My Professional Qualifications:
* Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), WA License #LH00007540 -- since 2002
* Certified Therapist in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) – since 2006
* Director, Spokane Chapter of Washington Mental Health Counselors Association – 2007-2010
* Washington State Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS) – since 2001
* Washington State Mental Health Professional (MHP) – since 2000
* Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Gonzaga University -- 1999
* Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science/Technical Writing, Eastern Washington University -- 1993
Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Bereavement, American Mensa, National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
Counseling Methodology:
I use a variety of therapeutic theories in my counseling, including EMDR to desensitize traumatic memories; CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to integrate your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings; and attachment theory to support development of healthy, life-enhancing relationships. The ultimate goal of therapy is to promote a full awareness and acceptance of yourself from which you can effectively negotiate the world. This includes: increasing your abilities to experience, regulate and express feelings; decreasing any sensitivity to trauma triggers; helping you to recognize life patterns and alter them; assisting you to recognize your needs and self-activate to meet them; improving self-esteem, the quality your relationships, your ability to set, hold, and honor boundaries, and your ability to meet your goals, and any other goals which you may have for counseling.