I often hear from clients and colleagues that my love for this work is palpable. This passion grew from my roots in Hospice and Palliative Care, where I considered it a profound privilege to be invited into the most intimate moments of a person's life. While tending to patients, I noticed that physical symptoms like insomnia, chronic pain, and fatigue often persisted despite medication. This sent me down a path of deep research into the link between traumatic experiences and physical suffering, ultimately leading me to specialize in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and AEDP.
Because of this background, it is imperative for me to tend to the entirety of a person. I believe that being safely seen and felt by another, releasing traumatic burdens from the mind, and reclaiming the body are all integral to thriving. This is a journey I join alongside you, rooted in deep respect for the tenacity of the human spirit.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, Military / Veterans, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Trauma-informed therapy that helps individuals explore deeply held, painful emotional experiences within a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: My approach is relational and body focused. EMDR is my primary modality to process traumatic experiences. I also incorporate AEDP and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy since traumatic experiences are often alongside environments that were neglectful, harmful or relationships were weaponized. We will work toward a shared purpose: helping you appreciate the body you inhabit and cultivating relationships that serve as safe containers for your emotions and communication.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 175.00
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I offer a reduced fee for individuals who are dually covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
- Accepts Insurance
- Premera, Kaiser Permanente, First Choice Health Network (FCHN)
Education & Credentials
Humble Steps Psychotherapy LICSW, APHSW-C
- Female
- License # LW60788498
- Licensed in Washington
- Practicing Since 2011
Education: I received my Master of Nonprofit Organizations in 2006 from Case Western Reserve University. I received my Master of Social Work in 2010 from Cleveland State University.
Humble Steps Psychotherapy Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Tacoma, WA and Renton, WA
- Available Online for residents of Washington
- Online Therapy Details: Simplepractice and for EMDR clients I use the secure WeMind portal
Trauma leaves an enduring imprint on both the mind and body. Research shows that nearly 90% of U.S. adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. While not every event develops into PTSD, trauma always teaches us survival lessons—such as "I am not safe," "I am unlovable," or "I cannot trust anyone." While these adaptations were necessary to protect you in the past, they often persist as chronic physical suffering, anxiety, or emotional constriction long after the danger has passed.
As an EMDR Certified Therapist trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and AEDP, my role is to help you safely access and process these deep-seated patterns. Together, we will identify where these protective survival strategies live in your history and your nervous system. Our clinical focus will be guiding your body back to a felt sense of safety and secure attachment, fostering a deep, somatic knowing that you are—and always have been—worthy of your emotions.