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, communities, and society as a whole. As a bilingual therapist, I offer services in both English and Spanish.
I have completed extensive training in Child-Centered Play Therapy and hold a Play Therapy Professional™ certificate from The Hicks Group, LLC, which incorporates play-based and developmentally responsive interventions in my work with children. I am also familiar with Trust Based Relational Intervention, (TBRI). 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 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)
