“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation.”
I’ve been seeing clients in the greater Seattle-Bellevue metropolitan area for more than three decades in my Bellevue office. However, for the time being—thanks to the pandemic—I’m working with clients via my personal virtual office on the web, using video-streaming or teleconferencing (client’s choice).
Hello and Welcome!
Presumably you landed here seeking help for yourself or someone close. So, take the next step. If you don't call me, please consider calling elsewhere until you find someone you can trust!
If we were together, I'd ask if you would like a cup of tea or water and then we'd sit down and spend our time talking about why you are seeking therapy at this time and how we can work together to help you feel your best. Alas, what I can do now is invite you to get comfortable as I show you around my domain.
My approach in therapy is to both listen and talk. That sounds dramatically simplistic for such a complex process. For me, therapy is all about listening to you in a way that will elicit change and enhance your quality of life. My style is interactive, and together you and I will find ways for you to feel better. Consider us as creative researchers collaborating to find unique solutions to help you feel better!
I work with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families. I received my first masters in 1979 and have been practicing full-time ever since. I am licensed as both a marriage and family therapist and a clinical social worker. My approach is flexible and tailored to address your specific needs. Drawing on extensive knowledge of best practices coupled with deep experience, I'm committed to helping you achieve clarity, fresh perspectives and effective strategies to confront the kinds of challenges we all face in the course of our lives.
"What we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do."
Stephen Covey (Educator/Public Speaker)
Having experienced divorce, followed by a period of healing and a happy, healthy second marriage, I am keenly aware of the trauma as well as the recovery process that impacts both adults and children. Although my emphasis is on individual and marital therapy, I've also received special training in family therapy from the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic. For example, although we may be doing individual therapy together, I will always be mindful of both the unique family structure you are currently in, as well as your family of origin. Much of my work with clients focuses on relationship issues, as well as enhancing the marital dyad in order to avoid divorce. I also pay particular attention to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, parenting challenges and how these can interfere with the quality of our lives.
As a grandma, mother, step-mother, daughter, sister, friend and partner, my experience includes extensive professional training as well as "real life" experience. I would be honored if you were to consider me as your potential therapist. I am passionate and committed to giving you my very best!!
Let's sit together, talk together, laugh together, cry together, and figure "this" out together for you to feel better.
If you're feeling fear or trepidation about entering therapy for the first time, I share some of my thoughts about that experience, here. Either way please feel free to email or call me.
Also, please note that as a community service I maintain a pro bono (free of charge) position on my calendar for those with a need for therapy who cannot afford to pay.
"I can't think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself." Emma Stone
Specialties
Marriage Counseling healing broken and troubled relationships, addressing infidelity, anger and other emotional burdens.
Divorce Counseling helping parents and children deal with this crisis in a way that mends the heart and soothes the pain. I also review and help develop parenting plans for divorcing families. I can offer a psychological perspective to help make the parenting plan more "user friendly."
Family Relationships including child and adolescent turmoil and blended family transitions.
Couples and Relationship Counseling including ways to repair and enhance your relationships.
Individual Counseling for those experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, anger and hurt including ways to alleviate anxiety and depression and to change self-destructive behavior.
Dependencies both psychological and substance abuse.
425.417.1111