Counseling services offered for Children, Teens & Young Adults (ages 5-25)
(In-person and Telehealth available for clients located in WA State)
Counseling is a place to process emotional difficulties or behavioral concerns.
It's also a place to learn and grow.
My job as a counselor is to listen and observe without judgement, to provide guidance and structure, and to share outside perspective that you may not have considered.
Whether it's an ongoing problem or a current specific issue, we'll work together to create a plan that best fits your needs.
Sessions may be individual or with family members, depending on your goals.
I have a coaching style approach to therapy that is client-centered and may include elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Art therapy, Play therapy, Mindfulness, EMDR, Biofeedback, and Somatic Therapy.
Free
Let's have a conversation!
This is a great time to talk about what you are looking for and/or life circumstances that you would like to change.
I'm happy to answer questions you may have about my practice and how I can help.
All sessions are 60 min
$255
$175
Out of Network with all insurance plans - private pay only
Superbills available to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement
All payments accepted by credit card and/or HSA card
Counseling for Children & Adolescents
The majority of my professional experience as a counselor comes from working with children, teens, and young adults in both private practice and agency settings.
Children are naturally resilient, curious, and creative which makes them excellent clients! As we grow from childhood to adolescence our brain changes rapidly and we begin experiencing the world in different ways. This can make adolescence a confusing time, during which compassionate guidance and outside positive influence are key.
I have always been fascinated by the developmental stages of the brain and enjoy teaching both kids and parents about how to relate to themselves and each other through these sometimes tumultuous stages of growth.
Neurodivergent Affirming Care
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergent is a term that loosely translates as "differently wired", meaning the brain and body are wired in unique ways. This term encompasses a variety of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism, OCD, Giftedness, Learning Differences (like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), Tourette's or motor tics, and sensory processing sensitivities or differences.
Neurodivergence can come with a lot of special abilities like enhanced sensory perception, above average intelligence, exceptional creativity, high resilience, and unique problem solving skills (to name just a few). Being neurodivergent also comes with specific challenges that can make trying to function in neurotypical society difficult, and often extra support is needed.
As a neurodivergent person, from a neurodiverse family, I'm passionate about empowering neurodiverse people of all ages. I'm committed to helping young people understand the unique challenges and superpowers of a differently wired brain and highly sensitive nervous system.
My approach is compassionate, goal focused, and collaborative. Sometimes it takes a team effort to help a neurodivergent child thrive, and as your teammate on this journey I can help you identify needed accommodations and connect you with resources. With the right supports in place, you'll be amazed at the progress you will see!
Anxiety
Stress is the leading cause of physical ailment in our country today. Anxiety is a state of ongoing fear and stress that can be both consciously and unconsciously expressed. An 'anxious state of being' becomes a habit just like anything else that is consistently practiced. This may manifest in your life as intrusive thoughts, restlessness, insomnia, rigidity, feelings of helplessness, isolation, panic attacks, impulsive behaviors, digestive issues, etc.
Anxiety is common today, especially in youth, AND it is 100% treatable. As long as you are motivated to change and willing to try, I can help you discover a more peaceful and balanced version of yourself.
Energy Medicine
Energy is science. I love helping clients understand the practical aspects of physics and how to tap into energetic potential.
Intuitive development is a process just like any other type of growth. In therapy, I can teach you skills to focus your intentions and navigate these stages of development with informed compassion.
Once you learn how extraordinarily powerful you are, and what you are capable of, your life will never be the same.
Intuitive.
As an empath I am naturally sensitive to energy. The scientific explanation is that I was born with a highly sensitive nervous system (1 in 5 people are - that's 20% of the population). As a therapist, I use my intuition as a skill to see past surface layers and into deeper truths with my clients. I specialize in working with sensitive clients because I understand the challenges and strengths of managing a highly attuned nervous system.
Intuition is the ability to consciously perceive subtle energy that all human beings possess to varying degrees. I enjoy working with clients on their own intuitive development and teaching skills that build confidence in intuitive abilities.
Mindfulness Based.
Mindfulness is awareness. It is the practice of learning to focus the mind and calm the body. I believe establishing a daily mindfulness practice is the most powerful and effective treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, emotional dysregulation and many other issues. Mindfulness can be silent and still, it can also be achieved through movement and sound. In my practice I teach a wide variety of mindfulness techniques - the skills that work for you will be unique to fit your needs.
Eclectic.
My therapeutic approach is an eclectic blend that draws from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I also teach HeartMath breathing techniques and offer biofeedback as an effective intervention to help with ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and more. Additionally, I incorporate knowledge of anatomy and physiology gained through my former career as a medical massage therapist. I love empowering my clients with knowledge about the brain and body!
Counseling is extra support - if you or your family could use more support dealing with emotional or behavioral issues then counseling is right for you.
In my experience, it's important to start with consistent, weekly sessions. This helps with a number of things including building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship, learning and remembering coping skills, and reducing anxiety.
It's important to acknowledge that therapy is not meant to be a "quick fix". While everyone is different, it's realistic to plan on 6-12 months (or more) of counseling before reducing the frequency of sessions or taking a break from therapy all together. Therapy is a commitment to yourself - the more you put into it, the more you will get out.
I'm out of network with all insurance companies and am unable to bill your insurance directly.
I can provide you with Superbills (detailed receipts) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
*Please check with your insurance plan for information on your out-of-network benefits before starting counseling so you don't get stuck with any unexpected expenses!
Payments are handled online and are due on the day of service.
All clients are asked to keep a credit card on file with my online system, SimplePractice. Your card is automatically charged at the end of the day on days you have sessions.
Superbills are auto-populated by SimplePractice and emailed to you on the 2nd of every month.
Email me to inquire about availability and schedule a free 15 min phone consult.
This gives us a chance to talk briefly, and I can answer questions you might have about therapy and how to get started.
If we agree it's a good fit, I'll send you new client forms to complete online. Once all forms have been completed we can schedule a first session.
All sessions are 60 min and are available in person (on Bainbridge Island) or via Telehealth.
Due to licensing restrictions, I'm only able to conduct live Telehealth sessions with clients located in WA State.
I'm currently working to create on demand resources that can be available to anyone, in any part of the world - stay tuned!