About me and my approach

I hold a Master's degree in social work from Eastern Washington University and earned my Bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Montana. I have worked in the field of social work since 1998 serving clients of diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings including:

• school social work

• developmental disabilities

• community based mental health

• child welfare

• foster care and adoption

• private practice 

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I work with clients to create change through a collaborative process. I am creative, flexible, neurobiologically and trauma informed.

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Over the years I have learned to incorporate several approaches into my practice with clients: The foundation of my training began with narrative therapy  which is a non-blaming and non-pathologizing approach that separates problems from people. I am also trained in EMDR with advanced training in the theory and treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation. In 2019, I began my Level 1 (108 hour) training in Internal Family Systems, a transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy which views the mind as naturally multiple, exploring the roles and ways of coping that are taken on as a result of life's difficulties or trauma. This is done through a lens of self-compassion and curiosity. I also draw on the use polyvagal theory along with psychoeducation to help clients begin to make sense of their symptoms and decrease shame. 

Active member: International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation