About Darlene


Hello! I am glad you are here!

I am a licensed mental health counselor specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, adoption, attachment, relationships, and spirituality. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and it is my honor to walk with you in your own journey of heartache and pursuit of freedom and joy!

My vocation has led me to children’s homes in Mexico and Peru, as well as educational, medical, and residential settings in the US. I am passionate about healing in individuals that spreads to families, churches, communities, and society as a whole. As a bilingual therapist, I offer services in both English and Spanish.

I am a certified play therapy professional specializing in child-centered play therapy. With adults, I rely on an eclectic mix of attachment theory, relational psychodynamic model, internal family systems (IFS), narrative-focused trauma care, and body awareness. I am also familiar with Trust Based Relational Intervention, (TBRI), Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavior Theory (TF-CBT).

I believe that our greatest wounds happen in relationship, and it is in relationship where we can find healing. We do not need a new theory as much as we need a new experience of being seen, known, and accepted just as we are.

Education:

Masters in Counseling Psychology - The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology

Bachelor’s in Social Work - Grand View University

Bachelor’s in Spanish - Grand View University

Additional Training:

Certified Play Therapy Professional - Certification Requirements - Play Therapy Professional™

Narrative Focused Trauma Care: Levels 1 & 2 - Allender Center

Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) TFCBT-Web

Trauma and Self-Harm: Increase Safety with a New Approach to Cutting, Bingeing, and Addictive Behaviors

IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications

Creative and playful pathways to treat Acute, Complex, & Attachment Trauma

Treating Complex Trauma: Beyond Competency

Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)