Hello, I’m Rachel!
A little about me… I’m a desert flower turned PNW explorer! Originating from the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, my family and I are now soaking in the beautiful nature of Vancouver, Washington.
Going back to the beginning, my start as a therapist began at the University of Nevada, Reno, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am a curious soul and love to know why and how things tick, so I not only wanted to study human behavior but also how our histories impact day-to-day lives. When I graduated with my bachelor’s, I began working as a behavior technician, supporting families with children recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder. This work was amazing and fulfilling in some ways but didn’t satisfy my urge to connect and help those with a wider range of needs. With that, I dove headfirst into obtaining my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and into a career of guiding people through life’s struggles and helping them find their way.
While working in community mental health clinics for a few years, I quickly saw how trauma and negative childhood experiences impacted nearly everyone who sat on my couch. That's where training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy became so impactful to my practice. I started witnessing people’s "a-ha" moments when their perspectives shifted, and they bravely tackled the pains of their pasts.
While using EMDR in my therapy toolbox, I realized my niche is not a diagnosis but a type of connection. I see the most success and change occur when I work with individuals who also share a desire to understand themselves and others more deeply. In my counseling practice, we work together for you to see yourself, for all your “good” and “bad” parts, then work forward to find ways of coping and healing that build on aligning who you are and where you want to be.