CLINICAL INTERN
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I was drawn to the field of therapy through a lifelong fascination with the stories people carry and the powerful ways those stories shape our identities, relationships, and sense of possibility. Over time, I came to appreciate that many of the stories we live by are influenced by our experiences, relationships, and the broader cultural and social contexts in which we exist. While these stories can foster resilience and connection, they can also become problem-saturated, limiting how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible.
Prior to joining the mental health field, I spent nearly 30 years as an educator supporting children, their families, and fellow teachers. Through these experiences I absorbed the value of listening deeply with compassion and humility, and the importance of building relationships through honesty and authenticity. I am drawn to creating a collaborative space where people could explore the meanings they have made of their experiences, identify the strengths and values that have always been present, and begin to re-author their stories in ways that feel more authentic, hopeful, and aligned with the lives they want to live.
I view therapy as a space to support you as you work towards the changes that matter most to you, whether that be in your relationships, mental well-being, or building a life that feels more fulfilling. To this end, I believe that it’s important to understand the multiple contexts and systems in which our life stories unfold. Many unhelpful patterns come from our attempts to adapt to constraints and conditions that we did not create for ourselves, including barriers based on our identities, abilities, economic status, and national origin. Our family histories, cultural communities, and the social, economic, political realities we navigate are also important contexts shaping our experiences, the challenges we face, and our paths to wellness.
In my work with individuals, couples, and families, I integrate strategies from a variety of approaches, based on my assessment of clients’ needs. Treatment modalities I draw from include Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Contextual Family Therapy, the Gottman Method, Child-Centered Play Therapy (for work with children), and mindfulness-based therapies. I believe that therapy is most effective when clients understand and feel empowered by the process, so I am always happy to recommend books, podcasts, videos, and other resources for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the approaches we incorporate into our work together.
I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa, hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of Washington, and am currently working towards a Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University (Seattle).
I am committed to providing culturally responsive and socioculturally attuned care to every individual, couple, and family I have the privilege of working with. As part of this commitment, I approach our work with curiosity and humility, and I may invite you to reflect with me on how your identities, lived experiences, and cultural background shape the ways you navigate the world. As your therapist, I want to understand your story, including your strengths, challenges, and the experiences that have shaped you. Together, we can explore new perspectives, foster healing, and support you in creating a narrative that aligns with your values and helps you move toward your goals.
Caryn is a bachelor’s level clinical marriage and family therapy intern in the state of Washington supervised by Sharayah Lewis, LMHC (LF60632926; NPI number: 1528479938).
