FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My typical fee for couples counseling is $120 per hour, but I offer discounts to couples who find me through Thumbtack because I believe couples counseling should be available to every relationship. I also offer a limited number of appointments at a sliding scale / reduced fee. If this is something you are interested in, please ask about it during our initial phone consultation.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
As a counselor, I practice what is called 'narrative therapy.' Unlike many traditional couples counseling approaches that often see people as "broken, damaged, or sick and in need of fixing," I believe as narrative therapist Michael White did that "people are not problems... PROBLEMS are problems." Too often people are told that they are their problems, and when you hear it enough, you start to believe it. I believe that couples have problems that keep them from living the preferred story they want to live. It is my job to work with you to figure out what the problem is that is causing you trouble. Together, once we name it, we work together to deconstruct it. Finally, we work together to co-construct a new, more helpful story that you want for your relationship.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from George Fox University in Social and Behavioral Studies. I earned my Master of Arts in Education (MAEd.) in Community Counseling from Seattle University, a fully accredited program recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). My education at Seattle University focused on how to work with individuals and couples with an emphasis on cultural diversity and issues pertaining to equity and social justice. I completed my counseling internship and externship at the Snohomish County YWCA working with men, women, and couples, and have attended continuing education training at the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy, further developing my social constructionist counselling framework. In addition to being an Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA, License Number: MC60691890) I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC, Certification ID: 756176) certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as well as a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA, Member Number: 6379394). I have a particular interest in working with couples, individuals, and families to improve relationships and address issues related to disability, sexual orientation, race, and gender.