Root Cause Counseling Services
"I am committed to supporting and strengthening every aspect of healthy beings. I am passionate about what I do."
My Background
Growing up in a bi-racial family, I saw my family deal with many difficult issues including discrimination, isolation, marital problems, bullying, multiple moves and constant fighting with the school system. I grew up fast, as I was very aware of my family’s dysfunction.
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My family’s’ struggles with open and healthy communication, conflict/resolution, perfectionism and self-respect have been painful to live with, but have given me deep respect and compassion for those going through difficult times in their lives. They have also fueled my passion to help empower others to become whatever they envision themselves to be.
​My Primary Areas of Focus
My therapeutic approach, based on a unique melding of therapy modalities, focuses on a person’s strengths – his or her ability to bounce back from difficulties, and to grow and change for the better – and takes place in a welcoming, supportive, non-judgmental environment. These modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based modeling and mindfulness therapy. I strive to always be transparent, direct, empathetic and genuine with my clients.
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--Emotional Trauma - emotional wounds due to prolonged shaming, criticism, neglect, rejection, betrayal, shattered trust, enmeshment, and toxic family of origin issues.
--Addiction related issues - Sex addiction. I also work with family members of those who suffer from sex addiction.
Education
Wanting to help my family's situation motivated me to enter a helping profession when I grew up. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Community Health Education at Eastern Washington University, I earned a Master's Degree in Social Work.
Professional Experience
Much of my early work experience was in court probation settings, including Everett Community Corrections and the City of Bellevue Probation. I worked for Monroe Prison in the Sex Offender Unit in which I conducted treatment for individuals incarcerated for a sex offense. This experience has given me a deep understanding of sex addictions, and other social factors that impact one’s wellbeing.