ABOUT ANNIKA
you matter.
All people have inherent value, wisdom, gifts and influence. I view each individual from a systemic perspective and value supporting the whole person- emotional, physical, relational, mental, sexual and spiritual aspects of oneself. I have tremendous respect for you and your journey. I will follow your lead, yet I am open and trained to explore sacred and sensitive areas of your personhood.
Therapy works!
Change, hope and healing are possible. Therapy is not a magic solution, yet often the brave act of stepping out, creating space to invest in yourself and your relationships can be a catalyst for change. For therapy to be effective, it means showing up with vulnerability and authenticity. As you show up, I vow to show up as well. I have experienced the power of therapy in my own life and in dozens of clients lives. I have hope for you.
Getting Technical...
During therapy I will use an assortment of different theories depending on the needs of the clients. Some approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths based therapy, solution-focused therapy, attachment therapy (such as EFT), narrative therapy and integration of neuroscience research. I have many tools in my toolbox and we will co-navigate what is most useful for you.
I love my profession
I consider it a privilege to be invited into people's lives. As a licensed marriage and family therapy associate (LMFTA), I work with couples, individuals and families. I have pursued extra training in working with couples through study of attachment theory and Gottman Level 1 training. I am a Certified Medical Family Therapist, meaning I work specifically with clients and families navigating a medical diagnosis (such as cancer, dementia, chronic pain/illness). I have also received over 90 hours of additional training in sexuality and sexual health including desire for increased intimacy with partner, feeling at home in your body, self-esteem, how to talk to your kids about sex, religious sexual shame, changes in sexual desire and much more. I also have a background in faith education and can incorporate spiritual elements if you so desire.
Credentials, Education & Experiences
MS, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY, Seattle Pacific University
LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist) Washington State #LF61228303
CERTIFIED MEDICAL FAMILY THERAPIST (a holistic approach of collaborating your mental health treatment with your physician/s) Seattle Pacific University
ADVANCED CLINICAL SEXOLOGY (60 hour training) Northwest Institute of Intimacy
SEXUAL ATTITUDE REASSESSMENT TRAINING (30 hour training) Northwest Institute of Intimacy
PREPARE-ENRICH CERTIFIED (Pre-marital assessment program)
GOTTMAN LEVEL ONE TRAINING FOR COUPLES (2-day intensive)
AAMFT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
ASSECT Associate: American association for Sexuality educators, counselors and therapist
WAMFT WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
