andrew@foragercounseling.com | (360) 362-0044 | ashley@foragercounseling.com
- Premera Blue Cross
- First Choice and Kaiser PPO (Not HMO)
- Lifewise
- Aetna
- United Healthcare - Private/Commercial (Not Apple/Medicaid)
- Cigna
- Regence
- Out of Network
- Out of Pocket
My Experience
I am a licensed mental health counselor and substance use disorder professional in Washington State. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the Leadership Institute of Seattle of Saybrook University in 2015. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Biology from Washington State University and have completed coursework for treatment of substance use disorders at Bellevue College and Eastern Washington University. I regularly engage in continuing education and case consultation to stay up to date on relevant content to practicing therapy.
My professional experience includes providing counseling and therapy at an inpatient substance use disorder treatment facility, at a co-occurring outpatient agency, and in group and private practice settings. I provide services to adults and adolescents in individual, couple, family, and group modalities. I have many years of experience providing groups with an emphasis on addiction, trauma and women's issues.
My Approach
I approach therapy with humanistic, systemic and psychodynamic perspectives. I believe individuals have all of the innate qualities, skills and characteristics to progressively move towards a more authentic, individuated, integrated and dynamic self.
I approach mental health and substance use disorders as holistic with the inclusion of evidence-based modalities, psychology theories, neuroscience, and spirituality when welcomed. I utilize curiosity, compassion, acceptance and empathy, with the hopes that individuals I work with and share this with can replicate the same consideration for themselves in the future. My style is warm, creative, empowering, transparent, patient, and adaptable. I am flexible in how I approach working with each individual which may include a combination of therapy, counseling, and psycho-education.
Some of my favorite modalities and theories that impact how I practice include Internal Family Systems, Family Systems, Compassionate Inquiry, Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Jungian Psychology, Dream Work, Creative Arts Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Theories, and Mindfulness.
I am also passionate about networking with, learning about and connecting individuals with services, providers, information, and resources that complement the work I do and that support each individual's unique journey.
The Process
I collaboratively explore barriers and factors that obscure or interfere with development of the self and value congruent living, such as trauma, attachment wounds, and problems in an individual’s family and culture of origin. I do my best to provide a container that allows for this process to unfold at a safe pace, which is dependent upon what is clinically appropriate and the client's desired pace and consent. I feel it is important for individuals to understand that while the therapeutic process is not always comfortable, what is essential is that it is safe enough to enable growth, development and healing.
My goals for individuals in therapy include promoting self-attunement through exploration, developing awareness and understanding, self-acceptance versus self-judgment, diminishing disorder where possible or desired, and improving cognitive flexibility and value congruence.
The length and structure of therapy can vary based on needs and I attempt to navigate this openly and cooperatively with each individual I work with.