Looking out at a life that you didn’t plan for?
Is grief holding you back?
Has a loss, or other unexpected life altering experience changed your entire world? You may find yourself in a pattern of numbing out, ignoring your own needs and prioritizing others. Have you been telling yourself that you should be further along in your grief process? Or worrying that you are doing it wrong? If so, you are not alone.
After a big unwanted life change, you may find yourself watching life go on while you seem to be stuck in your grief. Is this creating a desire to isolate or engage in other self-destructive behavior while also quietly judging yourself?
I believe that our personal stories and experiences shape who we are and how we perceive the world. There is a great amount of value in examining our stories. It will reveal the parts of your story that are keeping you stuck in grief and create space to revise it.
In our work together you will have protected time to process the unspoken things that you have been holding onto. It is a chance for you to be cared for, accepted and understood. It is a space for you to be wherever you are in the process.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
— Maya Angelou
Regardless of who or what you have lost, grieving is a painful and lonely experience. But you don’t have to hold that alone.
I use an integrated approach to support my clients in navigating their grief and loss, which allows me to tailor my approach to each individual client’s needs and loss experience. I like to start by asking clients to share their story. Together we will explore your story, drawing from the principals of Narrative Therapy. If you are one of the many that experiences heightened levels of anxiety as a symptom of grief and loss, I will bring in some techniques based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for you to better manage anxiety, and begin to experience some relief. Together, we will consider the meaning that you have made of your story, identify opportunities to expand, re-interpret or revise the meaning when it is holding you back. This process allows space for new stories and meaning to develop that better serve you. It seeks to help you separate from your grief so that it doesn’t come to define you.
I think about the healing of grief & loss from the perspective of the “Growing Around Grief” model (pictured and sited below). The size of grief stays the same over time. It is our lives that change and expand around the grief. I want to help you find the hope that you will be able to allow your life to grow bigger around the grief. I want you to be able to do that while honoring your loss, making new meaning, adapting relationships and exploring a new identity.
In session I bring my authentic self, which means that I may use humor or sarcasm to make a point or to find levity in the darkness of it all. I may use a curse word (or two) to emphasize an emotion or validate a feeling. So many parts of grief and loss are undeniably shitty, and I will be honest and straightforward about that.
More than anything, I want my clients to feel better and be engaged in living their lives in ways they find meaningful.
Therapeutic Approach
About Rachel
The weight and force of grief and loss is heavy to carry. It can seem easier to set it down and ignore it, but that will only make it heavier. To lighten the load is to integrate the grief; make space for it and accept that it is here to stay, while learning to grow around it.
It is my goal to protect the time and space, for you to show up exactly however you are and to help you grow in the belief that things will get lighter. All parts of your grief are welcome (darkest parts included) without fear of platitude or judgement. I want to help you see a path to grow around your grief even when that feels impossible.
In session I bring my authentic self, which means that I may use humor or sarcasm to make a point, or to find levity in the darkness of it all. I may also use a cuss word (or 2) to emphasize an emotion or to validate your feelings. So many parts of grief are undeniably shitty, and I am open and honest about that.
My personal experiences of grief and loss have led me to this work. I am intimately familiar with having life overturned without notice and having no idea what was next. And I know the relief of connecting with someone who gets it. Especially when I can share a laugh about the dark realities of loss. These interactions constantly remind me that I am not the only one. In our work together we will identify pathways that create relief for you and remind you that you are also not the only one.
I completed a M.S. in Community Counseling in 2008 at Mount Mary University. Since that time, I have been working in mental health with parents and children in community-based and public education settings. I am currently licensed as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington and a Certified Grief Informed Professional. Over my 15+ years in the field of mental health; grief and loss has been the most consistent and prevalent issue in my work.
I am originally from the Midwest but have called Washington home for the last 12 years. I continue to enjoy what the PNW has to offer. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, drinking a good cup of coffee, and reading.
Services & Fees
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Free 30 Minute Consultation
In this 30-minute consultation I will meet with you virtually so we can decide if we would be a good fit to work together. I will ask questions to understand what you are hoping for and to share my process with you. Selecting a counselor that feels like a good fit is important. If it’s a fit, we can schedule a first appointment. If it’s not, I am happy provide you with a referral.
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Individual Counseling
In this 50-minute session you will meet one to one with Rachel via telehealth. Together we will identify one or more goals that you wish to work toward. Once we have determined your goal(s) we can determine the frequency of your sessions & duration of treatment.
An estimate will be provided after a completed consultation.
Rate: $180 per session
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Couples or Family Counseling
In this 60-minute session with Rachel via telehealth for you and a partner OR you and other family members for the purposes of processing and addressing the impact of grief and loss on the family or couple. Together we will identify one or more goals to work on. Once we have determined your goal(s) we can determine the frequency of your sessions and duration of treatment.
An estimate will be provided after a completed consultation.
Rate: $225 per session / 2-3 people
A fee of $70 per additional family member over three members will apply to each session.
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Consulting Services
Coming Soon
Customized mental health and organizational wellness consulting services.
Please contact Rachel with inquiries or proposals.
FAQs
Won’t it just make me feel worse to talk about my loss?
Telling our story cannot change what happened, but it CAN change your understanding and help you make sense of your experience. Releasing emotions, you have locked away can feel like a literal weight lifted off your shoulders.
Why don’t you take insurance?
It allows me time to do the highest quality work with a manageable caseload. This allows for a more personalized and flexible approach to counseling without the constraints imposed by insurance companies.
Can we connect on social media?
I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking sites. I believe that doing so can compromise your confidentiality and blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship.
How can I prepare for a telehealth session?
The most important things to consider are your privacy and comfort. Find a space where you will not be overheard, interrupted, or distracted. Make sure that your device is charged or have access to a charger and plug.
Other optional ideas include paper & pen for notes, tissues, a beverage, a squeeze ball or fidget, or anything that would feel helpful to you.
Do you accept insurance?
No. All insurance plans will be considered out of network. Superbills are available to provide to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement.
Can I still attend my regular session when I am traveling out of state?
Not right now, but depending on where you travel, it may be possible in the near future. This would be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Let's discuss!
What happens if we run into each other in public?
That's up to you! To protect your confidentiality, I will not initiate contact. If you would like to say hello, please do! Please know it's ok if you would prefer not to, I won’t be offended.
What happens if the internet becomes unstable during a session.
If one of us experiences challenges with our internet during a session and we are not able to get back into the virtual counseling space, I will reach out to you by phone. At that time, we can complete the session over the phone or end the session early and reschedule the remaining time.
