Boozhoo/Hello! I’m a Washington native and have lived here most of my life. Along with loving my work, I cherish my time with my family, friends, and mydog, Nenabozho. I’ve been playing music since about the time I could walk. I enjoy both board and video games. I love white water rafting and time at The Mountain (IYKYK). I have a great time with my experiments in the kitchen and the garden.
My heritage is a mix of Indigenous (Ojibway Nation) and European. I bring the lessons I was raised with into the therapy room. These include respect for all my relations (2 footed, 4 footed, bird, fish, trees, plants, etc) and the 7 Grandfather Teachings of Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom. I’m grateful to all those who came before me who paved the way for me.
I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and I live on the land that’s been in my family since 1950. I’m also the 3 rd of 4 generations in my family to attend Stadium HS in Tacoma. I earned my undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Psychology in 1992 and my graduate degree from University Washington-Tacoma from the MSW program in 2002. I’m a lifelong learner, and I’ve enjoyed conferences like the Evolution of Psychotherapy and the Couples Conference, both through the Milton Erickson Foundation.
Miigwech/thank you for stopping by. I look forward to talking with you and helping wherever I can. For more information or to schedule a session, please contact me at [email protected] or (206) 414-8963.
Every system, whether individual, couple, or family, has their own dynamics that have carried them this far in life. Each one has strengths and challenges all their own. By getting to know the system I’m working with, I target interventions that I think will be helpful. Some of these approaches might include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parts Work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness strategies. Psychoeducation is always part of the interventions. Feedback from my clients on what is working and what’s not is always helpful to me as I refine the individual approach I take. So, the heart of Mino Ode’ (Good Heart) is really about relationships. Relationships like the therapeutic relationship are where real change happens, inside and outside the system.
With over three decades in the mental health field, I have worked with individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. From trauma recovery and grief to relationship dynamics and neurodiversity, my experience allows me to bring a thoughtful, compassionate perspective to each client’s situation. My years of hands-on experience and ongoing professional development ensure that I can offer the most effective support possible.
One of my cousins, when listening to me complain about a problem I was facing, said “but you’re a therapist. What problems could you have?” My response was, “Dude, I’m a human being first. Of course I have problems. Challenges in life are normal. One of the things I’ve worked on in my own life is non-judgmental compassion toward myself. I know both how challenging it can be and how powerful it is when adopted. I also know that the best way to foster what you want to see is to model it. I meet people where they are without judgment, and my treatment space reflects that. The most important takeaway is to be gentle with yourself. It may not be the trending viewpoint, but it’s where the most profound healing happens.