عن
We face many transitions in our lives: coping with a sudden or chronic illness, adjusting to new parenthood, exploring sexual orientation and gender identity, finding new ways to communicate with loved ones, assisting aging parents as they need more care, and many others. There are many situations that can stretch our ability to manage in our world. With these changes we can feel stress and sorrow, but we can also find the opportunity to grow and find a new path. My role is to work with you to help you draw on your strengths and help you clarify your goals.
I can support you by helping you visualize and develop a higher quality of life, teaching coping strategies and relaxation techniques, and encouraging you to find your voice to be your own advocate.
I have extensive experience working with adults and families. During my career, I have worked for the National Cancer Institute as an educator to help people understand their diagnosis and know what questions to ask their doctors. I have also worked as a home health and hospice social worker. I find working with caregivers to be particularly important, as they adapt to changing responsibilities and family dynamics.
In my private practice, my focus has widened to help individuals explore many transitions in their lives. I take great joy in helping people realize their own strengths and learn how to approach problems from multiple angles. I feel that the difficult work of adapting to new challenges requires kindness, reinvention, hope, toughness, and a good sense of humor.
I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. I have a BA from Wesleyan University and I graduated from the University of Washington Master of Social Work program in 2005.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW #LW 60136151) and I have been certified by the National Association of Social Workers as a Certified Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G). I am currently the Executive Director of Catalyst Counseling. My work focuses on clinical supervision and increasing the standards of excellence in the counseling profession. I am not currently seeing clients.