Can I still work with you if I don't live in Washington state?

A this time, I am only licensed to provide mental health counseling services to individuals currently residing in Washington state. If you are interested in coaching or consulting services, I am able to provide those to adult individuals and organizations outside of Washington state.

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?

Coaching is not psychotherapy and not meant to be a substitute for mental health treatment. Both counseling and coaching are rooted in an understanding of human behavior, motivation, behavioral change, life changes and interactive counseling techniques. Coaching is for personal or professional issues you are working on in the present and often includes short-term, goal-directed work. Counseling is a healthcare service that typically involves healing from past issues or changing deeply rooted behavioral patterns. Counseling is a licensed, regulated profession that is often reimbursable or covered by healthcare insurance where coaching is not. 

Do you prescribe medication?

As a mental health counselor, I do not prescribe medication as it is outside of my scope of practice. I do, however, often refer clients to providers who can assess for specific conditions and prescribe medications. Sometimes people who are currently on medication seek out counseling for additional support and tools. Sometimes people in counseling find medication a useful tool in helping them manage symptoms that talk-therapy strategies have not been effective for. Medication can invoke strong feelings for many people and I am more than happy to explore those feelings and beliefs while respecting individual autonomy. 

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I trust that you are the expert on your life and will work with you to craft an approach that honors your unique needs and identity while applying my training and skills to help you set and achieve goals that feel meaningful and achievable.