My foundations

I approach psychotherapy with my own experiences and passions. I’ve worked in medical clinics and hospitals, community mental health, eating disorder treatment, and infant and perinatal mental health treatment. This is my first tool box. I keep it available to draw on, or discuss, whenever it might be helpful.

That being said, it’s important to me that I avoid hitting everyone over the head with “what worked for me,” or even what worked for previous patients. And so, I ground myself in theory and research. This is my second toolbox. I work with a few different lenses:

• I spend a lot of time reading peer-reviewed research, particularly in the domain of trauma and stress, and Buddhist approaches to psychology. I work to apply best practices to my own work. Buddhist psychology, what’s often called “Contemplative Psychotherapy,” and evidence-based therapies that draw from these domains are my strongest influences.

• I studied Existential-Phenomenological Psychology at Seattle University. I am interested in the ways personal crisis and change open up opportunities for more honesty with ourselves and those around us. I have training in phenomenological, qualitative research.

• And I draw on Ecopsychology and Ecotherapy. Like many folks these days, I’m…well, freaked the hell out. Addressing how the climate crisis impacts both our emotional experience and our decisions is something I’m always happy to integrate into the therapy.

If any of this sounds confusing (or even pretentious!), please feel free to ask me for more information.

On a personal note

I was born and raised in Seattle. I’m a descendant of German and Scottish immigrants, and I continue to live and work here, on the traditional territory of the Stillaguamish, Duwamish, and Suquamish tribes.

I found my way to psychotherapy by way of an interest in midwifery and philosophy. (I bet you didn’t know Socrates’s mom was a midwife!) My background is in literature and philosophy, and I still draw on these frequently. Feminist and post-colonial theory, as well as anthropology, have strongly influenced my work as a therapist.

My bachelor’s degree was in creative writing, and I continue to write poetry and essays, and I’m a passionate reader. I volunteer with local orca and salmon conservation organizations, and generally try to make a nuisance of myself to my elected officials on all things environment and related to animal rights.

I am an LMHC in Washington State, credential number LH 61295736.