Frequently Asked Questions

My fee is $130 per 50-minute session of individual, couple, or family therapy. At this time, I do not take insurance. However, most insurance companies will reimburse you for a portion of your mental health treatment with a provider who is out-of-network or doesn’t accept insurance. I am happy to provide you with a monthly ‘superbill,’ which your insurance company would require for reimbursements. It can be difficult to find therapists who are in your insurance company’s network, so I always recommend asking about reimbursement options in order to broaden your possibilities.

All of my appointments are hosted over secure online video. I moved online during the early days of the COVID pandemic, and found that online appointments gave clients more flexibility, and allowed me to serve more clients throughout the northwest. 

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I use a number of therapeutic approaches, all of which consider the whole person and recognize the impact of their closest relationships. This is the unique perspective of those trained in the family therapy tradition.

Most often, I follow the tradition of Virginia Satir, who inspired a model known as experiential family therapy. She was known for her warmth, and for helping her clients to find a sense of harmony between their internal world and outward expression. She recognized that mental health issues arise when people have low self-worth, suppress their emotions, and live in relationships where honest communication is missing.

I address a range of concerns with diverse clients, but specialize in issues related to:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Self-exploration and personal growth
  • Spiritual/Religious issues
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Family conflict
  • Parenting challenges

  • Adolescents (13+)
  • College-age emergent adults
  • Progressive people of faith
  • Parents and caretakers

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, with a Masters degree from a COAMFTE certified program at Pacific Lutheran University. COAMFTE standards are more rigorous than other certifications, requiring lengthy hands-on, practical training with real people in difficult situations. My work has included individuals, couples, and family systems experiencing significant stress: anxiety, depression, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ issues, divorce, marital affairs, premarital concerns, abuse, assault, and neglect.

I have a clear sense of my scope of practice, and will not offer care that I am unable to provide. If I am not trained or equipped to address your concerns, I will happily refer you to others who can help.

As an independent private practice, I don’t have access to the resources that a clinic or state-funded organization might have. If you are struggling with suicidal ideation, severe mental health issues, active domestic abuse, or for any other reason require emergency services or 24-hour availability, I can point you to the right resources.

In addition to my training and my therapeutic experience with diverse clients who have a range of mental health concerns, my work is also informed by my own personal and professional experiences. My previous careers have given me extensive experience with adolescents, emerging adults, and young adults. I have studied and used the Positive Discipline approach to parenting, and am passionate about helping families break endless cycles of misbehavior and punishment. I have worked in inclusive Christian communities, addressing personal, spiritual, and mental health issues as they relate to a person’s religious beliefs and religious community. As an adjunct professor at Concordia University in Portland, I taught classes on adolescent psychology, developmental psychology, and an introductory psychology course.

The field of Family Therapy is often misunderstood, and this is a common question. Being a family therapist means two things:

  1. In addition to individual therapy practices, I am also trained to work with couples and family systems in addressing their unique challenges. Like most people in my field, the majority of my clients are individuals.
  2. I look at common mental health concerns through a broader lens, considering the impact of close relationships and larger cultural forces on a person’s well-being.

Still have questions? Send me a message.

    Note: This form is not secured. While unlikely, your message could be intercepted. If you are in crisis, call the 24-hour Pierce County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-576-7764 or visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.