My Approach to Therapy

I hope that this section provides you answers to commonly asked questions that may provide a bit more clarity on me, and my approach to therapy, as a starting point for deciding if you would like to reach out for a consultation to work with me. Ultimately, you decide what’s right for you and I am honored to be a part of the beautiful stories of my clients.

“Who do you work with?”

I work with individuals, couples, and families and I believe that healing can take place both within yourself and in your relationships. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, relationship healing, or family dynamics support, my goal is to work together to create the change you’re looking for.

Further, there are special groups and areas that I focus on: women’s issues (pregnancy & fertility, pre/postnatal, perimenopause, identity, life transitions, parenting), religious trauma and faith transitions.

“What do you specialize in?”

My work is rooted in systemic therapy, where we honor the intricate web of relationships, identities, and cultural forces that shape who we are. I am trained as a marriage and family therapist with a lens that considers not only the internal world, but the systems—past and present—that surround us.

I draw from models such as Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Structural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My approach is further supported by training in sex therapy, grief work, and trauma healing, especially around the wounds of religious oppression and patriarchal systems.

Above all, I see myself as a lifelong learner—not an expert, but a student of the human experience. I believe therapy is not about fixing what's broken, but about tending to what longs to be seen. As Maya Angelou reminds us, “When you know better, you do better.” Together, we hold space for that kind of becoming—with compassion, courage, and room to grow.

“What does a typical session look like?”

A typical session is centered around whatever feels most important to you at the time, and I’ll also gently challenge you to explore other avenues and stories. We’ll have an open, supportive conversation where I may ask questions to help deepen your understanding of the issue and offer tools or strategies to work through it. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, empowered, and supported in your journey toward healing and growth.

“What are your rates, and do you accept insurance?”

I am an out-of-network provider and don’t work directly with insurance companies. I offer Superbills for clients to submit to their insurance in attempts to get reimbursement for our sessions. For more information on my rates, please check this section.

I recognize that access to mental health care is too often limited by systemic oppression and structural barriers. As part of my commitment to equity and care, I reserve a limited number of reduced fee sessions for those who face financial hardship and have been historically marginalized in therapeutic spaces.

If this resonates with your situation, please feel welcome to reach out and inquire about availability.

“How do you meet with clients?”

I offer both online and in-person sessions, depending on my clients’ needs, but I encourage my clients to see me in-person, when possible, as I find therapy’s effectiveness to be higher when we can be together in a space.

I strive to make therapy accessible and flexible for all clients. My office is located in Bellevue (close to downtown), in a one-story building for those who cannot accessibly use stairs. However, there is a small hallway to navigate. Parking is included and the office space has a secure waiting area for clients, as well as an ADA accessible restroom for clients’ use.

“How long does therapy usually take?”

Therapy is a unique process for each person, so there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some clients come in with a specific issue they want to work on and find resolution in a few months, while others may seek deeper exploration and continue therapy for a longer period. We’ll regularly check in on your progress and adjust our focus as needed to ensure therapy is meeting your needs.

“How do I know if therapy is working for me?”

Therapy is a process—sometimes change happens gradually, and the goals for therapy sometimes shift as well. However, you should start to notice shifts in how you feel, how you relate to others, or how you respond to situations in your life. We’ll regularly reflect on your progress together to ensure that you feel supported and are moving toward your goals.

“What kinds of issues are not within your scope?”

I work within a network of professionals, so when a client needs something outside of my expertise, I will help them find the right specialist. I am unable to provide services like medication management, treating severe mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder), but I do work collaboratively with specialists in these areas or refer out for these conditions. I am also not qualified to provide psychological testing, such as formal ADHD assessments, IQ tests, or personality testing, but I can refer clients to psychologists who specialize in these assessments. Further, I do not provide forensic services, custody evaluations, or court-related therapy — my work focuses on therapeutic healing rather than legal assessments. Ultimately, my focus is on building a safe, nurturing environment to explore relational and personal growth within the areas I specialize.

“How do I get started with you?”

The first step is to schedule a consultation or initial session, where we’ll talk about what brings you to therapy and how we might work together. This session helps us both get a sense of whether we’re a good fit, and from there, we can create a plan for how to proceed.