LifeWise Therapists in Gig Harbor, WA

The moment we start to think "who am I," "why am I like this," or "is this the true version of who I am" are moments I consider to be breakthroughs. Moments of self-reflection can be difficult to understand, difficult to seek answers, and just the thought seems bizarre or confusing. At times it may not even be self-reflection. Instead, it is the feeling of guilt, shame, worthlessness, or insecurities. It can also show up as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, somatic symptoms, interpersonal challenges, or strain in quality of life. This is the result of exposure to or experiences of neglect and abuse during our lifetime.

My therapeutic approaches/techniques are tailored specifically to you, providing you with a higher level of comfort and facilitating change.rnCHILDREN: Use of play therapy techniques to provide a positive experience and means to openly express themselves.rnrnTEENS: An open, accepting, and safe environment for self expression so that together we may address their individual challenges in a positive manner.rnCOUPLES: A neutral and structured atmosphere where each individual may feel comfortable to express and address their concerns. Together we work to introduce new elements into the relationship to resolve conflict and strengthen the relationship bond.

At one time or another, we all find ourselves stuck and struggling to move ahead. We have learned to cope and move through our lives using tools and coping mechanisms that have worked in some ways, but have not allowed us to feel grounded, comfortable, or fully happy with our lives as we progress through them. My job is to work collaboratively with you to create safety and trust through which we can help you develop skills and gain insights, allowing you to reclaim happiness and comfort in your life. I am most passionate about supporting people dealing with Anxiety, Grief, and Life Transition issues.

I believe in the importance of building a therapeutic relationship and connection with my clients in a safe environment for them to be heard and understood. I help clients better understand and accept themselves, while using their strengths to create positive, meaningful changes in their lives. I treat a wide variety of issues using individualized treatment modalities based on clients’ needs and the aspects of themselves and their lives they want to grow and work on.

As a mental health therapist specializing in children, adolescents, and families, my journey in supporting young individuals began at the age of fifteen. This early start allowed me to cultivate an understanding of the unique challenges that children and adolescents face, setting the foundation for my passion and commitment to making a positive impact in their lives. I have accumulated valuable experience providing mental health support within schools, particularly in special education programs focused on addressing behavioral needs.

It is my hope that clients gain from counseling specific tools they can apply to their lives to feel better equipped in dealing effectively with their life circumstances. I tailor my counseling to the needs of the client, using various therapeutic techniques to provide clients skills such as communication, emotion management, mindfulness techniques, coping, parenting, etc. I incorporate an educational component, presenting information to enhance knowledge regarding various issues that clients face. I often include homework to make use of the time between sessions. When desired, I approach issues from a Biblical perspective.

Oftentimes we seek out therapy because components in our lives are causing us significant distress and disrupt our ability to function effectively and feel happiness. I ask clients who come into therapy to bring with them an open attitude, a willingness to explore their life perspectives and their relationships with others, that they may experience true change and healing. This journey towards emotional maturity often involves a certain amount of discomfort and pain before the healing and change can occur. I provide a warm, trusting, safe space to assist people so that they may continue that journey.

Seeking counseling can be one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. It is also one of the bravest decisions. Day to day life is stressful, and at times, life tosses us a curveball. My goal is to help you identify your strengths, and help you navigate through the stresses and transitions that many people struggle with. You are not alone, and I am so glad that you are here. Some of my areas of focus are on addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family dynamics as well as parent coaching.

I'm very experienced working with minority communities including working with women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ clients. Minority groups and couples, particularly those at the intersections of gender, race, and sexual orientation, are often underrepresented in fields of work such as business, tech, and entrepreneurship. I believe therapy should be a safe and non-judgmental space that empowers individuals to be able to push their own limits and views of themselves, in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Being able to embrace and be proud of oneself is one of the strongest things a person can learn to do.

Are you feeling lost and overwhelmed, trying your best to stay afloat but nothing seems to work? You might struggle to connect with others, wearing a mask to hide your struggles. You may fear failure, striving for perfection, and feeling haunted by past pain. Avoiding reminders of past hurt might lead you to withdraw from what you value most. You might feel the need to control everything, causing resentment and strained relationships. Anxiety about the future distracts you from what matters most. You might feel broken or in need of fixing, but you are not. Your trauma and past pain are preventing you from experiencing life's beauty.

We provide individual/group therapy and education services to support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities.

Through the process of psychotherapy individuals can explore where personal and relationship change may be needed and where old painful patterns may be released. I work to assist my clients with navigating life's challenges, strengthening their relationship to themselves/others, focusing on symptom management/alleviation, along with compassionate and creative exploration into the past to understand current impact.

Life can be very confusing at times for all of us. I welcome you to take the time for yourself to gain perspective on life's struggles. There can be great benefits in the process! I treat depression/anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Eating Disorders, and marital issues. My office is warm and cozy as we journey together thru the healing process. I use a narrative, solution-focused, CBT modality, Lifespan Integration for clearing trauma, along with a bit of humor over life's bumps. You are welcome to join me for your heart, soul, and body health!

Are you looking for someone that you connect with, provides compassion and support, and helps you process through your concerns? It can be hard to find the right therapist for you. My hope is that you would feel safe, understood and accepted in counseling. I work collaboratively with clients to help them manage concerns in their life. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, putting your needs first and providing you the tools you need to find healing.

My treatment helps increase self-awareness and insight while challenging unbalanced thought processes. Enhancing self-worth and self-acceptance is a core theme for my clients. Common issues I work with are depression, anxiety, disordered eating, PTSD/trauma, panic, mild dissociation, perfectionism, people-pleasing, codependency, and performance anxiety. My trauma-informed and integrative approach involves a reflective, person-centered openness, where you can develop introspection, safely release emotions, and discover your true authentic self.

Do you struggle to show up as the parent you want to be? If you begin your day with a whole-hearted intention for peace that seems to dissolve with each day’s anxieties and triggers, I can help. I have immediate openings for parents (and teens) who are tired of the struggle and ready for peace, freedom, connection, and joy within themselves, their relationships, and their lives.

If you are struggling with your mental health, I want you to know you are not alone and it can get better. Reaching out for help isn't always easy, but it will be worth it. Video therapy sessions with me are a safe, supportive and non-judgmental experience. My goal is to help you understand yourself and your situation and to provide you with practical tools to help you manage life in a healthier way.

I believe therapy is most effective when there is a relationship between therapist and client that is genuine and trusting. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing or have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, relational difficulties, and spiritual/religious confusion and oppression. I don’t posit to know all the answers. Instead, I strive to partner with you in exploring what healing and growth look like today. I love what I do and the opportunity to really get to know people (like you!).

My approach to counseling is to focus on strengths and help to assist with solutions rather than telling my patients what to do. My focus is to address short-term problems as well as long-term psychological well-being. The more you can tell me about what and how you are feeling, the more effectively I will be able to assist you in resolving your personal problems and issues. I believe all individuals are deserving of acceptance, respect, compassion, and understanding, and all children are capable of success in academics, extracurricular activities, and social interactions.