Why did I choose this path
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Therapy Disclosure Statement
TYPES OF COUNSELING PROVIDED: Individual, and relationship. Areas of specialization include conflict resolution, life transitions, family-of-origin, and parenting.
METHODS OR TECHNIQUES USED: I use an eclectic approach to therapy, drawn from various “systems-oriented” models; i.e. models that view mental health issues as being sustained by a multitude of wider connected relationships and environments, within which the individual resides, rather than simply within the individual him/herself. I view myself as a collaborator in therapy who assists clients in examining the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that serve them, and those that do not. In my practice, my most joy-filled moments are those moments when I have witnessed a client’s reality shift around him/her from a view of no-choices to a view of possibility.
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EDUCATION: First, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a BFA from the University of Washington, I then received an MA in Applied Behavioral Science (2003) with an emphasis on mulit-body counseling, from Bastyr University (LIOS). In addition, I have completed certificate programs for mediation, and professional labor support. As the founder of Northwest Attachment Parenting (1996), I worked for many years in the not-for-profit sector, facilitating support groups for parents, and have also gained wide experience counseling sexual and gender minorities. In 2009 I completed the requirements for WA State Licensure in Marriage and Family therapy. I am constantly seeking out and participating in workshops and retreats, which further my growth and nourish my life. I feel it is part of my job to continue to learn and grow so that I can keep abreast of research, and serve you to the best of my abilities.
FEE INFORMATION & CANCELLATION POLICY: My fee is payable at the end of session. I do not bill insurance. Clients who do want to use insurance can ask for an invoice from me to submit to their companies themselves, if their policies have a provision that allows for out-of-network providers.
APPOINTMENTS: Regular therapy appointments are 50 minutes in length. Longer appointments can sometimes be arranged. My normal workweek is Monday through Thursday. If I begin late, your time will be extended so that you receive your full time. If you are late, your time will not be extended. If you must cancel your appointment, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance. This allows me to see other clients in the opening and plan accordingly. You will be responsible for the fee when cancellations are received less than 24 hours in advance. The only exception to this is medical emergencies.
PHONE CONTACT: My phone number is (206) 755-5427. I have voicemail available on which you may leave confidential messages. I do my best to return messages within 24 business hours, but please be aware that there may be times when I am unable to receive or respond to messages, such as when out of cellular range or out of town. In the case of emergency, I suggest that you contact Crisis Clinic @ (206) 461-3222, or go to your local hospital emergency room. Occasionally I offer phone consultations, but only in special circumstances. I am not available late evenings or weekends, so if you need to reach me at these times it will be necessary to arrange this ahead of time. I do not usually charge for brief (less than 10 minutes) phone conversations. I do charge for extended or multiple phone calls. Please note that SMS (normal phone text messages) are not designed for emergency contact. SMS text messages occasionally get delayed and on rare occasions may be lost. So, please refrain from using SMS as your sole method of communicating with me in emergencies.
INTERNET CONTACT: Please be aware, that I am an erratic email checker, so if there is any time pressure associated with your desire to get hold of me, the phone is always preferable. You should also know that email is not a reliably confidential medium in general, so I suggest you keep email messages as short and logistical as possible. Due to the unreliable nature of email confidentiality, I will not address therapeutic issues with you in that format. I also do not create social media relationships with my clients, nor will I go to your social media pages to collect information about you.
CONFIDENTIALITY: Information identifying you and your healing process is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your written consent. Exceptions to this are: 1) If you are a danger to yourself or others; 2) If the information involves the current abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult; 3) If the courts require such information. Should disclosure of confidential information be necessary, I will work with you as respectfully and directly as possible.
REGARDING THIRD-PARTY ACCESS TO COMMUNICATIONS: Please know that if we use electronic communications methods, such as email or texting, there are various technicians and administrators who maintain these services and may have access to the content of those communications. In some cases, these accesses are more likely than in others. Of special consideration are work email addresses. If you use your work email to communicate with me, your employer may access our email communications. There may be similar issues involved in school email or other email accounts associated with organizations that you are affiliated with. Additionally, people with access to your computer, mobile phone, and/or other devices may also have access to your email and/or text messages. Please take a moment to contemplate the risks involved if any of these persons were to access the messages we exchange with each other.
CLIENT RIGHTS: If you have any concerns about your experience, please discuss it with me. If you feel I have been unethical or unprofessional, you can contact the Washington State Department of Health, Health Professions Quality Assurance Division, P.O. BOX 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869. You may also call (360) 236-4902 Mondays through Fridays, 8am to 5pm.
Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own treatment and change. I can not guarantee a particular outcome, but I can promise that I will devote my full attention to you during our time together. If you think I am not helping, please discuss this with me so that I can make appropriate changes, or refer you to another professional.
UNDERSTANDING & CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION: I have received and reviewed this Client Disclosure Information. I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this material, and understand the information provided. I am of sound mind and body, participate voluntarily, and understand that I am personally responsible for my experience. I hereby consent to treatment and agree to the terms outlined above.
TYPES OF COUNSELING PROVIDED: Individual, and relationship. Areas of specialization include conflict resolution, life transitions, family-of-origin, and parenting.
METHODS OR TECHNIQUES USED: I use an eclectic approach to therapy, drawn from various “systems-oriented” models; i.e. models that view mental health issues as being sustained by a multitude of wider connected relationships and environments, within which the individual resides, rather than simply within the individual him/herself. I view myself as a collaborator in therapy who assists clients in examining the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that serve them, and those that do not. In my practice, my most joy-filled moments are those moments when I have witnessed a client’s reality shift around him/her from a view of no-choices to a view of possibility.
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EDUCATION: First, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a BFA from the University of Washington, I then received an MA in Applied Behavioral Science (2003) with an emphasis on mulit-body counseling, from Bastyr University (LIOS). In addition, I have completed certificate programs for mediation, and professional labor support. As the founder of Northwest Attachment Parenting (1996), I worked for many years in the not-for-profit sector, facilitating support groups for parents, and have also gained wide experience counseling sexual and gender minorities. In 2009 I completed the requirements for WA State Licensure in Marriage and Family therapy. I am constantly seeking out and participating in workshops and retreats, which further my growth and nourish my life. I feel it is part of my job to continue to learn and grow so that I can keep abreast of research, and serve you to the best of my abilities.
FEE INFORMATION & CANCELLATION POLICY: My fee is payable at the end of session. I do not bill insurance. Clients who do want to use insurance can ask for an invoice from me to submit to their companies themselves, if their policies have a provision that allows for out-of-network providers.
APPOINTMENTS: Regular therapy appointments are 50 minutes in length. Longer appointments can sometimes be arranged. My normal workweek is Monday through Thursday. If I begin late, your time will be extended so that you receive your full time. If you are late, your time will not be extended. If you must cancel your appointment, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance. This allows me to see other clients in the opening and plan accordingly. You will be responsible for the fee when cancellations are received less than 24 hours in advance. The only exception to this is medical emergencies.
PHONE CONTACT: My phone number is (206) 755-5427. I have voicemail available on which you may leave confidential messages. I do my best to return messages within 24 business hours, but please be aware that there may be times when I am unable to receive or respond to messages, such as when out of cellular range or out of town. In the case of emergency, I suggest that you contact Crisis Clinic @ (206) 461-3222, or go to your local hospital emergency room. Occasionally I offer phone consultations, but only in special circumstances. I am not available late evenings or weekends, so if you need to reach me at these times it will be necessary to arrange this ahead of time. I do not usually charge for brief (less than 10 minutes) phone conversations. I do charge for extended or multiple phone calls. Please note that SMS (normal phone text messages) are not designed for emergency contact. SMS text messages occasionally get delayed and on rare occasions may be lost. So, please refrain from using SMS as your sole method of communicating with me in emergencies.
INTERNET CONTACT: Please be aware, that I am an erratic email checker, so if there is any time pressure associated with your desire to get hold of me, the phone is always preferable. You should also know that email is not a reliably confidential medium in general, so I suggest you keep email messages as short and logistical as possible. Due to the unreliable nature of email confidentiality, I will not address therapeutic issues with you in that format. I also do not create social media relationships with my clients, nor will I go to your social media pages to collect information about you.
CONFIDENTIALITY: Information identifying you and your healing process is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your written consent. Exceptions to this are: 1) If you are a danger to yourself or others; 2) If the information involves the current abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult; 3) If the courts require such information. Should disclosure of confidential information be necessary, I will work with you as respectfully and directly as possible.
REGARDING THIRD-PARTY ACCESS TO COMMUNICATIONS: Please know that if we use electronic communications methods, such as email or texting, there are various technicians and administrators who maintain these services and may have access to the content of those communications. In some cases, these accesses are more likely than in others. Of special consideration are work email addresses. If you use your work email to communicate with me, your employer may access our email communications. There may be similar issues involved in school email or other email accounts associated with organizations that you are affiliated with. Additionally, people with access to your computer, mobile phone, and/or other devices may also have access to your email and/or text messages. Please take a moment to contemplate the risks involved if any of these persons were to access the messages we exchange with each other.
CLIENT RIGHTS: If you have any concerns about your experience, please discuss it with me. If you feel I have been unethical or unprofessional, you can contact the Washington State Department of Health, Health Professions Quality Assurance Division, P.O. BOX 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869. You may also call (360) 236-4902 Mondays through Fridays, 8am to 5pm.
Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own treatment and change. I can not guarantee a particular outcome, but I can promise that I will devote my full attention to you during our time together. If you think I am not helping, please discuss this with me so that I can make appropriate changes, or refer you to another professional.
UNDERSTANDING & CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION: I have received and reviewed this Client Disclosure Information. I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this material, and understand the information provided. I am of sound mind and body, participate voluntarily, and understand that I am personally responsible for my experience. I hereby consent to treatment and agree to the terms outlined above.