About Me
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintain a private practice in Gig Harbor, Washington.
With over sixteen years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, and a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, I am currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are pre-marital and couples counseling, working with first responders, law enforcement and military personnel around trauma, family issues and compassion fatigue, working with adolescents and their parents on communication issues and life transition challenges. Prior to working in a private practice setting, I worked as a Functional Family Therapist in Pierce County working with youth in the juvenile detention center. I also have experience working in an agency setting working with children and adolescents.
My approach is influenced by narrative, emotionally focused, and structural family therapy. My work is also greatly influenced by the latest research in neuroscience and by the relationship research done by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. I offer my clients support and guidance as they gain insight on patterns of interaction and discover new ways of being in relationship with others. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education: MA MFT, Pacific Lutheran University - Tacoma, Washington, BA, University of Washington - Seattle, WA.
License, Certifications & Awards: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, State of Washington - LF 60195211
Additional Training and Continuing Education: Lifespan Integration Level I, II, and children and adolescent training - Peggy Pace and Cathy Thorpe, Lifespan Integration, Inc.-Seattle, Washington; 2017 Emotionally Focused Therapy Clinical Summit, Sue Johnson - San Diego, CA; 2014 WAMFT Annual Conference-Seattle, Washington; 2013 Johnson-Gottman Summit-Seattle, Washington; 2012 Annual Couples Conference-San Francisco, California; Prepare/Enrich Pre-Marital and Marital Assessment Training - Life Innovations, Inc.-Redmond, Washington; Functional Family Therapy Training - FFT LLC-Lima, Ohio; Loving Couples, Loving Children Curriculum Training - Children’s Home Society-Auburn, Washington; CPI Nonviolent Crisis Training - Greater Lakes Mental Health-Lakewood, Washington; AAMFT’s 2007 Annual Conference-Long Beach, California; Participation in Reflecting Team working with Military Wives - Pacific Lutheran University-Tacoma, Washington; 2007 WAMFT Annual Conference-Seattle, Washington.
Professional Activities and Memberships: AAMFT Clinical Member and WAMFT clinical Member.
With over sixteen years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, and a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, I am currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are pre-marital and couples counseling, working with first responders, law enforcement and military personnel around trauma, family issues and compassion fatigue, working with adolescents and their parents on communication issues and life transition challenges. Prior to working in a private practice setting, I worked as a Functional Family Therapist in Pierce County working with youth in the juvenile detention center. I also have experience working in an agency setting working with children and adolescents.
My approach is influenced by narrative, emotionally focused, and structural family therapy. My work is also greatly influenced by the latest research in neuroscience and by the relationship research done by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. I offer my clients support and guidance as they gain insight on patterns of interaction and discover new ways of being in relationship with others. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education: MA MFT, Pacific Lutheran University - Tacoma, Washington, BA, University of Washington - Seattle, WA.
License, Certifications & Awards: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, State of Washington - LF 60195211
Additional Training and Continuing Education: Lifespan Integration Level I, II, and children and adolescent training - Peggy Pace and Cathy Thorpe, Lifespan Integration, Inc.-Seattle, Washington; 2017 Emotionally Focused Therapy Clinical Summit, Sue Johnson - San Diego, CA; 2014 WAMFT Annual Conference-Seattle, Washington; 2013 Johnson-Gottman Summit-Seattle, Washington; 2012 Annual Couples Conference-San Francisco, California; Prepare/Enrich Pre-Marital and Marital Assessment Training - Life Innovations, Inc.-Redmond, Washington; Functional Family Therapy Training - FFT LLC-Lima, Ohio; Loving Couples, Loving Children Curriculum Training - Children’s Home Society-Auburn, Washington; CPI Nonviolent Crisis Training - Greater Lakes Mental Health-Lakewood, Washington; AAMFT’s 2007 Annual Conference-Long Beach, California; Participation in Reflecting Team working with Military Wives - Pacific Lutheran University-Tacoma, Washington; 2007 WAMFT Annual Conference-Seattle, Washington.
Professional Activities and Memberships: AAMFT Clinical Member and WAMFT clinical Member.