Family therapy and counseling in Bellingham, WA

I’ve been working in the mental health field since earning my Masters of Science in Social Work degree with a specialization in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the University of Louisville in 2011. Over the years, I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, supporting adults through challenges with mental health and substance use. Those experiences have given me the privilege of walking alongside people in some of the hardest and most transformative moments of their lives.

I’m a licensed psychologist with more than three decades of experience in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and trauma-informed care. My background includes extensive work with adults, adolescents, and children across private practice, medical settings, and the VA’s PTSD clinic, where I provided both treatment and disability evaluations. I completed my doctorate at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in an APA-approved Counseling Psychology program and an APA-accredited internship with broad training in assessment, psychotherapy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. I specialize in trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, dissociation, family-of-origin issues, and helping people untangle long-standing patterns that keep them stuck. My style is warm, open-minded, and direct, meeting people right where they are while helping them move toward where they want to be.

With 30 years of experience as a therapist, I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Stanford University, specializing in school and community-based counseling. I'm dedicated to guiding clients through challenges like trauma, anxiety, and depression, fostering self-awareness and providing practical strategies for greater clarity and fulfillment. My practice is built on a compassionate approach, crafting personalized, evidence-based therapy to help you thrive. I also bring a unique perspective from my work as a university professor and international consultant, promoting mental health equity and inclusivity worldwide.

I am a lifelong behavioral health practitioner with 35 years of experience providing counseling services to a large cross section of clients including veterans, first responders, athletes, and individuals learning to manage symptoms associated with post traumatic stress, chronic pain, chronic conditions, depression, anxiety, and phase of life transitions. I am a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and licensed to treat co-occurring disorders in another state.

It's not easy starting therapy and investing time in yourself, but you've already done the first step! My experience has primarily been focused in clients with eating disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. With that said, I also have extensive experience working with relationship challenges, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. I generally like to pull from my knowledge of various therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, FBT and EFFT. I also really enjoy self-compassion work. Your goals are always my top priority, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy live music, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Nala and Toni. These personal interests help me stay grounded and bring balance to my life, which I believe is crucial for overall well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards healing and growth. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

I am licensed in Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Nevada, Iowa and Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have a Master's degree in Social Work from Lehman College. I have experience in helping clients with managing stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I treat adults ages 18+.