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."

Individual, Couple, and Family Therapist

Ph.D., Seattle Pacific University, Clinical Psychology; Health Psych emphasis
M.S., Seattle Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy

B.S., University of Utah, Early Childhood Education

State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor

"The work I do within therapy is approached from a bio-psychosocial, Christian perspective that treats clients with respect and honor.  I work from what is called a 'systems' point of view that considers an individual part of a greater system: the family.  It is a common human experience to create philosophies about life within our unique childhood experiences.  These sometimes subconscious philosophies seem to be put to the test during college and often need to be considered.  It is a privilege to walk respectfully beside students while they discover their own stories and their God-given uniqueness.  In addition, I work with students in stress reduction using a biologically scientific approach, reducing symptoms while valuing their spiritual beliefs."

Therapist
M.A., Mars Hill Graduate School, Counseling
B.S., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Psychology

State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor

"I believe that at our core we are relational beings designed for healthy relationship with others, yet too often it is relationships that bring brokenness, shame, and isolation.  It is my belief that therapy offers a time to re-examine past relationships in order to better understand how your individual style of relating originated, as well as how it is affecting your current relationships and wellbeing.  My hope is that we can use our relationship as a practicing ground for new patterns toward change and healing.

I work primarily with women's issues including recovery in the realms of food and body issues.  I believe our bodies hold our life stories, and my goal as a therapist is to assist you in learning to listen to your body in order to bring about growth and freedom in your relationships and life." 

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

"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

"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."

Marriage & Family Therapy Intern
M.S. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Marriage & Family Therapy
B.S., Colorado State University, Psychology

"I approach therapy from a holistic viewpoint looking at issues from a bio--psychosocial spiritual perspective.  I believe that it is important to examine one's internal feelings and cognitions as well as explore important interpersonal relationships.  Therapy is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist, and I work with clients to help them find the strengths that they already possess to overcome the concerns and problems that they are facing."

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

"While my clinical orientation has been influenced by various therapeutic approaches, I rely heavily on the concepts of narrative therapy.  I believe that people's stories about themselves are influenced by their family history, culture, and their interactions with others, among many things.  As your counselor, I aim to help you identify those stories which are negatively impacting your life and replace them with stories that support the person you truly are or would like to be."

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

M.A., Seattle Pacific University, Clinical Psychology
B.S., Seattle University, Psychology

"I became interested in psychology after three years of premedical training. I was fascinated by the mind-body connection and how the body manifests physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.  I feel that being in the field of psychology is a blessing and an honor.  Individuals, couples, and families who see you in therapy enter into a uniquely privileged relationship in which they share intimate and private aspects of themselves and their lives.  In my training to become a psychologist, I hope to enrich the lives of others, increase awareness of the influence that the mind has on the body, and bring greater balance and a greater sense of happiness to clients' lives.  My approach to therapy is systemic in nature; I believe that the human experience is not one lived in isolation, and that in order to provide effective therapeutic services, all biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects to one's life must be addressed."

Counseling Intern
M.A. (in progress), Mars Hill Graduate School, Counseling Psychology
B.A., Wheaton College, Psychology

"I believe that a deeper understanding of our story, especially our family history, can shed significant light on some of the ways in which we might find ourselves stuck.  A therapeutic relationship offers a safe place for making a conscious connection between our past and the present.  We all desire change and transformation in some areas of our lives.  As a counselor, I will work with you creatively, imaginatively, and thoughtfully to find the answers most suited to your story and journey."

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 were created to walk in a unique, God-given identity (self).  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."

Counseling Intern
M.A. (in progress), Mars Hill Graduate School, Counseling Psychology
B.S., Miami University, Social Work

"Although I appreciate a variety of therapeutic orientations, I most closely align myself with a psychodynamic relational therapeutic approach.  It is my belief that our core desire is for relationship, and it is within the context of relationship that we can heal.  Relationships deeply form us, and often the roots of our unrest are discovered in how we relate to ourselves and others.  Within the therapeutic relationship I will seek to develop a relationship that unfolds the ways the client relates to themselves and others. In my opinion, therapy offers a medium where ways of relating can be explored and re-imagined through the therapist-client relationship.  The hope is for both parties in the therapeutic relationship to be open, real, and vulnerable to the effects that humans have on us, including the human that is sitting across from you.  Relaitonal psychotherapy offers presence rather than analysis, empathy rather than sympathy, and the face of another human being, rather than the face of a detached professional."

Administrative Assistant

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

B.A., University of Pennsylvania, Religious Studies

"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

M.A., Seattle Pacific University, Clinical Psychology

M.A., Loyola Marymount University, Counseling
B.A., University of Washington, Sociology

"I admire every student who comes to the Student Counseling Center, because it takes a lot of courage to ask for help. I believe that this courage will be rewarded as students experience the comfort, change, and growth that can be discovered here. I feel pleased and honored to have the opportunity to be a small part of it."

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

B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Psychology