Trauma therapy in Seattle and throughout Washington & Oregon

Meet Your Seattle Trauma Therapist

(she/her/ella) I'm a trauma-focused, bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist in Washington State and Oregon. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (WA: LW61572478; OR: L17116) and Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (WA: CO61510463), but do not provide individual substance use disorder treatment at this time.
About Me
My Approach
I am a trauma therapist based in Washington State offering bilingual therapy, therapy intensives, and
psychological evaluations for immigration cases in English and Spanish. While I have foundational
training in traditional cognitive “talk therapy” models, my true passion is in experiential, body-
informed therapies that create deeper and longer-lasting change. I’m trained in Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through an EMDRIA-approved program, as well as in
IFS (Internal Family Systems, or “parts work”) and somatic therapy. I often weave these
modalities together to tailor an approach that fits your unique needs and goals.
My style is compassionately direct: honest and warm, but never harsh. I bring my own self into
my work and believe that while therapy can be challenging, it can also be full of humanity, humor,
and connection. When you’re ready, I’ll gently invite you to explore new ways of relating to yourself
and others, always at your pace.
My Philosophy
I work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens, with a deep respect for how identity, culture, and systems of power shape our
mental health. Trauma doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It often lives in the intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality, disability
immigration status*, religion, and more. I believe that the messages we’ve received about who we’re
allowed to be collectively can cut just as deep as individual experiences of harm.
I believe that healing happens when we work not just with the mind, but with the body and
nervous system. Trauma isn't only about what happened—it's about how our systems have
adapted to survive. That's why I focus on therapies that help you feel safe, connected, and
empowered from the inside out. My goal is to create a space where your whole self is welcome.
That includes the parts of you that are tired, uncertain, angry, grieving, and surviving. You don’t
have to translate your experience, explain away your reactions, or edit your truth. You don’t have
to mask, shrink, of perform. Therapy with me is collaborative, curious, and rooted in honoring your
lived experience.
*Your safety is a top priority; I do not disclose or record your immigration status unless you specifically request it (immigration evaluations, advocacy letters, etc.).
Why I Do This Work
I’m not just trained in these therapies—I’ve personally experienced them. As a trauma survivor, I know what it's like to feel stuck, to long for change, and to take that step toward healing. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these approaches can be for myself and for many of the people I’ve worked with. That transformation is what drives and sustains my work.
Healing is possible. I've lived it, and I've witnessed it in others again and again. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of transformation, even when it feels far away. I don’t believe anyone is “too broken” or “too complicated.” I’m here for the messy, courageous work of healing. My role is to walk with you, offering guidance, insight, and tools as you reconnect with your strength, your clarity, and your sense of self.
How I Work
Weekly Therapy
I offer weekly therapy for adults and teens (12+) across Washington State and Oregon, with sessions available in English or Spanish, either online or in walk-and-talk sessions outdoors in South Seattle. Each session will be tailored to you, drawing from EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, and somatic therapies, to go beyond coping and create lasting change. You can expect a
blend of warmth and honesty, and a space where all parts of you are welcome. Whether we’re
addressing challenges stemming from your family of origin, anxiety, religious harm, or immigration
trauma, we’ll work at a pace that feels safe and empowering. Therapy isn’t about fixing you; it’s
about helping you come home to yourself.
Therapy Intensives
There are situations in which weekly therapy isn’t the right pace, or it’s simply not enough. I
offer trauma-focused therapy intensives for individuals who want to go deeper in a condensed
timeframe. Intensives may be helpful if you’re feeling stuck, processing a specific event,
preparing for a major life transition, or if traditional weekly sessions aren’t accessible due to your
schedule or location.
Drawing from EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, and somatic approaches, intensives are custom-designed to meet your needs. These sessions are paced with great care and include thorough preparation and follow-up. Intensives are available online or in-person in South Seattle, with the option of incorporating nature-based elements.
Immigration Evaluations
I offer psychological evaluations for immigration cases, including asylum, VAWA, hardship waivers, and U-
visas. These evaluations are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and rooted in respect for your lived experience. My goal is to provide supportive space where your story can be documented with care
and clinical clarity. I have over 12 years of experience working with individuals navigating
immigration systems and offer evaluations in both English and Spanish. Translation services are
available for other languages as needed.
If you're an immigration attorney seeking a trusted clinician to support your clients through this
process, please reach out. I welcome collaboration and aim to make the process as smooth and
timely as possible.
Who I Am
Lived and Professional Experience
I bring a cross-cultural lens to this work. I’m a cisgender woman of primarily Irish and Swedish descent, born and raised in the Seattle area on the ancestral lands of the Puyallup and Muckleshoot tribes. I lived and worked in southern Mexico and Guatemala for 8 years and am fluent in Spanish. While I’m not Latinx, I have deep respect for the immigrant experience and extensive experience working with individuals navigating immigration trauma and cultural transitions in all 3 countries and throughout Latin America.
Credentials and Training
Licenses
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LICSW, LW61572478 - Washington State
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LCSW, L17116 - Oregon
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SUDPT, CO61510463 - Washington State
Degrees and Certificates
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MSW, Clinical Social Work - University of Washington
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MA, International Development - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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BA, Psychology - University of Washington
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Certificate, Substance Use Disorder Professional for Behavioral Health Professionals - Highline College
Training
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - EMDRIA-approved
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Brainspotting -Phase 1
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Somatic Therapy
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Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
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Comprehensive Immigration Evaluations - Immigration Evaluations Institute
Outside of the Therapy Room
Outside of therapy, you’ll find me in nature hiking, backpacking, sailing, paddleboarding, and
spending as much time as possible in or near the water. I believe nature is one of the most
powerful healers, and for many clients, our work together may include grounding, mindfulness,
or reflection inspired by the natural world. I love dancing, reading, and cooking food from the
places I’ve lived or visited (cookbooks are always my souvenir of choice!).
Let's Connect
Do you recognize yourself in any of this? Let's talk! A free 20-minute phone or video consultation is a chance for us to connect, explore your goals, and see if working together feels right. I’ll answer your questions and help you take the next step, whether that is scheduling our first session together or assisting with referrals for someone who might be a better fit.










