Education & Experience

I earned my Masters Degree from Seattle University in Education, Mental Health Counseling. There, I was awarded the “Spirit of College of Education Award: “Spirit of the College of Education Award.” This was an award given to individuals for academic excellence, ethical and reflective professionalism in community service. It is the highest recognition given by the Seattle University College of Education to a Master’s Degree Graduate.” I earned my Bachelor’s Degree at the University of the Philippines in Linguistics, Cum Laude. In 2007, I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of WA. My core training includes multicultural competencies, classical and modern theoretical backgrounds, and didactic approach. I am trained in Western and Eastern Approaches. I am fluent and can provide therapy in three languages fluently, English, Ilokano, Tagalog. My theoretical approach aims to empower patients to make their own choices rather than for the therapist to force an agenda. I provide counseling services using eclectic and evidence-based treatment interventions, including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Behavior Activation. I am a Certified/ Approved Mental Health Supervisor, Mental Health Professional, Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Specialist, Asian and Pacific Islander Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist, and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). I completed my required internship at the Asian Counseling And Referral Services (ACRS) and at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR-DSHS) working with adults with chronic mental illness and mental health issues. I have more than 20 years experience (here in the US and in the Philippines) working with clients dealing with chronic mental illness; disabilities; discrimination oppression; immigrant and refugee issues; and challenges at the work place. I have 7 years experience coaching clients who are addicted to nicotine.