A little about me:
In 3rd grade, I was selected to be a conflict resolution manager on the playground of my elementary school, tasked with solving the problems of my classmates. Each recess, I walked around with a clipboard and led my peers through various questions and exercises to help them learn to share more easily, play more nicely, and communicate their needs more kindly and clearly.
While my personal and professional interests have evolved since then (and the clipboard has, thankfully, disappeared), the core remains: I use research-based information, curiosity, appropriate humor, and skills to help individuals and couples better understand themselves and, in turn, better connect with others.
With a background in individual and couples counseling, educational psychology, and school administration, I believe in proven research and helping you trust (and tap in to) your own intuition. When you find the right strategies - those that allow for authenticity and alignment with your values and goals - you are better able to enjoy this journey of life.
My approach
Carl Rogers, one of the pioneeers of client-centered psychotherapy, emphasized genuineness, acceptance, and empathetic understanding in therapy. This is the foundation of my approach as a therapist and coach. I am collaborative, relational, conversational, and warm, aiming to create a space of curiosity and nonjudgment. You are the expert on your life - your history, goals, stressors, and joys. I am here to support you in moving towards your preferred destination on this journey of life.
My goal is for our work to be both healing and productive, with you leaving each session with new insights, skills, or goals. While at times it can be uncomfortable to think deeply and differently about yourself and your world (this is often where growth happens), know that you will have an advocate, cheerleader, and challenger in me.
With a commitment to equity and inclusion, I welcome, affirm, and celebrate all identities, orientations, and relationship and family structures.
Professional background
I am a graduate of Pomona College, where I got a BA in sociology, minoring in psychology. I received an MA in couple and family therapy from Antioch University New England and an MA in educational psychology with a specialization in gifted/talented students from Ball State University. I have a certificate in leadership in enrollment management from the University of Southern California’s Center for Enrollment Research, Policy, and Practice. I have completed the Gottman Institute Bringing Baby Home educator program, Gottman Method Couples Therapy clinical training levels one and two, and Prepare/Enrich premarital facilitator training.
Washington State LMFTA license #MG61580745
Supervised by Niki Novak, LMFT, LPC (DC license #LMFT000173)