I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist ( as well as an Alaska approved Supervisor for LPC (since 2007), LMFT (since 2011) and RPT-S. My goal is to work collaboratively to help you, your child(ren) and family to achieve balance, hope and a closer relationship with one another. My training is extensive in the areas of trauma attachment, anxiety, behavioral concerns and parenting psycho-education. I strive to provide a supportive, respectful and collaborative therapeutic environment where you and your family can fully explore any concerns, challenges, values or difficulties.
Trained in Child Centered Play Therapy and Advanced Family Filial Play Therapy Trained in EMDR for use with traumatized children/adolescents/adults Trained in multiple Trauma Models: ARC Model, CPT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Trained in DSM differential diagnosis and DC 0-3 Crosswalk and Individual, Family and Group Therapy for Children & Adolescents
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic & safety concerns, the office is temporarily closed. At this time, only telehealth services will be provided.
EDUCATION
- Master of Arts, Antioch University
- Major: Clinical Psychology
- Minor: Employee Assist. Programs
CREDENTIALS
- AK-LMF(Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #0201)
- AK-LMFT Approved Supervisor since 2/3/2011
- AK-LPC Approved Supervisor since 12/20/2007
- AK-RPT-S Registered Play Therapy Supervisor
EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN and FAMILIES
- Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Advanced Family Filial Play Therapy
- EMDR for use with traumatized children/adolescents/adults
- EMDR/AIP with combatants, police & first responders
- ARC Model, CPT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- DSM IV-R differential diagnosis, DSM V and DC 0-3 Crosswalk
- Individual, Family and Group Therapy for SED/Non-SED Children, Adolescents, and Adults
- Facilitated sexual abuse groups for latency age children
- Led adolescent groups on HIV education, social skills building & self-esteem skills
- Completed Level 1 & Level 2 in Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ (AAPT™)
- Led sexual abuse group with adolescent and latency age girls
- Initiated and developed sand tray group with adolescent males
- Led coed group with latency age children
- Provide counseling, education and referrals for Schools
- Facilitated California Youth Authority Group
- Facilitated Women’s Group
- Facilitated substance abuse group
- Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT ® Level 1 & Level 2)
PUBLICATION, AWARDS, & CERTIFICATIONS
- Arvidson, J., Kinniburgh, K., Howard,: K., Spinazzola, J., Strothers, H., Evans, E., Andres, B., Cohen, C., Blaustein, M. (February 8, 2011). Treatment of complex trauma in young children: Developmental and cultural considerations in the application of the ARC Intervention Model. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 4 (1), 34-51.
- Recipient of 2021 Kirrie Award for outstanding contributions and dedication to the field of Animal-Assisted Play Therapy ® from the International institute for AAPT®
PRESENTATION & CONSULTATION
- I have made numerous presentations and provided consultation throughout my years in the field. Some topics include: attachment, play therapy, trauma, and the impact of trauma on the brain. I have presented for a variety of organizations such as schools, police departments, foster parents and clinicians.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Vice President-AK Assoc. of Play Therapy (AK-APT) 6/2010-12/2013
Alaska Association of Play Therapy
Clinical Member – American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists and Alaska Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AKAMFT)
