Four Lakes Psychology LLC

I have extensive background in school-based assessments, private practice assessments, and supervision of trainees learning how to conduct assessments. With this experience, I am pleased to offer comprehensive psychological assessments focusing on Autism (ASD), Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. “What matters?” This is one of the most important questions I can ask of my teenage clients. Without knowing what matters, what they are passionate about, what gets them out of bed, neither of us know why we are in the “room” (whatever that looks like these days!). To figure out the why (Why WOULD I do my homework, why would I go to practice, why would I do that hard thing) gives us a meaningful direction. Also let’s talk about fun. Isn’t that the whole point of NOT being an adult? If I’m not enjoying the session, I can bet a teenager definitely is not. I work hard to ensure a relaxed and welcoming environment that is filled with unconditional positive regard, support, hard work and insight, humor, flexibility and appreciation, and fun. Every human being experiences anxiety, sadness, shame, fear, loneliness, embarrassment, anger. Sometimes at unhelpful levels. I help children, teens, and young adults normalize and approach these emotions by providing a space to process internal experiences (thoughts, memories, images) that result in these emotional states, how they show up in our bodies, and how we choose to react or respond to these thoughts/sensations/urges in a meaningful, values-driven way. This therapy approach is based in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, pronounced like the word act). An ACT approach helps to mindfully notice what shows up in the brain and/or the body, how to approach these experiences in a helpful way, and to choose to do the thing that’s hard in service of our values. Emphasizing choice is imperative in approaching work with children and teens. If they can identify how they can choose to move forward in their lives with the tough stuff along for the ride, that’s when real change happens. Background: I received my BA from UW-Madison and my PhD in school psychology from Penn State. I worked in the schools outside of Portland, Oregon for 3 years and grew a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I completed 2 postdoctoral residencies specializing in school psychology, comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, and individual psychotherapy with CBT/ACT approaches. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Child Psychologist who works with children, teens, young adults who are experiencing significant life stressors, difficulty adjusting to these stressors, and unhelpful levels of anxiety or depression. I specialize in sports psychology approaches with student athletes, including improving performance, mindfulness skills, and recovery from injury. I spend my free time being active through biking, paddleboarding, gardening, weight lifting, yoga, boxing, and taking my toddlers and dog on hikes with my partner. Being active and outside with family and friends is how I choose to move forward in my life! I offer services solely through telehealth, on Mondays and nights knowing that school, school sports and clubs take up the weekdays. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if working together is a fit for both of us.