily with adults navigating trauma (including PTSD), depression, anxiety, and intense or shifting emotions. I also support people with executive‑function challenges, focus, planning, follow‑through, and other neurocognitive conditions, as well as those living with borderline personality disorder or schizoaffective disorder. Our work is collaborative and practical, thus making sense of how past experiences shape the present, building steadier coping and relationships, and moving at a pace that honors your readiness.