I suffered from a lack of self-worth and high anxiety which sometimes escalated to panic. I somatized my emotions: developed IBS, ocular migraines, and tingling in various parts of my body. Constant frustration and inability to speak my truth led to chronic sinusitis and tonsillitis; I had three surgeries in an effort to get some relief. I didn’t feel supported and I suffered from a lack of awareness. My thoughts, feelings, and actions weren’t serving me. I tried to escape using unhealthy coping mechanisms, but I could not. I decided to face myself.

In an effort to heal, I began to incorporate components of a self-derived wellness plan into my life. First massage therapy, then frequent, long walks outside. I focused on nutrition. I started practicing yoga: first just asana, then breath work and meditation. I connected with a therapist and committed to doing the work. I made the change from western to naturopathic medicine. I utilized sensory deprivation float tanks to reset my nervous system. I attended wellness conferences and completed a course that led to a deeper understanding of happiness. I added Reiki and dreamwork to my recipe.

After a few years of dedication to myself and help from many others, my suffering decreased significantly; my physical and mental/emotional symptoms subsided. My thoughts and feelings aligned with my highest good and I had a deep knowing I was enough. The higher energy and awareness I had amassed came with the intuitive realization that I was not on the ideal career path for me. I had chosen to become a geologist because it was a traditional, practical career. The bonus was that I could integrate my love of science and the environment into a well-paying job, but I felt unfulfilled because I wasn’t using my time, energy, and talents to make a difference in the lives of others. I wasn’t cognizant of my life’s purpose and I certainly wasn’t taught to incorporate it into my career path.

I took a big risk: I quit my first career and went back to school to become a therapist. As it turns out, I had all the support I needed. I started coursework at Bastyr University and offered myself a rich variety of enhancements to the standard program including electives on cooking whole foods and Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as experiences with Aryurvedic medicine, craniosacral therapy, qigong, and acupuncture. I served as a Student Therapist at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and completed my practicum at Youth Eastside Services (YES). I also volunteered as a mentor in YES’s Success Program. I earned my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. After graduation, I worked as a Child and Family Therapist at Catholic Community Services before commencing private practice. I felt grateful and optimistic.

As I continued to expand, I hit bumps in the road, and I wasn’t afraid to ask for help. I adopted a spiritual belief system that worked well for me, developed faith, and became more open-minded. I sat in silent Anapana, Vipassana, and Metta meditation for 10 days. I dabbled in tools for self-discovery such as Gene Keys, Human Design, Enneagram, astrology, numerology, oracle cards and tarot. I had become endlessly curious about intuitive and mystical pursuits such as talismanic medicine, channeling, and mediumship. I smudged, collected stones and crystals, listened to music as medicine, and incorporated sound healing into my self-care too. I benefited from practitioners who offered applied kinesiology, birth work, past life regression, and Akashic Records sessions as well as shamanic ceremony in an effort to continue along my own personal journey to self-realization. I added Rolfing and chiropractic care to my bodywork regimen and started gardening in an effort to stay in-tune with the natural environment as well as stay physically active. I cultivated the most intimate and rewarding relationships of my life.

In 2023, I enrolled in the East-West Psychology PhD program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). The program honors the science of the soul and an expanded view of the psyche; within it I am exploring questions around the nature of consciousness and the meaning of life.

In October 2024 I began CIIS’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate Program. I am learning a wide variety of skills and knowledge bases, ranging from pharmacology of psychedelics to psychedelic therapist competencies, and the history of use of psychoactive plants across the globe. The program thoroughly covers clinical work with MDMA and psilocybin (the two medicines furthest along in the FDA drug development process) with additional coursework on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (FDA-approved for specific clinical syndromes).

My current educational and professional objective is to walk in two worlds, as a scholar practitioner, with unified heart and wise mind. Professionally, I want to elevate my therapy practice from a traditional Western psychological model to an enlightened psychospiritual model by incorporating depth, transpersonal, and existential psychologies, Eastern and indigenous wisdom traditions, and neuroscience. I aspire to make the unconscious conscious, to offer my clients a truly transformational experience.

My career as a therapist is incredibly fulfilling and continues to grow as I see clients. I love to serve others who are on any part of this transformational path. I know what it takes to pursue a dream and happily share that knowledge.

Learn more about therapy with me