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:
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school social work
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developmental disabilities
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community based mental health
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child welfare
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foster care and adoption
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private practice
I work with clients to create change through a collaborative process. I am creative, flexible, neurobiologically and trauma informed.
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
