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About Andrea:
Therapist for CPTSD,
Cycle-breaking Parents,
and the Perinatal Journey
Serving Clients Online in CA &WA.
In-person in Lacey, WA
About Me.
It's hard to say when my own healing journey began. Was it when I realized just how much my past had followed me into the present? Was it when I discovered somatic healing and finally felt my body shift out of old patterns of holding and bracing? Was it when I began to show myself grace in my motherhood journey and stopped holding myself to an impossible standard?
Much of what I help others with are experiences I've had myself. I've struggled with my own perfectionism, battled a persistent inner critic, and sought external achievement to mask internal shame. I've struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety and I've stumbled back into old struggles and patterns at various transitional periods of life. Perhaps you can relate to feeling that healing never really has a beginning or end, but evolves in a spiral fashion, ideally gravitating outward from a dense center towards increasing access to lightness and joy. I take care of myself so I can show up fully for you.
My passion lies in helping people find hope. I have long been interested in understanding the human condition, and one thing that always stands out in my personal in professional experience is the power of connection. I deeply value my clients and the genuine relationships we build. I meet you eye to eye with humility and kindness. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I will persist in showing up for you and believing in you.
My practice is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I believe each person's lived experiences, preferences,needs, and belief systems deserve to be honored and respected in the therapy space, and I invite explorations of clients' points of view through a narrative, social justice oriented, and feminist lens.
Education
2003-2007
Bachelor of Arts in Literature
Minor in Sociology
University of California Santa Cruz
Studied human behavior, historical texts, and social dynamics throughout history.
Participated in advocacy efforts for the campus labor union.
2011-2013
Masters of Social Work
University of Southern California
Phi Alpha Honor Society Member
Children and Families Specialization
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California since 2017 #LCS 80605
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington state since 2023 #LW.61471657
Work Experience
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Individual and group therapist at Psynergy Programs, Inc., a residential facility for adults with serious mental illness
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​School-based therapy for elementary and middle school students. Various schools and programs in San Jose, CA and East Palo Alto, CA.
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Child and adolescent therapist at Kaiser Permanente
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Therapist at Dancy Perinatal, a perinatal group practice
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Clinical Supervisor at Almaden Valley Counseling Services
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Intake therapist for youth and teens at Esteem Health
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Solo private practice owner and therapist since 2019 (in CA) and 2023 (in WA).
Topic of Advanced Training and Research
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Certified in Brainspotting
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Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy
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Complex Trauma Treatment Professional Certification Training (in progress)
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Various modality trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems
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Perinatal mental health trained
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Postpartum Support International (PSI) Components of Care Training​
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PSI Advanced Psychotherapy Training
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Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Facing Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
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Support for Perinatal Loss using Alan Wolfelt's model of grief
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Birth trauma
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Brainspotting through a perinatal lens
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