You have found your way to this page, so I want to welcome you. You are likely impacted by a loved one’s substance use and have determined that a new perspective may be beneficial. It often takes reflection and courage to reach out for support. You may have felt confusion, frustration, exhaustion, and fear while combating this issue alone. Maybe you have tried getting direction from friends or other supporters, but nothing feels quite right. These feelings are often compounded as we do our own research on what it is the “correct approach”, leaving you with more questions than answers or adding to the guilt that you can’t seem to manage this on your own. Many begin to feel depleted and even hopeless that there isn’t anything you can do that is both beneficial for your loved one and yourself. There are specific, evidence-based strategies that can help rebuild your relationship with your loved one while also encouraging them to explore support or treatment. Even if your loved one is not ready to begin their healing journey, you can still seek your own support. You are deserving of compassionate and solution-focused care. About Me I come to this work from a deep desire to provide quality, attuned care for individuals who are often the last to seek support. This is of no fault of the individual, but is perpetuated by our current substance use treatment systems that focus solely on the individual with addiction and leave their support systems with few resources for their own healing. I believe that family members, partners, and friends have great influence on their loved one’s recovery when addressed compassionately without ultimatums or surprise interventions. I feel passionately that addiction is best treated when we bring it out of isolation. My drive to do this work was born from my professional experience in the substance use disorder field, where I have worked in several harm-reduction settings with both adults and youth. I noticed a distinct gap in services for their families and support systems and decided to pursue training in this area. CRAFT is the foundation of my work, but I also have a strong knowledge of other recovery supports like Al-Anon and SMART Families & Friends. There is no singular way to seek healing. I encourage exploration in peer-support groups if that feels helpful. Licensure & Education I am a Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington state. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Central Washington University in 2012. I completed specialized training in substance use disorder prevention and treatment through Bellevue College, where I received my Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification in 2017. Just when I thought I had enough school, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Washington, graduating in 2020. This multilayered education allows me to focus my work on the entire family system impacted by substance use, not just the individual seeking treatment for their addiction. As a Social Work Associate, I am required by law to have an approved supervisor until I am fully licensed. This means that I will consult with my supervisor on a regular basis about my clients, who will have access to my clinical notes and records. My supervisor is Lara Okoloko, LICSW (SW#). Our Work Together I use a collaborative, solution-focused approach that works to identify what skills you already possess and what skills you may need in reaching your goals. You may find that the energy you are using to try and ‘fix’ the issue, may just need to be refocused or directed in a more sustainable way. We can do this work together while maintaining a dignified relationship with your loved one where all parties are mutually respected. I utilize the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach that provides a strong framework in which we can systematically address this complex dynamic within your relationship. My work is focused on you and your care. Your loved one is welcome to join our sessions when determined supportive, but it is not a requirement. Insurance & Reimbursement I am an out-of-network provider meaning I do not bill insurance directly. The client is responsible for payment and will be charged automatically at the end of each session. I use a secure, HIPAA compliant billing system through SimplePractice called STRIPE Payment. Receipts for services can be provided upon request.
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