I believe that there's meaning in everything we do, and I use that belief to approach counseling in a mindful and holistic way. While I have core approaches that I draw from–Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Existential Therapy–I want to make the counseling experience as unique as possible for the individual sitting in front of me, so I use an integrative framework. This way, I can tailor-make the experience for everyone I talk to, ensuring they're getting the experience that's right for them!
I also have the wonderful ability of sharing the therapeutic and healing experience of working with horses using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). You don't have to be an equestrian to benefit from being around horses, I'll help you learn about them while they teach you about yourself! You'll find more detailed information below on this and other specialty services I offer.
Outside of counseling work, you'll find me at the barn riding and jumping my horse, out running with my dog, or sitting at home working on an art project while listening to an audiobook or some sort of spooky podcast! I've lived in Washington my entire life and while I didn't get the bug for hiking like so many PNW natives, I do love being outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery this state has to offer. I have a major love for animals–one of the many reasons I'm excited to incorporate EAP into my counseling work–and have my own small zoo with a horse, a dog, and three cats. If you do EAP you'll definitely get to meet my horse, Donnie, and you'll probably see my dog, Rowan, hanging out in the car since he insists on going to the barn with me most days!
Ages: Pre-teens, teens, new adults, adults.
Populations/Groups: Women, equestrians, athletes, LGBTQIA+, men, and open to working with many more!
Issues: Anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, equestrian specific issues, sports performance, neurodivergence, life transitions, women's issues, burnout, stress, body dysmorphia, and grief.
Specialties: Anxiety and stress, pre-teen/teen issues, and equestrian issues and sports performance.
What I *Don't* See at This Time: I don't work with couples or large families. However, I work closely with colleagues who do, so I would be able to tag-team with them to provide the best care possible!
While I don't take insurance at this time, I try to make my services as accessible as possible. I offer a tiered, sliding scale system based off the "Green Bottle" model. For more information on rates and the different tiers, please contact Maddie.
I do not offer pro bono services.
About: In individual sessions, clients receive one-on-one support to work through life's difficulties and create meaningful change. Each session focuses on understanding your unique experiences and developing tools and coping skills that promote emotional wellbeing.
Location: General counseling sessions are held virtually. Other individual services and their locations are specified below.
About: These sessions bring mental skills coaching directly to the barn or arena. Sessions focus on challenges like show nerves and the pressures of competition, fear after a fall, rebuilding trust after setbacks, confidence with a specific horse, and anything else that may be impacting the rider, the horse, and their relationship. These can also be non-riding issues as well. Equestrians learn practical strategies and gain tools to strengthen emotional regulation, focus, and confidence both in and out of the saddle, enhancing the connection to their horse and the effectiveness of communication.
Single Rider Session: $180
Semi-Private Session: 2 riders, $150 per person
Group Session: 3+ riders, $125 per person
Travel: I will travel within a 50 mile radius of the South Sound area.
Haul-ins: Trailer to the barn I operate out of in Gig Harbor for lesson sessions with myself and Narrows Equestrian trainer, Jenn Wagner. Haul-ins will pay the fee to trailer to the property, as well as a lesson fee to Jenn Wagner (pricing information to come).
About: Equine-assisted psychotherapy combines traditional therapeutic techniques with guided interactions with horses to support emotional and behavioral growth. Sessions help clients build confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness through experiential learning. The presence of the horse offers immediate, honest feedback that deepens insight and healing. This approach is especially effective for those who benefit from movement, nature, and experiential learning.
Location: Gig Harbor, WA, 10 minutes off the first exit over the Narrows bridge.
For horse owners: If you'd like to do counseling alongside your own equine companion and are within a manageable radius of the South Sound area, I can meet at your barn and hold EAP sessions with you there.
*Coming soon! Those interested will be put on a list and notified when groups are formed*
*Coming soon! Those interested will be put on a list and notified when this service becomes available*
About: Participants will get training from two different perspectives in these clinics, one from the mental side of performance, the other from the physical/technical side.
In-House Hunter/Jumper Clinics: Participants can haul-in and work in-depth on their riding in and out of the saddle with myself, and my trainer, Jenn Wagner (Narrows Equestrian)! Over the course of 3 days, participants will build confidence mentally, on the flat, and over fences.
In-House Flat Clinics: These are welcome to all disciplines and will work on mental performance on the flat. Whether participants show up in a jump saddle, a western saddle, a dressage saddle, or a bareback pad; there will be something for each and every participant to take away and learn.
Clinics can also be conducted with other trainers/programs for those who would like to do their own in-house clinics at their own facilities!
Locations:
In-House: These clinics would be held at the barn I operate out of in Gig Harbor–Sunrise Stables.
Outside Clinics: These would be hosted by other barns and programs/trainers. I am willing to travel within a 50 mile radius (at this time) of the South Sound area.
Dates: TBD
Rates are per person.