FAQs

MASTERS IN MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
Pacific Lutheran University, WA
Credential number: MG61645730

MASTERS IN DIVINITY
Luther Seminary, MN

BACHELORS IN GOVERNMENT, SPANISH
Augustana University, SD

Supervision Provided by
Rebecca Grondel, MA, LMFT

The goal of therapy is to help alleviate emotional distress and enhance your overall experience in life and relationships. Therapy offers a confidential, judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. Working with a professional who uses evidence-based practices can often be the most effective way to create the lasting change you’re seeking. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

In our initial sessions, we’ll talk about the challenges that brought you to therapy and define your goals. From there, we’ll work together to take steps toward those goals.

You might experience some uncomfortable emotions, like sadness, anxiety, or frustration, as we dive deeper into the issues at hand. While these feelings can be tough, the benefits of therapy — improving relationships, finding more purpose, and increasing happiness — usually outweigh these challenges.

If at any point you feel like therapy isn’t working for you, please let me know. We’ll adjust our approach together, or I can refer you to another therapist who might be a better fit for your needs.

I work from a family systems perspective, focusing on the interactions and relationships that contribute to the challenges you’re facing and the solutions we’ll work toward. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, adapting techniques to best meet your needs, including but not limited to:

• Emotionally-Focused Therapy

• Transformational Systemic Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Solution-Focused Therapy

• Narrative Therapy

• Structural Family Therapy

I address a range of concerns with diverse clients, including but not limited to:

• ADHD

• Anxiety & Depression

• Grief & Loss

• Trauma & Past Wounds

• Isolation & Loneliness

• Communication Struggles

• Relationship Difficulties

• Pre-Marital Counseling

• Parenting Challenges

• Boundaries & Assertiveness

• Life Transitions & Stress

• Self-esteem

• Personal Growth

• Spiritual & Religious Struggles

• Men’s Issues

The length of treatment depends on factors like: your schedule; therapists availability; ongoing life challenges; specific nature and acuity of your challenges; and engagement in the therapy process between sessions. While there’s no specific timeline, the research suggests that many therapy clients can experience clinically significant improvement in 12 - 15 sessions. Often, clients decide to continue in order to dive deeper. Regardless, my goal is to help you meet your goals as soon as possible.

Individuals, couples and families.

Yes, therapy is confidential. You have the right to a safe, private space to explore your thoughts and feelings. However, there are a few exceptions:

• When you provide written consent to release information

• If your records are subpoenaed for legal reasons

• In cases where reporting is required or allowed by law, such as: child abuse or neglect, threats of harm to yourself or others, elder abuse, or possession of child pornography

Yes. As a marriage and family therapist, in addition to being trained to work with individuals, I’ve also received specialized training to work with couples and families.

If you are in crisis or need help immediately please reach out to one of the following crisis lines.

• Pierce County Crisis Line: 1-800-576-7764

• King County Crisis Line: 1-866-427-4747

• Kitsap County Crisis Line: 1-888-910-0416

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 now.