New Client Info

Philosophy and Style
From my training in the Intuitive Arts, I have developed a philosophy of counseling that is unlike that of many traditional counselors.  One of the areas that I differ most is in my approach to dealing with the past.  I do not focus on the past, nor do I encourage my clients to do so.  Instead, I help my clients with one of the many common ailments in our culture – our addiction to “Woundology,” as Caroline Myss phrases it.  This is our need to play the “victim” in our lives and bond with others around our wounds.  I work with people who are committed to breaking this pattern in their own life.  I do not focus on the past because it is not something that we have the power to change.  I will help you with identifying how past experiences have shaped beliefs.  I will support you in grieving, releasing the past, and its stories, and moving forward.  I will also support you in finding the “gold” in your past experiences.

Secondly, I will support you in the development of your own Intuition, in whatever form this takes.  If this means that you see angels or hear voices, or receive guidance in whatever fashion, I will support you in discerning if this guidance comes from a “good, true, and beautiful” source, and if so, I will encourage you to follow it.  In our Age of Reason and Science, I believe that we live in a culture that has stripped the mystery out of life and “Desacralized the Sacred.”  I believe that all human beings are intuitive creatures.  It is our natural state of being, but we have been raised in our culture to shut down our intuition, and to only follow reason.  I will assist you in remembering and learning to listen more deeply to your own intuitive voice, and to act from a deep trust in this internal guidance.  I will not foster your dependence on my vision or guidance.

My goal is to support you in your journey of personal empowerment.  My deepest commitment is to the unfolding of your highest potential.  I am interested only in your growth.  Sometimes, walking this path is not the easiest or most comfortable.  You may not always “like” me or appreciate what I have to say.  Know that I am a “truth-teller” and that my intentions are always for your highest good.

Licensing and Therapy
I am not a therapist.  My work differs from therapy in many ways.  First, for liability purposes, I am not trained to diagnose or treat “mental illness.”  Secondly, I do not encourage the level of transference between client and therapist that is beneficial in a therapeutic process.  This means that I do not allow my clients to develop the level of intimacy and emotional projection that is often the goal of a therapeutic relationship.  Lastly, I am under no obligation ethically to continue a working relationship with my clients.  If I feel that our work is no longer serving you, I will terminate our working relationship.  I also encourage you to do the same, if you are not benefiting from our relationship.  Of course, in either case, I will assist you in finding the support that you need.

Because my work is designed to complement the work of therapy, and not take its place, I ask my clients to have either undergone extensive therapy or have a current working relationship with a therapist.  For most people, I “pick up” where therapy has left off, offering the “next step.”  If you are in need of a therapist or counselor, I am more than happy to refer you to a mental health professional.  I also have an extensive referral list of practitioners in various healing modalities and make referrals regularly, as I see part of my job is to connect you with the resources that will best address your current needs.  If you ever become concerned that what we are doing is not helping you achieve your goals, please talk to me about it.

Specific Populations:
I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds; however, I have a special gift for working with families, youth and children.  In my work with families, I serve as an “emotional coach,” combining my training in Positive Discipline, Attachment Parenting, and Non-Violent Communication.  My style with adolescents and children is engaging, firm and playful.

Fees and Scheduling
Rates are as follows: I have a sliding-scale fee, dependent on each person's ability to pay: 60 minutes = $110 — $80
90 minutes = $165 — $110, and prorated for longer or shorter sessions.  If my rates become a barrier to continuing your work with me, please speak to me, and I will consider other arrangements.  In my tradition, money is “sacred energy” and is offered to Spirit first.  Therefore, at the end of our session, please place your payment in an envelope (or some other covering) and leave it on the altar in my office as an offering.  I ask to be paid at the end of each session, unless special arrangements have been made.  I cannot continue our working relationship if a balance is more than two payments in arrears.  If you have any questions regarding payments, I encourage you to ask.

PLEASE NOTE: When we make an appointment, I am committing to hold that time for you. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment for any reason, please give me at least 48 hours advance notice or you will be charged the full amount for the time reserved for you.  If I miss a scheduled appointment without notifying you, I will make up the session with you, free of charge.  Regardless of whether you are here to begin your session on time, I will need to end the session at the scheduled time.  If I am late in beginning the session, I will make up the time for you.

You can contact me in Seattle at 206-313-8522.  I check my messages regularly during the weekday and somewhat less often on weekends.  You may also choose to contact me via email, which I check frequently.  If you need to contact me between sessions and would like me to call you back, please request that in your message.  Please note, this is not a confidential voicemail and anything sent over email cannot be guaranteed as confidential.

If you have a mental health emergency please call 911 or the 24-hour Crisis Clinic at 206.461.3222 or 866.427.4747 (866.4CRISIS).  Teens, please call the Crisis Clinic Teen Link at 206.461.4922 or 866.TEENLINK.