About

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I have been working as a psychologist since 1984 in my office near the Pike Place Market. I have loved being near the Market all these years. I am grateful for the many people who have trusted me with their fears and longings.

I have a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Washington, an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA from Grinnell College.

My early work experience in Seattle was with Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, and that generated long-term interests in sexuality, female health issues, and counseling. I’ve also done some specialized work with people with physical and sensory disabilities. I work with couples in many configurations: straight, gay, lesbian, living together, married, separating and divorcing. I strive to be culturally sensitive and responsive in the work I do.

As a member of the American Psychological Association and the Washington State Psychological Association, my practice is governed by a code of ethical responsibility.

In the last decade, I have been drawn to a newer therapeutic approach called Emotionally Focused Therapy, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. I am enthusiastic about this evidence-based, systematic approach to couple and individual issues, rooted in attachment theory.

I am active in the therapy process. I don’t try to find who’s to blame for the pain in the relationship. In fact, EFT is a nonjudgmental model. We believe that the repetitive negative cycles we get into with one another are based in a lack of safety in the relationship. This lack of safety erodes intimacy over time.

I try to help couples identify their cycles so they know when they’re about to be swept away into fear and isolation. When they can move quickly to catch the cycle that is sweeping them away, they can collaborate to calm down their upset and share their softer feelings. (Ok, that isn’t as easy as it may sound, but it can be learned). My role is to be the safe person in the room, the person who helps you identify when you’re moving into pain and disconnection, and also identify when you’re moving towards safety and connection. Once we know it’s the cycle that’s causing the problems (and not either of you), you can live with one another with more tenderness and vulnerability.

Most people want to feel secure in their primary relationship. We want to feel accepted, appreciated, supported and cherished. That is exactly what we should want. It is very confusing that these qualities are so hard to come by when we are working so hard in the relationship. Whether you are the person who withdraws to try to keep the conflict from getting bigger or the person who pursues to have yet another run at making the relationship better, you are seeking love and connection. We all are.

I have been working as a psychologist since 1984 in my office near the Pike Place Market. I have a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Washington, an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA from Grinnell College.

As a member of the American Psychological Association and the Washington State Psychological Association, my practice is governed by a code of ethical responsibility. This means that I provide the best service that I am capable of providing and work within the limits of my competencies.

I am active in the therapy process and work cooperatively with clients to establish goals. In addition to Emotionally Focused Therapy, I have some training in the theoretical approaches of John Gottman, David Schnarch, and the PREP approach to communication skills. I will be working from 8:15-4:15 Mondays & Tuesdays, and 8:30-12:30 on Wednesdays. I am not a preferred provider on any insurance panels. I enjoy the work that I do.