Completed Trainings and Specializations

Specialization is extensive training in a specific topic.

With any therapist you choose, if they say that they specialize in a particular area and the topic is essential to you, I encourage you to ask how they became a specialist.

I have focused on my Masters in Social Work and Masters Certificate in Addiction Studies in trauma and addiction. I did this because the two often (although not always) go hand and hand. I want to be able to help the whole person, not just parts. I do not treat folxs with active addiction in my private practice, but I am happy to support those in recovery who are seeking specialized support.

I have completed training in areas to enhance this knowledge through Lifespan Integration, DBT [dialelictacal behavioral therapy] I am not gold-star certified, CBT [cognitive behavioral therapy], Seeking Safety, Panic Attacks, Internal Family Systems, Inner Child healing, Racial Trauma Healing, Self-Compassion, Boundary Setting, and many more. I utilize many therapy modalities to help give you the best results.

Areas of focus:

As with all therapy, there is no formula that's guaranteed to show results. I can tell you a good starting point based on my education and training. However, therapy, no matter the area of focus, requires your willingness to explore and try different things. We only have 50 minutes together; the vast majority of healing happens outside of our time together.

Anxiety:

Anxiety can sometimes take control of the wheel and feel like a slippery slope. You can get back in the driver’s seat with the right support. In fact, just by starting therapy, you're in the driver's seat. I'm just helping to navigate.

Therapy for anxiety includes:

identifying “what if” thinking and learning to disengage from the anxious spiral;
learning how to slow down your thoughts as well as your body and take care of yourself;
exploring ways to stay in the present moment and feel calm.

PTSD :

We are harmed in relationship, and we are healed in relationship.

When we suffer physical trauma, our bodies work hard to repair it. For example, if we break a bone, our body will work to fuse the bone back together. Our bodies are remarkable at healing, yet sometimes the physical harm endures. When physical damage persists, we need help from trusted caregivers to help set our bodies on the path to recovery. Our emotional healing from trauma is very similar. Trauma can alter how the brain functions, and its signs and symptoms can vary from finding it difficult to trust and being constantly on guard to sudden panic and intrusive, anxiety-ridden thoughts. Trauma, without question, can significantly lessen your quality of life.

Through working on healing your hurts, you will begin to experience the following:

A decrease in traumatic triggers
Improvements in social relationships and romantic relationships
Greater insight into who you are
Increased compassion and forgiveness
Renewed hope for the future
Increased capacity for emotional connection

I am here to work with you toward wholeness and deeper breaths.

Life Transitions:

Transitions are inevitable – The only constant in life is change and yet, coping with change can be exceedingly challenging. Common life transitions include going to college, moving, starting a new job, beginning or ending a relationship, welcoming a child, retiring, aging, and becoming an empty-nester. During any life changes, you are likely to experience a range of emotions, and even if you think you’re prepared for and excited about a life transition, it will likely still affect you.

No matter what kind of change you are going through, learning to adapt can profoundly impact your personal growth. It also encourages the acquisition of knowledge and new skills. If a person has difficulties adapting, they may begin seeing changes in their physical or mental health.

Therapy may help people become more self-aware and gain insight into how life changes can lead them to personal strength, confidence and help them increase their adaptability.

As a dually-licensed provider in WA-State, I must complete a certain number of CEUs (Continuing Education Units). A well-rounded continuing competency program focuses on all aspects of professional practice to ensure that I provide patients with safe and quality care. These requirements are monitored by the WA-State Dept of Health and are required in addition to my Masters Level Education.

Every two years, I must complete 40 hours of continuing education per WAC 246-809-630 & WAC 246-12-220. At least six of the 40 hours must be in professional ethics and law. These may include topics under RCW 18.130.180.

Every six years, I must complete six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management per RCW 43.70.442. In addition, the training must meet the requirements of WAC 246-809-615.