Hi, I'm Vernon and I look forward to meeting you! 

I am licensed as a mental health counselor in the state of Washington (LH61678807) with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, a concentration in Trauma and Abuse, and a certification in Narrative Focused Trauma Care from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. I have a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Washington. My background includes owning and operating a mental health counseling private practice, working on staff as a mental health counselor at Seattle Pacific University, and working as a healthcare clinician at the University of Washington Medical Center.

Beginning therapy with someone new can be a challenging experience. It is my hope to build a sense of trust, safety, and understanding between us. As a member of a Filipino immigrant family, born and raised in the Seattle area, I have a deep sense of the joys and challenges that come with living in the Pacific Northwest. We each have a unique story and I strive to care well for yours.

How I Work My approach to counseling is to cultivate a safe, collaborative, and creative space where we can explore together. I work with an emphasis in depth psychology, drawing from relational psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory. I'm also trained and experienced in applying solution-focused approaches based in cognitive behavioral and somatic work. I will work with you to develop a therapeutic approach that meets your needs and provide transparency about the process of therapy. Much of my training also includes in-depth engagement with your story and providing care for experiences of trauma and abuse. Through building awareness and finding connections, we can work together towards meaningful change.

I believe that significant growth and healing occurs through relationships. Effective therapy relies most importantly on the relationship formed between you and your therapist. I strive to be fully present during our time with each other, where you can be known and seen. We can accomplish great things as a team working together.