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With over 30 years of experience in the educational field and licensed as a Mental Health Associate (with an LMHC in progress), I have dedicated my career to supporting adolescents and adults through life's challenges. Drawing from my own struggles as a youth, I understand the difficulties of navigating difficult situations and am equipped to help others do the same.
My passion lies in helping young people build the skills they need to succeed, and I have spent much of my career supporting kids, families, and teachers in this endeavor. I specialize in working with adolescents and have a deep understanding of their developmental needs, which allows me to provide evidence-based strategies that create motivation and foster success. I provide invaluable support to parents and help them navigate the rocky world of parenting young adults. Through active listening and thoughtful consideration, I am able to sift through the difficult feelings of my clients and help them chart a path forward. I take pride in helping individuals build their self-confidence and achieve their goals, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact this can have on their overall outlook and sense of hope for the future. With my empathetic approach and extensive experience, I am confident in my ability to guide individuals through life's challenges and help them achieve their full potential. Education
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, University of Washington K-8 Teaching Certificate, University of Washington Master of Education, Counseling, University of Washington Credentialing Washington License MC61371250 Certified Positive Discipline Parent Coach Supervisor Liz Rivelin Counselor, MA, LMHC, CMHS Washington License LH00011212 |
I believe that every person has the potential to improve themselves, and that everything we think, do, and feel communicates something meaningful. As a mental health professional, my goal is to help individuals uncover the messages behind their thoughts, actions, and emotions, so they can find contentment and happiness in life.
Rather than blaming or shaming, I am dedicated to working collaboratively with my clients to find effective solutions that address their unique challenges. I understand the importance of empathetic listening and non-judgmental support, which allows me to work effectively with families and adolescents who are going through difficult times. One of my strengths is my ability to remain objective and helpful, even in emotionally charged situations. As a result, I am able to provide guidance and support that is focused on positive outcomes and helping clients achieve their goals. For adolescents in particular, I understand that having a neutral party to deliver important messages can make all the difference, and I take pride in being that supportive and trusted ally. Ultimately, my goal is to help individuals recognize their inner strengths and resources, so they can take control of their lives and find the happiness and contentment they deserve. |
Quotes from Clients:
"When I work with you I remember that I don't have to solve everything right now. I remember to breathe and try to relax." 15 year old
"We are truly thankful for you. I am not sure where our family would be at right now without our work with you." Parent of 14 and 17 year olds.
"To be honest, I didn't want to come in here. I told my parents that I was going to refuse to talk. You are different. It doesn't seem like work when I am in here and now I actually look forward to coming." 20 year old
"My daughter is doing things that we never thought possible thanks to her sessions with you. We are so grateful!" Parent of 17 year old
"I had never thought about how my friends treated me before. Now I am thinking maybe I deserve better." 17 year old
"I want you to know that I learned that life is HARD but you taught me so many things to make it easier for me." 12 year old
"I didn't want to come today because I didn't want to talk. Now I actually have hope for my summer." 15 year old
"When I am with you I am able to release the breath that I didn't know I was holding in." 11 year old
"I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me navigate and process an intensely transitional and empowering phase of my life." 32 year old
"Mari is amazing. My son meets with her weekly and never once complains about it (this is rare). Mari has been able to get my son to open up and verbally express the frustrations of having adhd and being a bit different in this world. Together they create strategies of how to make school and social life better. My son is a lot more comfortable in his own skin and a lot happier. Mari has shared a lot of great ideas with my husband and I on how to better parent our child." - Parent of 11 year old
"We are truly thankful for you. I am not sure where our family would be at right now without our work with you." Parent of 14 and 17 year olds.
"To be honest, I didn't want to come in here. I told my parents that I was going to refuse to talk. You are different. It doesn't seem like work when I am in here and now I actually look forward to coming." 20 year old
"My daughter is doing things that we never thought possible thanks to her sessions with you. We are so grateful!" Parent of 17 year old
"I had never thought about how my friends treated me before. Now I am thinking maybe I deserve better." 17 year old
"I want you to know that I learned that life is HARD but you taught me so many things to make it easier for me." 12 year old
"I didn't want to come today because I didn't want to talk. Now I actually have hope for my summer." 15 year old
"When I am with you I am able to release the breath that I didn't know I was holding in." 11 year old
"I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me navigate and process an intensely transitional and empowering phase of my life." 32 year old
"Mari is amazing. My son meets with her weekly and never once complains about it (this is rare). Mari has been able to get my son to open up and verbally express the frustrations of having adhd and being a bit different in this world. Together they create strategies of how to make school and social life better. My son is a lot more comfortable in his own skin and a lot happier. Mari has shared a lot of great ideas with my husband and I on how to better parent our child." - Parent of 11 year old
Teacher Testimonial:
"Mari was born to help people and she's especially gifted working with kids and teens. She knows how to be relatable and how to encourage and inspire everyone to believe in themselves. And Mari is funny! You learn while you laugh! As a teacher/colleague of Mari's for the last several years, I give her my highest endorsement and know that families who work with Mari will be so glad that they did!" Middle School Teacher
"Mari was born to help people and she's especially gifted working with kids and teens. She knows how to be relatable and how to encourage and inspire everyone to believe in themselves. And Mari is funny! You learn while you laugh! As a teacher/colleague of Mari's for the last several years, I give her my highest endorsement and know that families who work with Mari will be so glad that they did!" Middle School Teacher
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