Director
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology / M.S.W. in Clinical Social Work

AAMFT Approved Supervisor

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

State of Washington Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Diplomate standing awarded in: Adlerian Psychology (NASAP), Professional Psychotherapy (IABMCP), and Clinical Social Work (NASW)

"I approach counseling as a collaborative partnership.  As we work together to understand the issues and concerns, I seek to help clients tap into their wisdom, creativity, and strengths to meet their current challenges.  I bring a holistic and systems perspective whereby clients can better understand themselves in the context of their family histories and current relationships.  By helping clients understand the origins of their beliefs, feelings, and behavior patterns that so often are not in conscious awareness, clients are able to achieve greater self-acceptance and strengthen their ability to make relevant, positive, and lasting life improvements.  I have learned that many maladaptive patterns of behavior originate in unresolved trauma.  I have special training in 'Reprocessing Therapies' which provide clients rapid and permanent healing from confusing, discouraging, or traumatic life events."

Assistant Director

M.S., Seattle Pacific University, Marriage & Family Therapy
B.A., Westmont College, Sociology

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

"I believe we are all created to be in relationships with others, yet we often discover how challenging relationships can be.  I desire to provide a safe environment for you to explore these challenges and identify ways to move differently.  My work with clients involves a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach within a systemic framework.  In my work, I seek to be respectful of and sensitive to your developmental needs and therapeutic goals.  I recognize that counseling can be intimidating, which is why I look forward to walking through the process with you.  I am also aware of how challenging and wonderful college can be, so I desire to be a support to you as you navigate your college experience at SPU."

Therapist
M.A., Antioch University, Psychology, Child, Couple and Family Therapy

M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
B.A., University of Washington, Psychology

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

"My work in the field of counseling psychology began with a specialization in couple and family systems therapy.  My philosophy towards helping people achieve perceived change is client-centered and built upon collaboration, cooperation, and a deep respect for the client's own resources and abilities to arrive at solutions to problems and challenges.  Acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual, I combine a variety of approaches to assist clients as they work to reach their own personal growth goals.  Personal growth goals are those ongoing and evolving goals which the client chooses to pursue in addressing a perceived problem or issue which they are facing."

Therapist                                                                                                        M.A., Eastern University, Community and Clinical Counseling                                B.A., Seattle Pacific University, Psychology and Sociology 

State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor                    

"My formal education and approach as a counselor has largely centered on Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic theoretical frameworks, though I am always seeking to grow and integrate other approaches when beneficial. You can expect that I will work collaboratively with you in the counseling process. As we discuss what brings you to seek help through counseling, and your goals for counseling, I hope that you will freely share the thoughts, feelings and behaviors which are concerning you. During our counseling sessions, we will explore together connections that may exist between these areas of your functioning both currently and in the related past. I will ask some prompting questions, listen actively, as well as give feedback about my observations. Through this supportive process, my goal is that you will become more aware of what informs your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and that deeper understanding and insights about yourself will lead to ways to address challenges that you face."

Individual, Couple and Family Therapist, Office Assistant

M.S., Seattle Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy

B.S., Colorado State University, Psychology

State of Washington Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“My training is in systems theory which focuses on how important relationships impact us and form us. Through our conversations, I hope to collaborate with clients to help them gain insight into the way their thoughts, feelings, past experiences and important relationships impact their presenting issue. I also use concepts from Gottman Therapy and Emotions Focused Therapy when I work with couples. These are two of the most scientifically validated couples therapy techniques.

In addition to providing therapy for students, I also enjoy serving students as an office assistant in the Student Counseling Center. I am very privileged to be able to serve students in both capacities and to be part of such an amazing team of therapists and staff." 

Therapist
M.A., Mars Hill Graduate School, Counseling Psychology
B.S., Miami University, Social Work

State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor

"My passion for therapy stems from the belief that everyone needs a place to safely explore who they are. My hope is that my clients will experience a therapeutic relationship that offers a space to explore what it means to relate more fully to themselves and to their world. More specifically, I have a strong interest in working with those clients who are exploring food and body issues. I believe that just like many other relationships in our lives, we deserve to feel a freedom in relating to food and to our bodies. My passion is to help people discover how that freedom can be possible."

Therapist
M.A., Antioch University, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling

B.A., University of Washington, Communication

"I believe that all individuals are striving to live happy and healthy lives, and as a therapist my goal is to support, encourage, empower, and challenge individuals to create the change that is desired in their lives. My hope is that therapy will provide a safe space that allows for exploration facilitated by collaboration and cooperation between therapist and client."

Dietitian

M.S., Bastyr University, Master of Science and Nutrition

B.S., Oregon State University, Nutrition, Dietetics and Foodservice Management

State of Washington Certified Dietitian and Nutritionist

National Registered Dietitian

"I have almost 20 enjoyable years as a dietitian and more recently a parent coach. I love working with people to improve their health, reduce stress, and to live the highest quality of life possible. I feel particularly passionate about supporting individuals having difficulty with disordered eating and body image issues and moving toward healthy life choices. One diet does not suit all and I enjoy partnering with my clients to improve their relationship with food, their body and ability to live the fullest life while reaching for their goals. I spend my down time with family traveling as much as possible and when not...dancing, biking, swimming, reading books and trying to learn more."

Therapist Intern
M.S. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy
B.A., Seattle Pacific University, Psychology

"I am presently receiving my training in systems therapy, which examines how the many facets of our lives interact.  What most interests me is the way our surrounding relationships and past experiences effect our current beliefs and values.  My goal is to assist clients in building on the resources and strengths I believe can be found within.  I hope our work together will carry into my client's daily living and empower their perception of self.  Ultimately, this can support the confidence needed in making life decisions."

Tamura Turney (M.S. in progress)

Therapist Intern

M.S. (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy

B.A., Angelo State University, Psychology

“I believe that every individual has a unique and valuable story to tell and it is my joy to hear the stories of anyone I come in contact with.  There are countless layers of our lives that intersect every day to make up that story and a priority of mine is to help others uncover those layers in order to convey how deeply rich their story is.  College is an exciting time of discovering potential and navigating change.  My hope in working with students through the SCC is to help each individual experience this time of life with confidence, to find the space they need to heal and reflect, and ultimately feel the freedom and empowerment to live life well.”

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Counseling Psychology

M.A., The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Christian Studies

B.A., Graphic Design, Washington University (St. Louis)

"I believe that life is a process of becoming whole—and this becoming is both profoundly beautiful and deeply painful. Feeling and exploring emotional pain, though terrifying, can be what leads us into a deeper awareness of beauty and a greater sense of self. Our histories, experiences, relationships and choices all contribute to our life story and who we have become at this point in our journey. They impact the feelings we allow or deny and how we relate to others and ourselves. My hope is that we can address any specific reasons you have for seeking therapy in such a way that also offers deeper insight into your life story.

My therapeutic approach aids the client in more fully understanding the depths of their personal story in order to step into healthier relationships with self and others, and essentially then to live a more whole and abundant life."

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Counseling Psychology

B.A., University of Texas at Dallas, Interdisciplinary Studies in Biology and Psychology

"Clients enter into counseling with varying needs; some wanting change, growth, advice, and/or help during crisis. Beginning the process of therapy can be difficult.  I want to invite you into creating a space together where trust and support will prevail and offset any discomfort. Each client brings a unique life story to counseling. By developing greater awareness of this story in therapy, you can increase understand of yourself and your challenges, and develop a new way of being and connecting with others. My desire is to provide support for you to succeed in this chapter of your life journey, as a student at SPU. On this journey filled with strife and goodness, I am honored to walk along side of you as a fellow traveler, one who can add to your support and the meaning of your experience.  I look forward to meeting with you."

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), Northwest University

B.A., Seattle Pacific University, Theater and Communication

“My approach to therapy is holistic and client centered.  I seek to create a safe and trusting environment where you can share your story, freely discuss your reasons for seeking help through counseling, and feel empowered to make healthy decisions.  My training emphasizes a multicultural and systems approach. Together we will discuss what challenges you may face, how these challenges relate to your current situation, your relationship to others, as well as your relevant past.  It is my hope that you will have deeper insight into your thoughts and feelings through this process.  I truly believe that each individual is uniquely creative and has a powerful story to share.  I have a passion for helping people and an interest in helping individuals who are dealing with body, self-esteem, and identity issues. I look forward to hearing and engaging in your story.” 

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Counseling Psychology

B.A., Ithaca College (N.Y.), Journalism and Psychology

“My role in the counseling process is to create a secure space for you to share your story and attach new meaning to it. How we see and tell our stories is often framed by the faulty, worn-out scripts we are unconsciously following. In living a life that is not our own, we risk losing both our unique voice and a sense of belonging.

Deep therapeutic change occurs within a caring, trustworthy alliance that empowers you to listen and give voice to your own hopes and dreams -- really, to trust yourself. This work is grounded in a growing awareness of both your own experience and how others experience you. 

I am committed to joining you on your journey of becoming your best self, as I believe healing is a collaborative effort in which we influence one another. Together we’ll explore how painful past events, survival strategies and relational patterns are being replayed in your present, in ways that provoke doubt or distress -- but together we can also realize the possibility for something new."

Therapist Intern

M.A. (in progress), Antioch University, Mental Health Counseling

B.S., Hardin-Simmons University, Psychology

"I consider counseling to be a unique, collaborative relationship based on trust and acceptance of both the client and counselor. As a counselor my goal is to provide a safe space where you can explore your challenges and concerns as well as navigate the changes occurring during your time in college. I believe that we all come from different backgrounds and have unique beliefs, values, and identities. Understanding your cultural identity is an important aspect of being able to provide you with the appropriate support, encouragement, empowerment, and challenge in order to make the changes you desire in your life." 

Therapist Extern

M.S., Seattle Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy

B.A, University of Washington, Psychology

"As a therapist, it is my goal to be present with you; to hear what you think and feel while helping you meet your goals in a therapeutic setting. Rather than tell you how to behave, I will guide you towards finding your own answers and assist in creating the story you want your life to fulfill. From a systems therapy lens, I can help you to examine your roles in relationships and the impact of those who may be involved. When we understand ourselves more clearly, it allows us to be fully present in our relationships with others. I believe in the integration of the mind, body, and soul when approaching health, which means we can explore all areas of life that are important to you, in a safe and non-judgmental environment."

Therapist Extern

M.A., Antioch University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

B.S., Central Michigan University, Psychology

"I view counseling as a collaborative alliance that is built from trust and acceptance of both client and counselor.  Because each individual is unique, I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, based on your needs and goals.  My intention is to create a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment so that, together, we can safely address your concerns and facilitate the life changes that you desire and deserve.  I am aware that we all come from different backgrounds with different stories.  Exploring together how your life story and culture has influenced your beliefs, values, and experiences allows both of us a better understanding of your strengths, challenges, hopes, and dreams.  Developing this holistic understanding of your life is an honor, one I look forward to experiencing together."

Administrative Assistant

B.A., Seattle Pacific University, Language Arts

"As an administrator, I believe that every client deserves to be treated with respect and compassion throughout the entirety of his or her interaction with the Student Counseling Center. I care deeply about providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment that enables all clients to feel comfortable at the Student Counseling Center."

Graduate Assistant

Ph.D., (in progress), Seattle Pacific University, Counselor Education

M.A.T., Johns Hopkins University, Secondary Mathematics

B.A., Providence College, Mathematics

B.S.W., Providence College, Social Work

"College is an opportunity for students to explore and learn about themselves and the world around them. I believe that the Student Counseling Center is a safe space and wonderful resource to assist students in this growth, as well as to help navigate challenges they may face. As a graduate assistant, it is my goal to ensure that all students feel welcome, respected, and comfortable while utilizing the support available to them at the Student Counseling Center."