Healing Pause Mental Health Counseling PLLC in Yakima, WA, was established two years ago this month with a clear purpose: to create a welcoming and supportive space where people can slow down, process life’s challenges, and develop practical tools for lasting emotional wellbeing. I opened this practice with the intention of providing therapy that feels both meaningful and approachable, especially for youth, teens, and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, and major life transitions. My goal is to help people heal while also learning skills they can apply in their everyday lives.
Before opening my private practice, I spent many years working in community mental health settings serving the Yakima community. I worked at Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic for seven years and Comprehensive Mental Health for another seven years. During that time, I primarily worked with youth, though I also supported some adult clients. These experiences allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the challenges individuals and families face when anxiety, stress, and emotional struggles begin to feel overwhelming.
Before becoming a therapist, I was a schoolteacher, and I have now spent more than twenty years working with youth. That background continues to shape how I approach therapy. My experience in education taught me the importance of patience, creativity, and building strong connections, all of which continue to guide my work with clients today.
In my practice, I focus on helping people build practical tools they can use outside of therapy. Many of the individuals I work with are seeking support for anxiety, stress management, or difficult life transitions. I draw from several approaches in my work, including EMDR, Solution-Focused strategies, and other practical tools that help people develop healthier ways of responding to challenges.
I also use measurement-based care as part of the therapeutic process. Tracking progress helps ensure that therapy remains focused and responsive to each person’s needs. While some clients seek support related to attention challenges, my primary focus is helping individuals work through anxiety, stress, and life transitions where steady progress can lead to lasting emotional growth.
One aspect of my practice that clients often appreciate is the use of interactive tools during therapy. Depending on the client’s needs and preferences, sessions may include games or even video games, whether we are meeting in person or through telehealth. I also draw inspiration from Geek Therapy, which allows therapy to feel more engaging and approachable.
These creative approaches can be especially helpful for teens and young adults. I believe therapy should be a place where people feel comfortable, supported, and even able to enjoy parts of the process while learning new skills. I also individualize the level of structure in therapy so that each person receives the type of support that works best for them.
I am passionate about creating a therapy space that is inclusive, supportive, and affirming. My practice is neurodivergent affirming and LGBTQ affirming, and I strive to ensure that every person who walks through my door feels respected and understood. I identify as ACE (asexual) and am also a proud geek, which often helps me connect with clients who share similar interests.
A central focus of my work is helping people reduce anxiety, manage stress, and build stronger connections in their lives. I also work with clients who want to reduce their reliance on technology and develop healthier ways of connecting with others. My goal is to help people heal while also having a meaningful and engaging experience in therapy.
Healing Pause Mental Health Counseling PLLC in Yakima, WA, welcomes individuals who are ready to work toward greater emotional wellbeing and resilience. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call (509) 910-5519.
Your mind jumps like having twenty tabs open. Instead of fighting it, we’ll guide it. We’ll turn random ideas, half-done tasks, and sudden changes into a simple plan to capture and sort so you stay creative without losing focus.
No vague pep talks, just a plan made for your brain. Small steps, easy visual reminders, short time blocks, and backup plans for bad days. Simple moves you can repeat so progress feels natural, not tiring or overwhelming every week.
We’ll see what really helps, like sleep, energy bursts, and focus times, without guilt or boring charts. Quick weekly check-ins become easy graphs and real wins you can feel. Spot patterns, adjust one thing at a time, and watch your progress grow steadily.
Keep your deep focus, skip the crash. We’ll set gentle rules with soft starts, quick breaks, and clear stop times so you finish more without wrecking your night. Add guilt-free rest that protects energy so you work steadily and stay calm weekly.
Monday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed