Services
Adult Individual Therapy
Individual therapy sessions are a time for you to focus on YOUR well-being and begin to sort out which areas of your life you would like to improve. Our first few sessions will be all about getting to know each other and getting clear about your goals for therapy.
As therapy progresses, there are a variety of approaches we can use to see what feels best for you. These may include traditional "talk therapy," somatic exercises, homework, art, journaling, etc. If you are able to attend in-person sessions, other options I offer are Sandtray Therapy and Walk-&-Talk therapy. Please see the sections below for more information on Talk Therapy, Sandtray Therapy and Walk-&-Talk Therapy.
Couples Therapy
There is nowhere that interpersonal trauma shows up more than in adult romantic relationships. Because of this, an attachment theory perspective can be incredibly valuable to understand what is happening in your partnership and make the needed shifts to improve communication, safety, and affection.
In my experience, most intimate partner conflict comes down to a clash of attachment styles. When we enter a relationship with a partner who has a different attachment style, it can feel like they are speaking a completely different language. This divide can cause feelings of hurt, frustration, and anger. It may awaken some past interpersonal trauma that we didn't realize was there, causing the current situation to feel more devastating than it already did. If you are not familiar with attachment styles, don't worry! We will explore this a great deal in our sessions. Together we will look at how each of your attachment styles is showing up in your relationship and how to start bridging the gap.
Couples sessions often incorporate talk therapy, homework, and somatic exercises. For those clients who are able to attend in-person sessions, Sandtray Therapy is a dynamic, experiential technique that can reveal a lot about what's going on for each parner at a subconscious level. See the Sandtray Therapy section below for more details.
Group Therapy
I offer Group Therapy sessions periodically throughout the year. Group therapy is a great, lower cost option to learn more about a topic that interests you and enjoy social support from others who are experiencing similar challenges. Groups may be in-person or telehealth, depending on the size of the group and the location or preferences of the participants.
Groups run for 8-10 weeks, depending on the topic, and are generally held on consecutive weeks. Each group session is an hour and 55 minutes long with a 15-minute break half-way through. Groups offer a unique opportunity to bond with others over shared experiences, receive support, share your story, and create a sense of community. Groups remind us that we are not alone in our struggles! Because the dynamic of each group is it's own mini ecosystem, it is important for every member to be present for each session. Please make sure you can be available for the full series, with the exception of unexpected illness or emergency, of course.
If you are interested in group therapy, please read the descriptions below, then sign up for the mailing list to be alerted when the next cohort begins. Please note that signing up for a notification does not obligate you to join the group.
child-parent relationship therapy (cprt) group
Even though I have limited my practice to the treatment of adults, that doesn't mean the little ones don't need attention too! While my focus is primarily on helping those who have suffered from Attachment Trauma and other forms of interpersonal trauma, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is intimately related to my chosen specialties. Attachment Trauma usually begins in childhood, as a result of insufficient attachment to a primary caregiver. Not all attachment problems are the product of abuse. Sometimes as parents, we just don't know how to connect with our kids. Perhaps our own parents were unable to model that for us. Or, maybe there have been situations during your child's life that have prevented you from being the kind of parent you always wanted to be. What if we could repair and even reverse Attachment Trauma right now? What if we could prevent Attachment Trauma from occurring in the first place?
Children's brains operate differently than ours. When it comes to therapy, talk therapy may not be developmentally appropriate for them. That's why Play Therapists are the best option for treating children. According to Garry Landreth, a renowned Play Therapist and director of the Center for Play Therapy (CPT), "Toys are children's words and play is their language." Children process emotions through play, which also means we can communicate with them through play on a unique
non-verbal level.
Throughout this 10-week structured training, I will teach you the same techniques used by Play Therapists so that you can implement them with your child! CPRT is an evidence-based approach to strengthen the relationship between you and your child, build trust, modify behavioral challenges, and increase communication and understanding. Clear direction will be provided on how to set up your own play sessions at home. You will have the opportunity to share your play sessions with the group, get feedback from myself, and learn from the experiences of the other group participants too. After our group time is over, the techniques you have learned can be integrated regularly into your weekly routines. You will also be able to practice them with each child in the household.
understanding attachment style
to improve your life and relationships
The goal of this 8-week group experience is for you to understand how attachment forms and the consequences of insecure attachment in adult relationships. You will gain understanding around your own attachment style and patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, as well as the probable style of your loved ones. Finally, I will guide you to consider your personal needs and develop effective communication to help get your needs met.
The group activities include completing an attachment style quiz, learning about
specific attachment style thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns, role playing scenarios with me or other participants to deepen understanding, take a personal needs inventory, establish personal triggers, and learn effective communication strategies & conflict resolution. If you've never heard of Attachment Theory before, or if you just need a refresher, this group is sure to give you some "ah-ha" moments about yourself and/or someone you love.
surviving & thriving:
a narcissistic abuse recovery support group
Narcissistic abuse, by it's very nature, is an isolating experience. Emerging from a close relationship with a person exhibiting narcissist traits can leave you feeling alone, defective, and confused. More often than not, narcissistic abuse survivors carry significant shame around their experiences. Survivors report feeling "stupid" for not seeing the red flags, or worse, seeing the red flags but choosing to ignore them. Many survivors leave these toxic relationships in shock that the person they loved was never who they pretended to be, which results in an immense sense of betrayal and lack of trust. Unless someone has been subjected to narcissistic abuse, it can be very difficult to understand. This prevents many survivors from sharing their experiences, even with well-meaning friends or therapists.
Surviving & Thriving provides a space to share those experiences with people who "get" you. The ability to be authentic, real, and raw within a group of fellow survivors is an incredibly healing experience. This group provides information and resources about narcissistic abuse and its after-effects, as well as support while you decide how to reclaim your life. This group runs for 8 weeks and is semi-structured. Topics will shift depending on the needs of the participants.
Session Format
I offer both in-person sessions and telehealth for my individual and couples therapy clients.
Let's take a minute to took at the pros and cons of each format.
If you are in commuting distance to my office in Steilacoom, you could opt for a hybrid format, coming in for some sessions and doing some remotely. Also, there may be times when in-person session may need to switch to telehealth, due to inclement weather, illness, etc.
telehealth:
Pros:
This an incredibly convenient option for those who live too far away from the office to make the commute feasible. It can be an easy way to fit therapy into your busy week so it can be scheduled around work, children's activities etc. Many of my telehealth client's opt to schedule their therapy sessions over their lunch hour. Additionally, you can experience the comfort and safety of staying in familiar surroundings. For survivors of trauma, this can be an important consideration. Telehealth is also a great option when coming to the office is unwise for you and I, such as during sickness or inclement weather. For those concerned about the efficacy of telehealth therapy, it is absolutely possible to establish strong client-therapist rapport, even through a computer screen.
Cons:
Some clients find telehealth does limit the connection they feel to the therapist. Others may be tired of staring at computer screens all day in their daily activities and want a break from it. Telehealth can also be challenging if your internet connection is unstable or unpredictable, if you are only able to join sessions on a phone instead of a computer, or if you are in an environment where privacy cannot be guaranteed.
in-person:
Pros:
In-person sessions reflect a more natural way of connecting with each other. Clients note that there is "just something" about being in the same room as another person that can foster trust and regulate their nervous systems more easily. Many clients who began therapy doing telehealth opt to switch to in-person sessions when they recognize it just "feels" different. In-person sessions can also feel more like a departure from your everyday life. For some clients, having a dedicated new space to embark on their healing journey can be beneficial. Survivors of trauma often report that they are more able to discuss the difficult parts of their history in an in-person setting where emotional support feels for tangible and privacy is ensured.
Cons
For some clients, in-person may not be possible, due to their distance from the therapy office, physical limitations, or compromised immune systems. Clients with significant anxiety, such as social anxiety, may be more comfortable in their own homes. (However, working towards an in-person session in these cases would be a great goal!) For some trauma survivors, the perceived lack of control or fear of unknown surroundings can be a barrier for them maximizing their in-person session. Finally, travel is involved, which generally incurs additional time and expense.
Talk Therapy Sessions
As a reformed therapy skeptic myself, I remember thinking, "What good can telling someone my problems do?" It turns out...A LOT! Research has shown that verbalizing our experiences helps process stored trauma. For many people, therapy is the first time they have ever spoken about their experiences out loud. By telling our story in a safe and supportive environment, we not only bring it out of the shadows, but give ourselves the opportunity to understand it's impacts so we can finally move forward into a better life. It can also give us valuable insight about the stories we carry. In the words of psychologist, Daryl Bem, "When I hear myself talk, I understand what I believe."
Sandtray Therapy Sessions
Sandtray Therapy is an experiential form of therapy which involves the selection and placement of miniatures in a tray of sand. The miniatures can be thought of as "symbols" and what these symbols represent will vary, depending on the client. Sandtray Therapy, like any of the expressive forms of therapy, touches a deeper, non-verbal part of us. Stored trauma lives in the subconscious, non-verbal parts of our bodies. Sandtray Therapy gives stored trauma a voice.
Your Sandtray sessions can be either structured or unstructured. In other words, I may ask that you recreate a certain memory or event in the sand, or I may ask that you go to the Sandtray cabinet, select whatever miniatures you are drawn to, and place them in the sand in a way that feels right to you. Clients often enjoy the sensory aspect of Sandtray therapy. The tactile experience of handling the miniatures and the sand itself can have a peaceful and grounding effect on the nervous system. It also allows clients the opportunity to take a break from talking during each session, which can be particularly helpful for those struggling with significant anxiety.
The beauty of Sandtray is that there is no wrong way to do it! You are free to relax and create your design throughout your whole session, if you choose. If you prefer, you can bring along your earbuds and your favorite playlist to enjoy while you work with the Sandtray. After you have completed your Sandtray, I will ask your permission to photograph it. You may do the same, if you wish. Next session, we can review the photos and discuss your design. Or, if you prefer, you can reflect on your creation privately.
Walk-&-Talk Therapy Sessions
I also offer Walk-&-Talk Therapy. This dynamic and research-backed approach combines your talk therapy session with a walk in the great outdoors!
Shown to reduce anxiety and increase focus, Walk-&-Talk Therapy allows you to get your steps in while working through challenging topics. The rhythmic movement of walking helps our bodies process difficult emotions. Being out in nature creates a grounding effect that helps regulate the nervous system.
Walk-&-Talk Therapy is a great option for clients who may feel uncomfortable sitting
across the room from someone, or looking at a computer screen.
It's also a great option for clients who are active, or those who want to be!
Before starting Walk-&-Talk Therapy, you and I will discuss any health and safety concerns you may have,
as well as the potential limits of confidentiality. Also, since we live in the lush but rainy Pacific Northwest,
we'll talk about weather tolerance, appropriate gear, and alternative options when inclement weather strikes.
With a curated list of some of the most amazing walking locations in the South Sound area,
I’ll set the place, and you'll set the pace!
