Qualifications

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 I graduated with a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. I am a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor 

(LH 60219078) and a National Certified Counselor (245053). 

I have extensive and diverse experience in mental health counseling including working in a community mental health agency, a university counseling center, and an in-patient psychiatric unit. My other counseling experiences were at a university alcohol and drug addiction sanctioning program, and in a state workforce development center. 

Before I returned to school to begin the graduate program in counseling, I worked as a journalist and also did a short stint as a high school teacher. Drawing upon my rich and varied life experiences in the United States and abroad, I feel honored to be given the chance to work with you to help you overcome difficult problems or to find creative ways to manage them.
 

My education and professional work have emphasized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in the treatment of trauma for adults and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT}and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus (CBT plus) for children and adolescents.  These therapies are among the most widely used and evidence-based in counseling.

I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) by the Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Institute for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other disorders. I received training in CBT for Eating Disorders, CBT for adult Autism, and working with adolescents and adults with ADHD. I also have training in working with suicidal and self injurious clients with a special focus on adolescents and young adults. 

In addition to utilizing CBT and EMDR, I also use a systems approach when working with children, adolescents and their families. 

Other counseling techniques that I use are drawn from solution-focused and strength-based therapies. 

• Treating Domestic Violence; ACA; Nov 7, 2017.
• How to Limit your Legal Risk as a Mental Health Professional: Understanding Washington Law & Ethics; Eric Strom; June 6, 2017.
• DSM 5 Structural, Philosohical, and Major Diagnostic Changes; ACA; June 8, 2017.
• The Future of Counseling for the Private Practice Clinician; ACA; May 25, 2016.
• Creating Lasting Changes with Couples: An Introduction to Emotionally Focused Therapy; Carol Ann Conrad; April 15-16, 2016.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training; Barbara Parrett; EMDR Institute, Inc; March 4-6 and July 15-17, 2016.
• Podcast-Private Practice Preparedness; ACA; January 14, 2016.