Not any one area. I have been in practice for a long time and I am constantly expanding my experience base. Although it is important to know about specific types of problems it is just as important to understand the unique situation of each individual. I am also aware of how quickly "knowledge" in our field is evolving so it is important to me to keep up with new developments and of course I always learn a great deal from my clients themselves. If you have questions whether I am familiar with your particular issue or problem area please do enquire.

There are no hard and fast rules about this, although I have sometimes referred specific cases to others whom I thought might be better suited or equipped to help with their specific issues. Generally, I do not take cases with chronic schizophrenia or severe developmental disorders as these are very specialized. I do get referred and take on very complex cases that others may not, such as bipolar disorder, complex PTSD, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, and combinations of these. I do limit the number of such cases and welcome the balance that a wide variety of client problems brings.

Yes, I have training in EMDR ("eye movement desensitization and reprocessing") and EMDR would be an option for PTSD and related problems if we work together. I do not agree to provide EMDR treatment in advance; this needs to be determined in context and after getting to know each other.

I am quite familiar with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) although I do not have training as a DBT therapist. I have often been the individual therapist for clients in the UW Psychiatry Department DBT group program, and I believe this makes a very good combination for someone who wants the DBT exposure.

Absolutely. Not everyone wants or needs to do that, but for those that do, I encourage it. The "fit" between client and therapist (counselor etc.) is very important. Some questions and concerns can be discussed in an initial telephone conversation. There is no charge for this phone screening, but actual meetings are charged.

Most HMO's strictly require that your services be provided by their own "panel" except under special circumstances. I do not belong to any HMO panels. However before you decide, I suggest you "do the math". If your insurance offers very limited mental health or behavioral health benefits and you believe you will want longer term or more frequent services, it may cost you less in the long run to pay privately due to discounts provided to cash payers.

You can certainly discuss your interests or concerns without making a commitment. But I don't like to use "need" as the yardstick. It is much more important if an individual wants to invest some time, energy (and money) into changing something that is a problem for them. The person who comes to me because ten people tell them they "need" to see someone, but who has no interest themselves, is not likely to achieve much. While some potential clients need me to be a health care provider and have severe impediments to their functioning, their ability to pursue self-satisfaction and so forth, others are able to use a bit of advice or feedback, a view separate from the emotional attachments, or a good "sounding board" in a crisis or major life transition. All of these are valid reasons to seek services and are welcome. The term "coaching" has recently been formalized, but for years I've suggested to people who weren't sure they should do this to consider it like a sports coach or aerobics instructor: it may provide a way to improve desired skills and/or to feel healthier and happier about being oneself.

The building is quite accessible with wheelchair drop-off and ramp and accessible bathroom facilities. The doors must be opened manually so if this presents difficulties please let me know and I will make arrangements to let you in.

Feel free to ask. I'll be adding the more frequent ones to this page as they come along.