Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Tacoma, WA covered by United Healthcare

My passion is to help individuals who are stuck in life's transitions move into a productive space. I have over seven years of experience working with adults, couples, and adolescents impacted by stress, anxiety, life transitions, work-related challenges, lack of fulfillment, and depression. I have advanced training in EMDR, trauma-based care, and relationship dynamics. I look forward to working with you.

With over 15 years of experience, I have worked with children, adults, and families in diverse roles (counseling, education, disability services, healthcare, and social services). These experiences have equipped me with versatility and empathy towards the various challenges faced by individuals (spouses, parents, caregivers & employees). Currently, my focus is on clients ages 18 - geriatric who are dealing with anxiety/depression stemming from stress, life transitions, relationships, and trauma.

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 feel very lucky to have the opportunity to connect to others through compassion, meaningful conversations and authenticity. I started my own mental health journey when I was affected by crippling anxiety in my twenties. I felt alone and ashamed and really just needed someone to listen compassionately. I now want to offer this to others.

I received my BA in Social Sciences from Washington State University and went on to finish my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University. I have three years of clinical experience and have worked with individuals, couples, and families. My main focus is: self-esteem, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, life transitions, relationship issues, and communication.

I am a good match for clients who want to:

• improve self-esteem
• reduce anxiety and/ or depression
• improve how they communicate with others
• learn how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how they can utilize new skills to make changes in their lives
• accept themselves for who they are now, while committing to growth
• be as kind to themselves as they are to others
• understand and utilize neurodivergence to reach their full potential

I am not a good match for those who require very specialized care, including clients who are experiencing active:

• delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia
• suicidal ideation or self-harm
• addiction
• disordered eating
• personality disorder, i.e., borderline, narcissistic, etc.
• domestic violence
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

I am also not a good match for those who are seeking therapy with the primary or secondary goal of obtaining a letter or testimony from a therapist for legal, employment reasons, etc.

I'm licensed in AZ , ID, and WA. I expect that the work we do in session will translate into your everyday life outside of session. I hold my clients with high regard and expect them to do the work toward recovery. Those who I accept as my clients have a strong desire to get themselves together will do great work toward recovery. The the goal is short term care for long term gain.

I'm a trilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Portuguese & Spanish). I earned my BA in Psychology from the University of Washington and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University. I provide therapy services in-person and via telehealth to individuals (18+) struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma issues, OCD, DID, self-esteem, self-harm, and grief and loss.

We all have experiences in life that might leave us feeling broken or disconnected with ourselves, others, in relationships, and the world around us. I believe that healing and wholeness can belong to all of us. If you are looking for someone to support you on your journey toward wellness and restoration, allow me to accompany you on the road that can often feel isolating when taken alone. The therapeutic relationship is paramount to me!