Director
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology / M.S.W. in Clinical Social Work

AAMFT Approved Supervisor

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

State of Washington Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Diplomate standing awarded in: Adlerian Psychology (NASAP), Professional Psychotherapy (IABMCP), and Clinical Social Work (NASW)

"I approach counseling as a collaborative partnership.  As we work together to understand the issues and concerns, I seek to help clients tap into their wisdom, creativity, and strengths to meet their current challenges.  I bring a holistic and systems perspective whereby clients can better understand themselves in the context of their family histories and current relationships.  By helping clients understand the origins of their beliefs, feelings, and behavior patterns that so often are not in conscious awareness, clients are able to achieve greater self-acceptance and strengthen their ability to make relevant, positive, and lasting life improvements.  I have learned that many maladaptive patterns of behavior originate in unresolved trauma.  I have special training in 'Reprocessing Therapies' which provide clients rapid and permanent healing from confusing, discouraging, or traumatic life events."

Therapist
M.A., Antioch University, Psychology, Child, Couple and Family Therapy

M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
B.A., University of Washington, Psychology

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

"My work in the field of counseling psychology began with a specialization in couple and family sytems therapy.  My philosophy towards helping people achieve perceived change is client-centered and built upon collaboration, cooperation, and a deep respect for the client's own resources and abilities to arrive at solutions to problems and challenges.  Acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual, I combine a variety of approaches to assist clients as they work to reach their own personal growth goals.  Personal growth goals are those ongoing and evolving goals which the client chooses to pursue in addressing a perceived problem or issue which they are facing."

Therapist
M.A., Seattle University, Mental Health Counseling
B.A., Western Washington University, Psychology

State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Approved WA State Supervisor

"My goal in working with students is to empower them to work toward their potential psychologically, spiritually, and emotionally.  My hope is that this will improve their feelings about themselves and their relationships with others in order to live happier, healthier lives."

Registered Dietitian

Eating Disorders Specialist

B.S., College of the Ozarks, Dietetics

"The motivation for me to become a dietitian was to help individuals make peace with food and their body image.  Coming to nutrition counseling is a brave step.  I seek to hear how individuals view themselves and food, and what they see as their goals for coming to nutrition counseling.  Then, I aim to assist clients in reaching their goals so that they live a life full of hope and truth regarding food and themselves."

Individual, Couple, Medical, and Family Therapist

M.S., Seattle Pacific University, Marriage & Family Therapy
B.A., Westmont College, Sociology

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

"I believe we are all created to be in relationships with others, yet we often discover how challenging relationships can be.  I desire to provide a safe environment for you to explore these challenges and identify ways to move differently.  My work with clients involves a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach within a systemic framework.  In my work, I seek to be respectful of and sensitive to your developmental needs and therapeutic goals.  I recognize that counseling can be intimidating, which is why I look forward to walking through the process with you.  I am also aware of how challenging and wonderful college can be, so I desire to be a support to you as you navigate your college experience at SPU."

Therapist

M.A., Northwest University, Counseling Psychology

B.A., New Mexico State University, Journalism and Spanish

"My approach to woarking with students is holistic and places a high value on the client/therapist relationship as well as the complex relationships that people have in their lives.  I believe that building trust and rapport will allow each individual to explore their own goals as we work together toward their personal growth."

Individual, Couple and Family Therapist, Office Assistant

M.S., Seattle Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy

B.S., Psychology, Colorado State University

"Therapy is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist. I work with clients to help them gain insight through examining their internal feelings and cognitions as well as exploring significant interpersonal relationships as they relate to the presenting issue. My main training has been in systems theory which focuses on how important relationships impact us and form us. With couples, I often use Gottman Therapy or Emotion Focused Therapy, two of the most scientifically validated couples therapy techniques. 

In addition to providing therapy for students, I also enjoy serving students as an office assistant in the Student Counseling Center. I am very privileged to be able to serve students in both capacities and to be part of such an amazing team of therapists and staff." 

Therapist
M.A., Mars Hill Graduate School, Counseling Psychology
B.S., Miami University, Social Work

"My passion for therapy stems from the belief that everyone needs a place to safely explore who they are. My hope is that my clients will experience a therapeutic relationship that offers a space to explore what it means to relate more fully to themselves and to their world. More specifically, I have a strong interest in working with those clients who are exploring food and body issues. I believe that just like many other relationships in our lives, we deserve to feel a freedom in relating to food and to our bodies. My passion is to help people discover how that freedom can be possible."

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern
M.S. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Marriage & Family Therapy
B.A., University of Washington, Sociology

"I believe that all of us are unique and endowed with significant qualities and strengths that comprise our identity (self).  You really are one of a kind, and only you can walk in your shoes--your very special life.  As the formation of our identity does not take place in isolation, many influences, including family background, gender, and media, can work to enhance or distort it.  Drawing upon narrative theory and other therapies, I hope to provide a safe place for you to be yourself and explore your unique story.  I want to offer myself to you, by way of acceptance and affirmation, with utmost respect for who you are.  I admire your courage to seek counsel, but more importantly your desire and willingness to seek healing and wholeness.  I am honored to walk with you in the restoration of your identity so that you can continue living out your life's unique purpose, fully and freely pursuing your dreams and goals."

Therapist Intern
M.A. (in progress), Seattle University, Education/Post-Secondary Counseling
B.A., Central Washington University, English Literature

"My goal is to provide a safe environment for students to explore any issues that might be going on in their lives.  I take a holistic approach to counseling, and find that I draw from many theoretical orientations in providing treatment, while maintaining a particular focus on the therapeutic relationship between myself and the client."

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), Mars Hill Graduate School, Counseling Psychology

B.A., Wheaton College, Sociology

"As a therapist it is my desire to walk alongside students as they courageously take steps to face their struggles, loneliness, relational challenges and/or questions about themselves.  It's my desire that through building a trusting relationship, students will discover the inner resources they need to face their challenges, build healthier, life-giving relationships and continue on the road of self-discovery."

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern

M.S. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Marriage & Family Therapy

B.A., University of Washington, Business Administration and Accounting

"I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with college students, because I believe that these years are not only potentially very difficult with all the life changes, but also because this is a great time to explore and get to know your true "self" apart from the influences of family, friends, and life before college.  Leaving your family and going to college can be extremely stressful, providing ample opportunity to suffer from relationship problems, anxiety, depression, etc.  I am excited to be able to offer myself as someone who will come alongside you and support you, as well as create a safe place for you to confide without fear of being judged."

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), Antioch University

B.A., University of Washington, Communications

"I believe that all individuals are striving to live happy and healthy lives, and as a therapist my goal is to support, encourage, empower, and challenge individuals to create the change that is desired in their lives.  My philosophy toward helping people change is one of collaboration, cooperation, and respect for the client's own resources and ability to arrive at solutions to problems.  As a therapist, I strive to maintain a strong therapeutic alliance with clients that facilitates personal change and growth."

Administrative Assistant

M.S. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Marriage & Family Therapy

B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Religious Studies/Eastern Philosophy, Psychology

"The Student Counseling Center is a very positive environment, and I am privileged to be a part of a team that provides such a safe haven for students.  I view my participation here as a ministry, and feel blessed to be a part of the therapeutic process as I assist our clients and the SCC staff."

Senior Graduate Assistant

Ph.D. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Clinical Psychology

B.A., Azusa Pacific University, Psychology

"I feel privileged to work in an environment where people have devoted their professional careers to helping students maximize their potential and get the most out of life."

Graduate Assistant

Ph.D. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Clinical Psychology

B.A., Whitworth University, Psychology

"I am excited and honored to be a new member of the Student Counseling Center team.  I believe that the SCC is a place where students can receive the help and support they need in a safe and comfortable environment."