Let’s start with training first:

I went to grad school at Gonzaga University where I earned my MA in counseling.

I have significant training in evidence based attachment models like Circle of Security, Child/Parent Psychotherapy,  and ARC. 

I also have extensive training in EMDR, the Wheel of Consent, and am in the process of developing more expertise in interpersonal neurobiology.

Now the experience!

My first gig as an intern was working with young, first time parents who lived below the poverty line. Shortly after graduating, I worked with the same organization to do in-home counseling for new parents.

Early in my career, I spent two years on a research team looking at the intersection of complex trauma, attachment, and learning in elementary schools and Head Start programs.

I’ve been in private practice for more than 10 years cummuatively and mostly see folks who live with cPTSD, medical trauma, or religious trauma. Usually this means people call me because they have a chronic sense of being unhappy but aren’t sure why.

I also spent close to ten years leading outpatient mental health programs in community agencies. I developed and grew programs, trained therapists and other helpers, and worked with state and federal systems to deliver excellent care to high needs clients.

The school of thought I subscribe to, the attachment sciences, have shown that we are biologically wired both for connection and for autonomy.  When we feel distress in our lives, it often comes from a disruption in connection in an important relationship (present or past) or in our ability to be true to ourselves.  

Thus, my philosophy holds that our feelings and behaviors make sense, even if they seem outwardly confusing or difficult. 

Our work as client and counselor is to understand the underlying messages they offer.  As I get to know you, I will help you put words to things you are experiencing and use that new understanding to explore what choices are in front of you. 

We’ll work together to slow things down and discover what your emotions are trying to tell you.  That discovery is empowering as you decide  how to live your life moving forward. 

Some folks have a job, some have a calling. I’m one of those lucky people who knew what I wanted to do from a young age and then went and did it.

Being a psychotherapist is the work of my heart. I foundationally, in my bones, believe that everyone, every single person, holds within them the capacity for a secure, healthy life. Spending my days as a witness, facilitator, guide, and sometimes student, sometimes teacher, has been the thing that brings out the light within me.

I sure do!

I grew up in Montana, so naturally I love to be outside. I spend a lot of my time rock climbing, paddle boarding, hiking, and gardening.

I love to read and my favorite books tend to be novels which explore life’s complexities (although my absolute favorite book is The Princess Bride, so I suppose I can’t take myself too seriously). 

I have traveled to more than fifteen countries and truly cherish the experiences and relationships that were created. 

I’m also really interested in the ideas encompassed in the minimalism movement and am constantly striving to create an intentional and value-based life. 

I’m a very commited Auntie to eight nieces and nephews and spend lots of time in full play mode. Nothing replenishes me like playing outside with kids.