Grief Therapists in Normandy Park, WA

Grief is at the root of most struggles, and can leave you feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Friends and family often urge you to move on or just let go, but you feel stuck and don’t know how to move forward. It doesn’t have to be a death. Loss is hard. Whether your grief is fresh or you’ve carried it for many years, you don’t have to face it alone. I also work with attachment issues, depression and anxiety. A primary goal of our work together will be restoration - to restore hope and reconnect you to your heart. I’d like to help you move through your pain, rather than being weighed down by it, so you can live a more vibrant life.

Ever think: "How did I end up here?" or "I never imagined {life event} would happen to me!" You are not alone! We can all relate to these sentiments. Most people do not end up in therapy because circumstances are unicorns and rainbows. Are you struggling with loss, or making meaning out of events that have left you feeling uncertain, shaken, in agony? Do you feel like you are starring in a scene from the film Ground Hog Day, where life is a series of frustrating, repeating events? You can make a successful transition to break this cycle, whatever that personal change is. You will get a sense of control back. A little Zen. Some hope.

You wake up one day realizing you can no longer go on like this. You're ready to find help navigating difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and conflicted relationships. You might be experiencing disconnection from yourself or others, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, or processing grief. I’m here to support you as we work through the things that seem to be getting in the way. Your emotions and internal experiences are seeking your attention and pointing the way towards your growth, healing, and connection. My style is warm and direct, working with you towards clarity, depth, and expansion of the self.

Guided by my client’s needs and issues, I use a variety of theoretical orientations to work WITH each individual. My primary approach to therapy is Person-Centered, meaning emphasis is placed on creating a safe environment where clients are supported as active participants in exploring their experience and developing personalized goals. After the initial evaluation and developing a collaborative relationship, patients are supported in developing skills that allow them to move forward in confidence, not that all problems are solved but, in understanding they have what they need to manage their unique struggle when it shows up.

As a systemic therapist and child of immigrants, I am interested in learning about how lived experiences inform perceptions, as well as mental and emotional states. Systemic stressors (such as family conflict, systemic poverty and racism, marginalization, etc.) are often at the root of mental health issues. Many of my clients deal with symptoms of anxiety and depression due to issues ranging from trauma and abuse to imposter syndrome, perfectionism, shame, and lack of self-worth. If you are ready for change, I am here to help.

As someone who has worked helping others in various capacities for over 25 years, I bring a great deal of experience to my work as a mental health counselor. In this time I have obtained great insight into the struggles inherent to both individuals and families. In my work as a counselor I utilize these skills and insight to help people of all ages, identities, and walks of life. My approach to counseling is not confined to one specific framework but incorporates a variety of modalities tailored to each client's unique needs. I am humanistic in style and often utilize mindfulness based strategies for increased insight and awareness.

I approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model. I view every individual/family/couple as unique, utilizing methods and techniques best-suited for each situation. My experience includes many areas, all pertaining to individuals, couples and families. I am passionate in working with women, teens, couples and the LGBTQ community. I was trained in Family Systems Therapy; I approach therapy work holistically, focusing on the individual and extending beyond, to the interactions between family members and significant others. I work with clients to help them recognize how extended family, culture, and society may impact them as individuals.

I view therapy as a collaborative effort, where I share my expertise to help clients gain more insight and agency in their lives. I aim to be open minded both to a wide variety of experiences and to a client's end goal of therapy. Additionally, since the lived experiences of others will differ from my own, I use consultation with clinicians with more expertise, to be emotionally safe and ethical in my interventions. I enjoy working with clients (all ages) that are trying to: manage anger, disappointment, depression, anxiety, creating & maintaining healthy relationships, and create affirming parenting practices. I speak Spanish.

I am a collaborative, directive, and supportive therapist, who can help you find new ways of thinking about life problems in a supportive and safe environment. My goal is to build trust and collaborate with you if you are dealing with problems related to anxiety, depression, relational issues, and other life challenges and transitions.

I am licensed in California and Washington State, and see clients residing anywhere in California and Washington via Teletherapy only. Therapy is as much art as science. It is a collaborative effort in which therapist and client work together in finding solutions to life problems, increasing the ability to live a more satisfying life whilelearning how to negotiate the curves often encountered along the way.

Life sometimes presents with challenges and obstacles that seem impossible to get through. One may often times feel alone and that there's nowhere to turn; but there truly is. I look at the whole individual and their experience as unique and focus on helping the person reveal their true self; the person they always wanted to be.

I AM accepting new telehealth clients. Email or text is the best way to reach me. A global pandemic has changed the way we operate overnight. Most people are finding adjusting to feelings of powerlessness, and ambivalence has taken a toll on their overall well-being, and family. Taking the first steps towards change for ourselves, and our family takes a lot of courage. I am glad you are reading this, and hope you hold how important taking care of your brain, body, and social emotional needs is. Therapy can provide a space that allows you to show up as you are and grow.

I believe in tailoring the therapy to meet each client's individual. I primarily use psychodynamic therapy which helps the client gain self-insight but also use a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive and behavioral methods. Being able to stand back from one's self and gain perspective about one's personality, choices and actions are important in helping an individual work through issues. I help the client explore what issues from the past or present may be contributing to depression or anxiety.

**I have a few times available this summer. Please inquire to see if those times may work for you!** Are you feeling 'stuck,' disconnected, or having troubles with stressors in your life? When we're feeling disconnected to those around us it challenges the way we think about ourselves and our world. I invite you, your children, or your whole family to come and reconnect with yourself and/or those around you. Together we can create a peaceful, judgment-free space to explore your thoughts and experiences at your own pace and in your own way.

Anxiety and depression are both something that affects us all. From marital dysfunctioning, childhood relational wounds, addictions, trauma, worry about life, finances, etc. there are endless reasons to what can cause anxiety and depression. If any of these things are true for you, send me an email. I’d love to talk more and see how I can help.

My approach involves meeting each individual person where they are when they start therapy and forming a warn collaborative relationship. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which people can explore the concerns that brought them into psychotherapy. Relationships are complex and people often want to understand more about how they interact with others and evolve in a way that promotes having better relationships.

Immediate openings for couples & families! Each of us is navigating a unique journey and encountering barriers along the way. At times, we may find ourselves feeling lost or stuck. Much of our longing stems from three simple but profound needs: we want to be seen, chosen, and understood. Whether you're grappling with excessive self-criticism, physical symptoms of emotional dysregulation, or the aftermath of challenging life circumstances, transitions, or oppressive social systems, I'm here to offer support. Together, we can work on regulating your nervous system and fostering a fulfilling and healthy life.