Welcome. Some initial information about my work may be helpful as you explore this website and consider whether this approach might be a good fit for you.
I have been in private practice since 1994, offering counseling to individual adults with a focus on such areas as:
Loss and grief (in response to a death - of a partner/spouse, parent, child, pet, friend …or to non-death losses)
Life transitions and crises(divorce, job loss, retirement, children leaving home, illness, a geographic move)
Mid-life challenges (new job or career, lack of motivation or interest, stress, burn-out, what’s missing?...)
Creating more fulfilling relationships (with a partner/spouse, friends. family, colleagues; resolving conflicts, nurturing a sense of connection, mentoring, contributing to others)
Changes in one's sense of self – exploring the question "Who am I?" (past and potential identities, different “parts” of oneself, self-inquiry, living with uncertainty)
The search for meaning and life purpose (exploring one's calling, fears, apparent obstacles, possibilities)
Living in alignment with one’s deepest values and convictions (clarifying values, exploring commitments and resistances,taking responsibility for one's actions)
Authentic spiritual growth and transformation (releasing control/letting go, understanding the spiritual journey, creating/choosing a path, meeting challenges)
I have also been an educator for many years, teaching adults and prospective counselors at Antioch University-Seattle since 1988. Currently I am an Adjunct Faculty member in the B.A. Completion Program and Associate Faculty in the M.A. Psychology Program, as well as Program Coordinator of a non-clinical Master's Degree program in Psychology and Spirituality. In the 1980’s I founded and directed a hospice program in Arizona, and a number of years ago started a Bereavement Program associated with Stevens Hospital in Edmonds, WA. I have a Masters of Education in Learning Disabilities and received my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1983.
My work as a counselor is essentially concerned with helping clients develop deeper self-awareness, a more integrated way of being, and more fulfillment in their lives. Working with the whole person includes paying attention to fundamental human needs – for security, belonging (a sense of being both grounded in oneself and capable of intimacy), and competence (an ability to accomplish goals and contribute to the world in some way) – as well as those longings that might be described as transpersonal – the search for truth, freedom, love, connection with what I call the Mystery. Many of my clients are interested in bringing a spiritual perspective to their psychological issues, and addressing psychological issues that are part of spiritual growth.
As the self expands and deepens, often in response to pain and loss, people need support through the upheaval, anxiety, grief, and confusion that often accompany the journey. My work with clients provides a safe container for the emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and somatic (body-based) experiences that arise in response to internal and external changes. This process sometimes serves as a catalyst for transformation, a profound shift in perspective that brings with it a new sense of self, of life purpose and possibilities, and commitment to that which is felt to be truly important. It is my privilege to assist people in moving through difficult territory and opening to the deeper sources of healing, love, intuitive knowing, and creativity that lie within them.
With offices in both Edmonds and Wallingford, I draw clients from Snohomish County (Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Bothell, Everett) and from various parts of King County (Seattle, West Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue). Clients typically start out coming once a week for a full hour, although sometimes hour-and-a-half sessions can be very helpful. From time to time I offer groups that explore specific areas of potential growth; these typically meet every other week on a weekend morning or afternoon.
Contact Information
Offices:
Edmonds (Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Wallingford (Mondays and Fridays)
Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, #342, Seattle, WA
$85 for a full hour $120 for 1 and ½ hours (While I do not have a sliding scale, I have some openings at a lower fee and am open to discussing your individual situation. I do not take insurance.)
Other Resources
For a wide variety of support groups available in our area, please see Counseling Seattle