Hello!
 
Thank you so much for visiting my site! 
 
A little bit about me . . . I am a passionate clinical social worker and advocate for at-risk and vulnerable populations. My practice frequently explores healing at the intersection of art making and storytelling.

I feel most energized when working directly with individuals and groups - teasing out current and past dreams and goals, and encouraging clients to safely explore their personal journey toward authentic living. Visual arts, expressive journal writing, and in-person conversation are vehicles to engage, build trust, and to simply let go and get messy with feelings and healing!

Why Art?  Research illuminates the benefits of expressive arts as a vehicle to facilitate client engagement, build trust and rapport, and encourage healing at individual and group levels. Survivors of trauma often find it difficult to verbally express their feelings, emotions, and memories, which will frequently prevent healing through traditional talk therapy. Expressive arts in the form of visual art making, music, dance, and expressive writing is a non-threatening alternative form of communication. Participation in expressive arts programs and activities correlates to reductions in stress related symptoms, and maladaptive behaviors such as opposition, anger, anxiety, and depression, which are common responses and coping mechanisms attributed to trauma.

I work with individuals, with couples, and with groups. Clientele range in age from 14 to adult. *My work with minors will commence April 2025, and is limited to in-person sessions from my office located on Bainbridge Island, Washington.