I originally hail from Washington, D.C. and moved to Boston, MA to attend college with the intent on pursuing an academic career. However, I experienced a change of heart when I started to get my feet wet in social justice and advocacy work and became a social worker instead. In Boston, I held several positions including domestic violence and sexual assault advocate, home visitor with the Boston Police Department's Youth Violence Strike Force, and domestic violence shelter manager.
After 10 years in Boston, I moved to Cambodia with my spouse and newborn in tow. We spent the next four years living between an urban squatter community in Phnom Penh and an HIV hospice in a sleepy village called Kampong Cham. There, I worked with a non-profit that mobilized and trained locals in community education around topics such as domestic violence, HIV home-based care, and conflict resolution skills.
After our adventures abroad, Seattle beckoned where I first served as a social worker for unaccompanied refugee youth in foster care. Later, I focused my attention towards providing mental health services for low income families.
Throughout my various roles, my mission has been to strive with individuals and communities working through various struggles and tragedy. It is my pleasure to walk with others to find freedom, build resilience, and realize hope.
Outside of work, I enjoy a full life with my family trying to divide and conquer the numerous extra-curricular activities for our children. If we get a free day, we enjoy spending it outside doing something active and searching for glimpses of the sun.
My Approach
I am a strength-based therapist who believes in her clients. In other words, I have faith that people are resilient, possess inherent strengths to overcome challenges, and can determine their own path to wellness. I hope to support you in your journey, through empathetic reflection, skills building, and collaboration to create a long-term plan for self-care. Within this framework, there are three practical approaches that inform my work:
Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) - EBPs are structured therapeutic interventions based on solid scientific research. I am certified in several EBPs such as:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Trauma-Informed Approach - The impact of trauma can be multidimensional having physical, psychological, social and emotional consequences on an individual, family, and community's wellbeing. A trauma-informed approach is a holistic response that actively seeks ways to address all these domains and creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Solution-Focused Therapy - Rather than remaining stuck in the concerns that originally prompted you to seek therapy, I take a collaborative, goal-directed, future focused approach towards change. This may involve learning practical skills such as goal setting, relaxation exercises, confidence building, organizational strategies, and behavior modification.
Credentials
University of Washington - Masters in Social Work, Mental Health Track
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - LW60670441
Licensed WA State Mental Health Professional (MHP) - WAC 388-865-0150
Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist (EMMHS) - WAC 388-865-0150
Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS) - WAC 388-865-0150
Professional Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Washington State Society for Clinical Social Workers (WSSCSW)
I am engaged in on-going continuing education and consultation with colleagues which allows me to constantly build my skills set and expertise.