Ignite Counseling Student Interns
As an approved Clinical Internship site, part of our mission is to offer Graduate Student Interns a one-year program, in a group practice setting, where they build upon their counseling education and implement direct client-facing skills.
We provide our interns with the opportunity to gain experience in how to become an integral member of the Professional Mental Health Community and the importance of breaking down barriers to adequate mental health care by advocating for those in most need.
Interns provide competent supervised therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They are also able to offer these services for clients covered under Medicaid State insurance and can offer a low-cost, reduced fee rates for promoting affordable access to care for all.
Meet Our Team of Difference Makers…
Tara Brouwer
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN
NAROPA UNIVERSITY
Pronouns: They/Them
Populations: Adolescent, Young Adult
Modality: DBT, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness
To be human is to be struggling with something. Often this struggle prevents humans from achieving their desire of being happy and healthy. Why struggle alone? Humans need connection and support to thrive. My goal is to be that support as you grow, develop, and heal in the direction you want. I am not the expert of your life, you are. I strive to honor and validate your experience, while we uncover how your experiences have affected you and whether you want to do anything about that.
I use an array of modalities in my work, all underscored by a basic belief in your innate goodness. I am a firm believer in Rogers' theory that productive therapy is based on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence from the therapist. I also employ CBT, DBT, Gestalt, and ACT as appropriate to the client's need. I prefer to work with teenagers and young adults. I am happy to see clients in person or via telehealth.
Taylor Woods
Pronouns: He/Him
Populations: Ages 12-60
Modalities: CBT, DBT, Logotherapy
Being a human being is a difficult task that no one prepares us for. I am here to help with this task and allow you to gain the skills to help manage this task. Counseling is meant to give you an objective point of view in order to give a different perspective on your life. My job is to help you realize issues and help fix them if you are willing to make a change.
My focus is on an integrated model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in conjunction with Logotherapy. I want to help you find the meaning to your life and I will utilize different cognitive restructuring methods in order to help you accomplish this.
LÉONIE(LAYA-NEE)
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN
GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY
Pronouns: She/Her
Populations: Adult individuals (preferred)
Modalities: EFT/CBT/Gestalt/Person-centered
Specialities: Attachment trauma/Narcissistic Abuse recovery
Making the decision to begin therapy is hard. Living with unresolved fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, or trauma is harder! You’re here because you know your life can be better and you’re brave enough to seek help. I’m here because I’ve been where you are, and I know the amazing, transformative power of therapy! Therapy literally changed the course of my life, personally and professionally. After 30 years in the healthcare field, I returned to school to pursue a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from George Fox University. I have completed all required course work, and I am now completing my fieldwork. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. My approach to therapy is warm, person-centered, inclusive, and non-judgmental. I believe YOU are the expert on your own life. I believe you already have everything you need to live the happy, authentic life you dream of. Sometimes, though, we can be so close to a problem that it’s hard to see a solution. Sometimes, we need someone to come alongside us and help us see things in a new way. I would be honored to join you in your journey toward healing.
As human beings, we are wired for connection to others. How we learned to connect (or not!) during our early childhood years can have a long-lasting impact on how we view ourselves, and on our adult relationships. My therapeutic approach is grounded in attachment theory, which explores how we learned to connect (or “attach”) to others in childhood. Sometimes, we learned to act in certain ways that kept us safe or helped us get our needs met. As adults, these same ways of being often do not work and can lead to confusion, hurt, fear, and frustration. Using an integrative approach that draws on concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Gestalt Therapy, I will help you discover your attachment style and how it is showing up in your life today. Whether you are coming to therapy alone or with a partner, together we can explore new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving to improve your relationship to yourself and others.
For your convenience, I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions to my adult clients. For some clients, sitting in a therapy room or in front of a computer screen can feel awkward or intimidating. Therefore, I am excited to also offer Walk & Talk Therapy! This dynamic and research-backed approach combines therapy with a walk in the great outdoors! Shown to reduce anxiety and increase focus, Walk & Talk Therapy allows you to get your steps in while working through challenging topics. With a curated list of some of the most amazing walking locations in the Tacoma area, I’ll set the place, you set the pace! Whatever you find yourself struggling with right now, you don’t have to struggle alone.
Come on in….let’s talk.
Jenna Mallon
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN
NAROPA UNIVERSITY
Pronouns: She/Her
Populations: All, particularly college students and young adulthood, adult children of emotionally immature parents/ACOA
Modalities: Brainspotting, IFS, Gestalt, Art
Specialties: acute and complex trauma, preverbal and generational trauma
I'm for you if you've tried traditional talk therapy in the past, but it hasn't felt very helpful. You are longing for a deeper and more authentic connection with yourself, others, and the world around you. Perhaps you spend much of your time confused, bored, or disconnected. I would likely be helpful to you if you think you "should be over it by now," but emotionally, you're not.
Modalities: the basis of all of my counseling is rooted in compassion, body awareness, and following my client's lead. We might do Brainspotting together -- a direct trauma reprocessing therapy -- depending on your needs and goals, and we might also use internal family systems, gestalt, and art/experiential therapies.
My specializations: acute and complex trauma, preverbal and generational trauma, college students and young adulthood, adult children of emotionally immature parents/ACOA, overachievers/perfectionists, attachment and adoption, substance use, behavioral addictions
Kevin Foster
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN
POST UNIVERSITY
Pronouns: He/Him
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use issues
Modalities: CBT, DBT, ACT, person-centered, harm reduction
Populations: 5-50
Life, no matter who you are or where you come from, presents various difficult and daunting situations at points. I am here to guide you to becoming the person you were truly meant to be, no matter what struggles or obstacles life hands you. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as trauma-informed and CBT/DBT interventions, to help my clients overcome their traumas, create healthier thought patterns and prevail over their problems. I work with a variety of populations including individuals, families, and groups. I also specialize in working with clients with substance use issues, where I implement a harm reduction model, meeting them where they are at, to help set realistic and attainable substance-related goals. My approach to therapy is holistic and person-centered, which means that I believe that you are the expert of your own life and already harbor the strength and abilities to conquer whatever issues life bestows upon you; allowing me to serve as a guide along your journey to healing, self-discovery and peace.
I am passionate about therapy because I am passionate about you. I want to see you flourish and free yourself from whatever is holding you back from becoming the best person that you know you can be. Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations, and you have already taken the first step by seeking counseling. Don't waste more of your life's valuable time struggling and suffering; I am here to listen and support you no matter what you're experiencing or experienced. The best time to work on yourself and ignite your path to healing is right now.
Walker Jackson
The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
Pronouns: She/Her
Populations- Adolescents, Adults
Modalities- CBT, DBT, Somatic, Psychodynamic
As humans, we can experience many things as we move through life. I see each person as an individual who has walked their own path and experienced life in their own way. Our experiences can sometimes leave us feeling out of balance and separate. I want to create a space where you feel comfortable to share and explore while gaining tools that assist you throughout your journey.
I use different modalities to encourage connection with the body and emotions along with tools to assist in reaching goals in everyday life. I am not here to be the healer and you are broken. I am here to support you as you move through and work towards your goals to find balance in life. I offer a safe space that is inclusive and ready to welcome you while understanding that you are your own person and will have experiences special to you. I would love to work with you either in person or through telehealth.
Roya Shalchi
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN
NAROPA UNIVERSITY
Pronouns: She/Her
Populations: Young adults and Adults
Specialities: Depression, anxiety, grief, substance use recovery, identity exploration, child of immigrants/diasporic experiences, life transitions, spiritual guidance, somatic symptoms of trauma, ancestral healing, inner child work
Modalities: IFS/Gestalt/Somatic/Mindfulness-Based/Transpersonal
Hi my name is Roya and I am so grateful that you are here!
Life can be challenging, and it often feels like society makes it even harder. My hope is to guide you in increasing your capacity to hold all that life brings your way. Even if it feels overwhelming now, I believe you have the inner wisdom and capability to handle it all. My role is to help you clear the path so you can access that deep well of strength and wisdom within you!
With a background in yoga and mindfulness, I approach therapy through a compassionate, body-centered perspective. I honor the validity of all experiences and emotions. When you work with me, you will get the tools to develop a deeper relationship and acceptance of your inner experience. Through relating and accepting, our inner experience then feels safe enough to transform, leading you to live a more grounded and connected life.
Caitlin Dang
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING INTERN
THE SEATTLE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY
Pronouns: She/Her
Populations: Adolescents, Young adults
Specialities: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, Attachment, Multicultural
Modalities: Integrative, Psychodynamic, Relational, Multicultural, Person-centered
Hi, thank you for being here!
I believe that everyone has endured some form of harm or trauma and that healing from relational wounds starts within a restorative relationship. With curiosity and compassion, we will work together to increase self-awareness, explore patterns, and examine important values for fostering more fulfilling relationships. Strong relationships are crucial for human flourishing and by regaining trust in yourself and others, we can help promote stability and security to thrive.
Our collaborative work emphasizes cultural identity exploration, resilience-building, and fostering self-compassion. I emphasize your authority in the therapeutic space by providing non-judgmental support for your unique journey. Whether dealing with overwhelming emotions, societal pressures, or cultural complexities, I am dedicated to guiding you towards self-discovery, growth, and healing. Together, we can break free from harmful narratives, empowering you to make decisions aligned with your most authentic and secure self. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and understood, and our collaborative efforts are dedicated to creating a space where these fundamental needs are met. It is an honor and privilege to sit with you in this process.
Albina Terpetska
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Intern
Pronouns:She/Her
Populations: Children, Teens, Adults, Couples, Families
Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST), attachment theory, and Mindfulness.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), I am passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and nurturing deep, meaningful connections with my clients. I provide an accepting, welcoming, and safe environment where you can feel supported, listened to, and understood.
A trauma-informed approach is an important part of my practice. I conduct therapy with a thorough understanding of how trauma impacts both the mind and body, remaining sensitive to potential triggers and creating a safe, supportive space that helps the healing process.
As a trained NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner, I bring a holistic perspective to therapy, paying close attention to the language we use and its impact on our feelings, actions, and overall well-being. Along with other approaches, this method helps in understanding and transforming thought patterns and behaviors, cultivating more effective and meaningful change. In addition, I use play therapy with children to help them express their feelings and experiences in a creative and developmentally appropriate way. This technique allows younger clients to communicate and work through their challenges in a supportive and engaging environment.
As a yoga practitioner, I also incorporate Mindfulness into my practice, honoring the body-mind connection. Whether you are seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or group sessions, I am here to collaborate with you toward meaningful and lasting change. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions for adult clients, and in-person sessions for children. My practice is inclusive and respectful, and I find joy in working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Let’s begin this journey together toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Sarafina Landis
Intern
Pronouns: They/Them
Populations: Adolescents and Adults
Specialities: Depression, anxiety, grief, identity development, life transitions, trauma, spiritual guidance, LGBTQIA+, poly and kink, end-of-life
Modalities: Parts Theory/IFS, Person-Centered, AEDP, Attachment Theory, Somatics, Relational-Cultural
Are you feeling inhibited from accessing the fullest version of yourself, your belonging, your aliveness with the world? In our collective experience of trauma, and the profound complexities of being alive, we are not meant to forge our way through alone. As a therapist, I will companion you to traverse the deep terrain of yourself and your life, to rebuild and breakthrough to your innate wise, resilient, and loving nature.
We are not silos; we are an ecosystem, composed of many parts who interact. Some of our parts which control us most have formed in response to trauma. As a therapist, I bring the tools and a skillful container to usher the work of healing those patterns, and moving through life’s transformations and transitions. Only you – in the truest sense of you – know where the healing is, where the wound is, where the horizon is: I will collaborate and attune to the part of you that knows. We will work toward building more capacity, connectedness, and openness.
I bring an awareness of systemic oppression to my work, alongside attachment theory, parts theory / Internal Family Systems, AEDP, and a somatics-based, experiential, and humanistic approach with some psychodynamic emphasis.
I specialize in working with young adults and adults, grief and end-of-life, LGBTQIA+ issues, poly and kink community, identity development, spiritual exploration, trauma healing, and transitions. My academic training has a focus in trauma, and builds on my professional experience with death care and grief, eco-spiritual chaplaincy work, LGBTQ+ healthcare advocacy, and decolonial sexuality studies
ADAM PETERS
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING STUDENT INTERN
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS GLOBAL
Populations: 12-60, individuals, families, groups, teens, young adults
Specialties: Military, trauma, PTSD, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, and Divorce.
Modalities: Emotionally Focused, Psychodynamics, Solution Focused Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Sound Marital House Theory (The Gottman Method).
Everyone has a story, everyone’s story is unique and deserves to be heard. We all experience life differently. The ability we have internally to address the stressors in life can be developed and encouraged no matter what our preconceived ideas may be. You have the ability to make a change in your life, I am here to help guide you on your journey as you develop and perfect the skills you need to succeed.
I am a veteran and a parent and husband. I have a strong sense of service which I carry into all areas of my life and work. I will work with you to identify the problem and analyze the best response to the issue while keeping your goals and abilities in mind.
I tend to rely on emotionally focused therapy and family-based modalities, but I also utilize tools and techniques from multiple theories and I always expect to learn something new along the way. Let’s get together and start the process of self-discovery. With an open mind and a willingness to learn and make changes, anything is possible.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you [choose to] react to it.”
~ Charles R. Swindoll
VIRGINIA WURTS
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION LICENSED COUNSELOR, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY STUDENT INTERN
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS GLOBAL
Population: Couples and families, children, teens and adolescents, seniors.
Specialties: Children & childhood trauma, attachment disorders, Grief and loss, family relationships, divorce adjustment, trauma, & abandonment & substance abuse issues.
Modalities: Client-Centered- Therapy- /Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, /Art & Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
Life can get messy at times. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities. Sometimes we can get stuck and need help sorting through the ups and downs of life.,No one is perfect, we all make mistakes and sometimes can lose our way. It helps to know that there are others that care. Within this process of care, I am committed to helping my clients through client-centered collaboration,empathy, and respect. Through individual or family therapy, my focus is to help clients reach their goals.No matter what stage of life we are in,childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or senior,conflicts can occur.Therapy is not a one size fits all. Each client and case is unique and deserves focused and skilled attention. I focus on solution-based therapy, but will alter my approach as needed for each individual.We all have a story to tell. Each of us is the author of our own story. With that, we can also change our story. Sometimes we need help learning how to change our negative thinking patterns to a more positive narrative and direction. My background includes working as a teacher and a school counselor. After a 25 year career, I returned to school to become a Family and Marriage Therapist. In addition to working with adults and children through individual and family therapy, I am a licensed substance and addiction counselor.I married my best friend 53 years ago, until his recent passing. We have 3 adult children and three grandchildren. The Pacific Northwest has been my home for most of my adult life. As an intern, I feel fortunate to be a part of the Ignite Pathways team.As a therapist, with a teaching background, I often refer to the ABC’s. We all need: A) Acceptance, accountability and affirmation B) We all need to have a sense of belonging and a belief in ourselves and in others C) We all need community, connection, and collaboration.In my spare time I love learning something new,visiting with family and friends, beach time,and working in my yard. I think we’re very fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest with its beautiful landscape, ocean, and mild seasons. I believe my background, life experience, and skill set have prepared me to help others in their personal life journey and path to wellness. I look forward to working with you through the Ignite Pathways team.