Therapeutic Approach

Life can be confusing, complex and disappointing, and in turn we experience a multitude of feelings such as sadness, anger, anxiety, and hopelessness. You may be feeling that the strands of your life are unraveling and you want to make sense of it all.

My private practice, Tapestry Therapy, is founded upon the belief that your life is like a tapestry, consisting of strands of stories that have been woven together to make one larger story. Our story is part of the larger tapestry of our family, race, culture, country and world. Through the work of therapy, we come to understand our stories and are empowered to decide how we will write future chapters.

A counselor and client sit in chairs facing each other

I work to cultivate a welcoming space for us to be in. It is within this space that we can collaboratively explore the nature of your struggles. This process of exploration creates internal room for reflection, change and development. I believe that the greatest instrument of healing and change is our therapeutic relationship, which is based on empathy, empowerment and respect.

Current research has revealed that the brain can continue to develop and rewire itself through experiences, which actually change the brain’s structure and functioning. The therapeutic relationship and the experience of therapy do exactly this – rewire the brain. Thus, I commit being an empathetic presence who is fully engaged in this journey with you. While I bring expertise and wisdom into this therapeutic relationship, I believe that you are the expert on you. I consider it a privilege to journey with you to discover your story and a deeper understanding of who you are.

Close up detail shot of a globe focused on Turkey

Living in Turkey for many years deeply impacted and formed who I am, which is a bilingual (Turkish-speaking) and bicultural therapist. I approach life and my work through an anti-oppression lens as I provide trauma informed care. As I work with clients of diverse cultures I am mindful of the historical, racial and inter-generational trauma that they have likely experienced. I’m also committed to continuing to examine my own areas of privilege, and to practicing cultural humility.

My therapeutic style is empathetic, relational, and realistic. My approach is grounded in Psychodynamic Therapy, and is informed by Relational Cultural Theory, Attachment Theory and Narrative Therapy. The main therapeutic modality that I utilize with my clients is Lifespan Integration. It is a gentle, somatic, body-based therapeutic method that heals deeply and completely without re-traumatizing the client. I also utilize mindfulness, grounding exercises, psychoeducation and talk therapy when helpful.

My Journey

I worked in community mental health as a Wraparound Facilitator in the Wise program during my last year of grad school. This ignited my love for working with children, adolescents and families. Also, during that year I did clinical internships at Refugees Northwest and Sound Mental Health. After graduating with my MA in Counseling Psychology, I worked in community mental health for a year where I provided parent coaching and therapy for adolescents who had co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In 2020, I launched my private practice, Tapestry Therapy. I am a partner of Northwest Family Life and previously led a Women's Domestic Violence Support Group through NWFL. I’m passionate about the intersection of psychology, spirituality, culture and creativity.

Areas of Focus

Domestic Violence & Coercive Control
Abuse (Emotional, Economic, Physical, Sexual & Spiritual)
Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse
Trauma, PTSD & C-PTSD
Divorce
Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
Life Transitions
Identity Issues
Codependency
Relationship Issues
Immigrants, Refugees, & Asylum Seekers

Client Age Focus

Tweens (11-12)
Adolescents (13-19)
Adults

Licensure & Certification

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Washington State Department of Health (#LH61240365)

Education & Training

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, 2019
Bachelor of Arts in Education, Michigan State University, 1996

Minors in Mathematics & Music

Lifespan Integration: Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4
Effective Trauma Care Training, The Allender Center
Recognizing and Addressing Domestic Violence in the Christian Community Training, Northwest Family Life
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1
Improv for Therapists: Level 1
TEFL Certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Advocacy for Victims of Domestic Violence course at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Training, levels 1 & 2, from EFT Tapping Institute in 2022
Parent Child Interaction Training for Traumatized Children Course (PCIT) from the University of California, Davis
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing Training from King County
Motivational Interviewing: Improving Client Outcomes by Increasing Intrinsic Motivation for Change Training from Cascadia Training
Wraparound Intensive Services Therapist/Clinician Training from King County
Wraparound Intensive Services Facilitator Intermediate Training from King County