First, I love this question because it is so important that you find the therapist that you connect with. This doesn't always mean that it feels completely easy (listen, coming to therapy and talking about tough stuff with someone new is hard!), but you should have a sense that you can imagine yourself working towards opening up to your therapist and feeling a sense of safety in their space.

As a therapist (and human) you'll find me to be warm and relational, also with sense of humor and a side of sarcasm. I also have my own lived experience of juggling the tough stuff and navigating messy seasons of life.

It is my goal to create safe space for you to share openly as you're ready. So, whether you're the word-vomit-gotta-get-it-out-to-someone-who-gets-it type or the I-need-to-dip-my-toe-in-and-see-if-I-can-trust-you-type, I've got you. The approach that works for you is the right one for you, let's trust that instinct.

Nerdy clinical details? I use a blend of therapeutic modalities depending on what my clients are needing to support them in their therapy experience. For those interested in the geeky side of therapy, you might be familiar with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy — these are modalities I frequently pull from.

I commend you for taking this time for yourself. Committing to your wellness, healing and growth is a powerful step. I invite all potential clients to reach out to me to set up an introductory phone call. These complimentary calls allow you to share your goals in pursuing therapy at this time and for us to determine if we might be a good fit. It is critical that you feel safe, comfortable and an element of “fit” when working with a therapist. While trusting therapeutic connections take time to build, feeling like your therapist “gets you” and what you’re looking for in a therapist is important. If we mutually decide to move forward with setting up an initial appointment, I will walk you through that process.

Therapy is an investment you choose to make in yourself, your healing and your growth. I am honored to be a part of your journey.

Time investment: Instead of juggling a weekly therapy appointment, therapy intensives are scheduled in a focused manner with specific goals. Intensives are scheduled at 90 minute, 3 hour or 6 hour durations depending on your needs, goals and preferences. Typically sessions are scheduled mid-week and I may be able to offer limited weekend appointments.

Fees for standard time packages are: 90 minutes: $550; 3 hours: $1,000; 6 hours: $2,000. Creating solid momentum in a fraction of the time and financial investment of weekly therapy is often a feature my clients reflect as being important.

Note: I offer traditional 45 minute therapy sessions for a very small number of clients. These sessions are $250 per session.

I maintain a small number of 45 minute sessions for clients with Employee Assistance benefits through Lyra and I am out of network with all other insurance panels.

Some of my clients desire to utilize their out-of-network benefits and receive a reimbursement from their insurance provider. In order to access your out of network benefits, contact your insurance provider to learn more about your out of network benefits. I will provide clients with a “superbill” to submit to your insurance provider.

Finding a therapist that fits your needs is so crucial. If you think we might be a good match but you don’t live in Gig Harbor or the surrounding areas but desire in-person services, I’d recommend considering a therapy intensive. Pull up Google Maps to see how far Gig Harbor is from your home. Often times I will work with individuals in-person who schedule an intensive with me in office for one or two days and then spend the surrounding time engaging in other self-care supports such as massage, Reiki, exploring the outdoors or simply resting. This type of self care retreat can provide remarkable space for healing and growth.

You also might consider trying a virtual appointment if you’d prefer a more traditional model. If you feel “Zoom-ed out” consider creating a cozy space for your session, with grounding objects, a warm beverage and a journal to jot down your thoughts. Enhancing your environment can help tremendously with comfort for virtual therapy sessions.

Clients engage in therapy for various lengths of time, depending on their circumstances, reasons for coming to therapy and other personal factors. Throughout your time in therapy, you can expect to revisit your goals with your therapist to discuss how you are feeling about the therapy process. Some clients prefer to engage in therapy for a shorter-term duration, working on specific goals, and other clients prefer longer-term therapy to support them through challenging seasons of life that are not easily resolved. You are empowered to engage in therapy for the length of time that is right for you.

I see clients in my Gig Harbor office as well as virtually for clients who are in Washington State. Some clients exclusively come to session in person, others are exclusively virtual, while some mix and match based on their schedule and preferences.

I do work with a small number of children and teens in my practice. As a former school-based mental health counselor and Director of Counseling in independent schools, I have a deep love for helping youth find the tools they need to be successful and navigate tough seasons.

Additionally, as a pediatric bereavement specialist, I hold extensive expertise in working with youth following the death of a loved one.

Frequently I work with the family system, offer therapy intensives to help jump-start progress, or provide parent coaching.