What is a LMHC?
In Washington state, an LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. An LMHC is a person who has completed the necessary requirements to be fully licensed in the state of Washington. This included a master's degree level of education as well as postgraduate experience as a practicing associate under direct supervision by a licensed supervisor. In addition, an LMHC must pass the state exam from the National Board of Certified Counseling (NBCC). License holders also have to maintain continuing education requirements.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not bill insurance at this time. This may change in the future after I am fully licensed. Most insurance plans only accept counselors with several years of post-licensure experience. There are however a number of reasons why there are benefits to paying privately (not billing insurance).
- One has more autonomy in choosing a counselor that is a good fit for you (no "in-network" worries)
- There are therapeutic needs that aren't "billable" to insurance, such as relationship and communication concerns as well as a variety of other issues you can receive counseling services for.
- The number of sessions and counseling service longevity will not be dictated by one’s insurance company
- Private pay accepting therapists are not required to assign a mental health diagnosis that becomes a part of one’s medical record
Although I do not bill insurance, I can provide a superbill upon request which is an itemized receipt for services that can be submitted to your insurance company. Reimbursement is not guaranteed. Please check with your insurance for complete verification.
Can you tell me anything more about yourself as a person?
Hmmmmm. Well, I would say I am an eclectic blend.:) I am a “4” on the Enneagram (the “romantic individualist”- naaaailed it). I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest so I am used to a lot of rain. I love to flee South every chance I can get to frolic in the warm sun and gaze upon the palm trees. I am an adventurist at heart. I love the ocean, running, hiking, climbing mountains and in general being among the trees and skies. I love challenging myself and growing. I am as goofy and silly as much as I am deep and emotional. I I love to laugh! Best EVER. Also love music, writing, dancing in my garage to 90's music, and my family and friends.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel a session, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. If not, you will be charged the full session rate. You can phone me, text me, or email me about cancellation and rescheduling.
What will counseling be like with you?
I am respectful but I am direct. I don't believe in wasting peoples time or money. I have "heard" I possess and demonstrate a"no bullshit" attitude in sessions. Ha. Probably very accurate. I am gentle though in my approach. That's important to me. I want people to get what they need when they come to therapy. I want to see them reach their goals, recieve practical feedback they will USE, as well as real life tools, education and encouragement we all need at certain junctions in life. I will treat you the same way I would want someone to treat me in such a vulnerable intimate space. I work hard to be a safe person for my clients. This is singlehandedly the most important thing to me.
Studies show that it is actually the quality and integrity of the counseling relationship itself rather than actual techniques or interventions that bring the best therapeutic results. This is my primary focus. With that said, I most naturally utilize an emotionally focused, attachment and strength based perspective. If you are sitting with me, you have made it this far. You have cultivated strengths and ways you have learned to cope-right alongside with the challenges and struggles you bring. I am curious about your emotions. The way they are expressed and experienced. And about the quality of your connections and attachment with others as well as with your own self. I focus a lot on relationships since I believe our relationships are so vital to who we are and how we feel. I also like to examine cognitive behavioral components. What do you really think and believe? About yourself and others? How do these thoughts and beliefs inform the way you behave and exist in the world? Are these things in alignment with your deepest core values? I believe in truth telling and radical acceptance. And no, these are not easy things to do or practice. I believe that our physical bodies-movement, nutrition, gut health- all play an important role in our well-being. In general, I utilize a holistic view of therapy. We humans are complex. We are made of many parts—mind, body and “soul”. Let’s approach every angle.
I love what I do. Many are surprised when they sit with me. We have fun. We laugh, cry and usually laugh some more. I am convinced good therapy works. No one will ever convince me it doesn't.
