Core Values and Ethical Statement

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor I abide by the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics. In addition, it is important for you to know what I value and what I am committed to, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not I am the right fit

My work as a therapist working with folks with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body disconnection is heavily informed by Health at Every Size® and fat acceptance movements. This means that I believe your body deserves respect no matter what your size. I strive to create a non-shaming environment in which your body is honored as a source of wisdom and knowledge. Your body is not, and never has been, a problem to be solved.

My work is also heavily influenced by intersectional feminist theory and a trauma informed lens. This means that I acknowledge that there are many stories the mental health field has not heard yet from people of all different backgrounds, and that dominant culture tends to keep these stories quiet. I acknowledge that racism, homophobia, sizeism, transphobia, classism, ageism, xenophobia, and sexism are systems of violence that affect the way we relate to our bodies. 

I use a variety of modalities, and in collaboration with you, strive to choose techniques and things to consider based on your unique needs. These modalities include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am an eclectic therapist who values your lived experience. Although I consult evidence based treatments, the field of therapy has yet to recognize that most evidence based treatments have not been studied with folks of varied lived experiences. Your wisdom and expertise, which include your desires, values, and experiences, are our most important guide.

I value the relationship between us, and also acknowledge the power dynamic between therapist and client. I frequently ask how you feel in therapy, how this relationship is working for you, and what else you may be needing. I view the therapeutic relationship as one of collaboration, rather than of prescription or manual. 

I am committed to making therapy accessible. This means that I do take health insurance for clients that would like to use health insurance and I also offer sliding scale spots. This also means that I make efforts to make talks, groups, and media appearances/social media posts accessible to people of different abilities, educational backgrounds, and body needs in mind.

I acknowledge that I am a settler doing this work on Yakama Nation land. I recognize that this land was stolen from Yakama indigenous peoples and continue to grapple with what it means to be a guest working and living here.

Finally, I acknowledge that as a white, cisgender, heterosexual woman, who is mostly able bodied and who lives in a body that is not regularly demonized or stigmatized by society, that I have benefited from many unearned privileges. My work as a therapist focused on body liberation, body respect, body peace is incomplete and harmful without recognition and reflection on my privilege and the ways in which society harms and traumatizes folks of all lived experiences.