About / Biography
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I have lived in Spokane all my life. I have four adult children and eight grandchildren. I graduated summa cum laude from Gonzaga University with my Masters in Mental Health counseling. I also graduated from Spokane Falls Community College with an American Sign Language degree and have worked as an interpreter with a variety of school districts.
I have had my own private practice for 20 years and worked with children, adolescents, and families for 22 years. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, role play, art and sand tray therapy that symbolize themes to help children resolve conflicts.
My specialities include depression and panic disorders, post traumatic stress disorders, domestic violence/anger management, boundary groups, eating disorders, marital therapy/divorce/separation, parenting issues and addictions. I see therapy as creating a safe atmosphere to explore awareness and affirm the unique gifts of individuals toward healing and wholeness.
- INCED --Inland Northwest Coalition on Eating Disorders
- APT -- Association for Play therapy/Sand Tray therapy
- NAMI -- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- WCA-- Washington Counselor Association
- ACA-- American Counselor Association
- AACC--American Association of Christian Counseling
Awards
- Honors Graduate Gonzaga University/Summa Cum Laude
- National Member Dean’s List
- National Honor Society in Psychology (PSI CHI)
- Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery: Manager Santa’s Express Workshop
- Elected Precinct Committee Officer and attended State Convention
- Assistant Campaign Manager for my Elected State Representative
- Crisis Pregnancy Center/Volunteer Counselor
- Hospice Caregiver and Grief Counselor
- Camp Fire leader/Girl Scouts of America
- First Tee of the Inland Empire -- Mentor/ Teaching Golf and the “Nine Core Values,” to Children and Adolescents
- S.C.A.N. Volunteer/ Stop Child Abuse and Neglect/ Preparing Parents and Protecting Children
- Eastern State Hospital volunteer and Experiential training
- N.N.F.D. /North of the Narrows Fire District volunteer fire fighter