Welcome

I am a master level psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle since 1990 working with individuals, couples, and families. The variety of issues I assist people with include:

Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship
Career and Life Transitions
Divorce
Physical/Sexual Abuse
Adoption

Roadblocks to Getting Started With Counseling

What being in counseling means

Sometimes people feel embarrassed that they are unable to resolve their problems on their own and need professional help. Needing assistance makes them feel weak. It actually takes personal strength to admit you have a problem and take the action to solve it. One of the goals of counseling is to help you to ultimately adopt tools that would be conducive to preventing a similar experience/situation in the future.

Will the counselor understand? Will I be criticized?

Problems that people discuss in counseling are very personal and therefore people feel vulnerable. Being concerned about how the counselor will respond is common, especially if you have been criticized or ridiculed for sharing your versions of your experiences with those important to you.

Am I helpless?

Part of being depressed is a feeling of helplessness. Feeling helpless and being helpless are not the same thing. You are not helpless. You have begun the process of seeking help with a personal problem and reaching some resolution to these problems.

How do I get started?

It is important to find a counselor with whom you would be comfortable working. Choosing one that works on issues you are dealing with and meeting with them is a good start. Sometimes people meet with more than one counselor before deciding which one to continue with. If you have insurance you can contact them and ask if a certain provider is on their preferred provider list. They may also cover a non-preferred provider but at a different rate. If you don’t have insurance many providers offer a sliding scale or an every other week appointment schedule might be arranged. If an arrangement with that counselor cannot be worked out they may have information concerning other resources in your area that would be appropriate.

Resources

Crisis clinic www.crisisclinic.org
Drug and Alcohol hotline Seattle depts.washington.edu/adai/hotlines.htm

New Office Location
Northcut Landing
4915 25th Avenue NE, Suite 208 west
Seattle, WA 98105-5667
Click Here for Directions

Home | Background | Location | Contact Me