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Meet Your Counselor

The therapeutic relationship is important, and because of that, we believe it is important for you to know a little about who you are working with. Although we cannot paint a full and accurate description of who we are through these short texts, we hope the following will give you an idea of what it would be like to work with each of us!

Dan Claussen, MS, LMFT

A Little About Me

The majority of my early life has been spent in the Snoqualmie Valley. My family lived in Colorado for 4 years when I was younger, but other than that we lived between Carnation and Monroe. I entered the Riverview School District as a 7th grader, so am intimately aware of the challenges and benefits of the rural school district. I have also spent time living in Chicago, and appreciate all the benefits the city provides.

My Hobbies

If I had a weekend off, and the weather was somewhat good, I would probably spend it in the outdoors. Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing or climbing a mountain; if it is outside, I would be doing it. If the weather was not good, or I just wanted a more relaxing time, I would spend my time reading, connecting with friends, working around the yard, or be relaxing in front of a Seahawks game. As you will see from my education, I also enjoy learning and developing new skills.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2016, and my Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in 2012. I began working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for Larch Counseling in 2016. Before I began working as a private practitioner, I worked as a clinical intern at Compass Health in the family clinic, consulting with young kids, adolescents, and their families from Sep 2014-Jun 2016. I also worked as a high school Youth Director at Redemption Church for the 2014-2015 academic year, and interned as the junior high pastor at the Duvall Church for a year in 2010.

Abbygail Parker, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

I grew up in Indiana, and moved to Seattle, WA in 2020. My husband, Luke, and I, have two cats, Moonstone and Obsidian, who are close to our hearts. We moved here so I could attend graduate school and we have been captivated by Washington’s beauty. Our adventurous natures take us from beach to mountains to forest!

I have a particular passion for striving to understand individual narratives, decision-making and cultures focused on bringing together shared ideas in growth and communication. I love to learn about family traditions, cultural backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs. I am an ally and member of the LGBTQ+ community. I work with all races, colors, religions, genders, gender expressions, national origins, abilities, and sexual orientations.

My Hobbies

In my down time, I love to read, cook, joyfully move my body, and socialize with friends. I relax with a good book in the morning’s or before bed. I particularly love narrative fiction, and most anything related to whales.

I find peace relaxing by water and exploring the forests. I have a special fondness for whales, particularly orcas. On my days away from work, you will find me trying new recipes, relaxing with the cats, or moving my body in dance or on walks. On the weekends, I love to cook interesting, delicious foods and gather with friends over meals and conversation.

Education/Experience

I attended Indiana University, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of the Arts in Religious Studies. After nannying and working in interfaith nonprofit, I returned to school in Seattle to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated in June 2022. My institution focuses on openness, responsibility, curiosity, and accountability resulting in ethical, compassionate therapists.

Aubrey Lane, LMFT

A Little About Me

I grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley in a small home nestled against Mt. Si. From the time I was young I have had an affinity for being outside, hiking the mountains in our backyard, and cheering on the UW Huskies. More recently I have found a passion for seeing new cultures, listening to true crime podcasts, exploring the intricacies of interior design, and continuing to find ways to serve others. My husband and I met in high school and will celebrate 14 years together in October. We welcomed our son, Lawson, into the world in 2022 and his sweet toothless smile blesses us daily.

My Hobbies

In my free time (and when weather allows) you can find me anywhere outside near water. I have recently ignited an excitement for wake surfing and paddle boarding and feel blessed when Washington weather gives me the chance to get out and be on the water. When the weather does not allow for me to be outside, I use the opportunity to slow down and pour into my relationships. Spending time with loved ones and connecting with friends over good food is one of my favorite “recharging” activities. If I could retire now, I would move down to Ensenada and build homes in Mexico. For the past 10 years, my husband and I have traveled over Thanksgiving to build houses, and it’s the best version of myself I know.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2018, and my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Education from The University of Washington in 2015. I started working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for Larch Counseling in 2018. Before I began working as a private practitioner, I worked as a clinical intern at Youth Eastside Services in Bellevue, consulting with young kids, adolescents, and their families from January 2017 to June 2018. Prior to Y.E.S. I worked as a Behavioral Therapist at Mosaic Children’s Therapy from May 2015-October 2017 and in conjunction with working as a mental health practitioner, I also currently work as a local advocate for teenagers who have dropped out of high school.

Danielle Smith, MA, LMHCA

A Little About Me

I have spent all my life in western Washington and absolutely love the PNW. I was born in Tacoma and moved around the greater Seattle area, while in college, at the University of Washington. 3 years ago, my fiancé and I moved to the Snoqualmie valley, and I cannot see myself living anywhere else. I am grateful for the opportunity to positively impact such a welcoming and amazing community.

My Hobbies

When I am not working, I love to be outside exploring all the beautiful parts of Washington. You will typically find me and my toddler going on walks, playing by the water, kayaking, and hiking. When fall comes around you can find me cheering on the Seahawks, and investing way too much time in fantasy football. I also enjoy reading, and since finishing college, I have been enjoying picking my own reading materials in my free time. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching a good TV show, and cooking.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University in 2022, and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington in 2018. Prior to coming to Larch Counseling, I worked as a clinical intern for Eastside Academy in Bellevue, WA, working with at risk adolescents, teens, young adults, and their families. Prior to being a clinical intern, I have experience working with women who struggle with substance abuse.

Elliott Duea, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

I’ve lived in beautiful Western Washington my entire life. I love many other places around the world, but no place has managed to steal me away from the firs and the crisp Pacific Northwest air. I grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, and I have resided in Seattle since I started college in 2013.

My Hobbies

I love immersing myself in art - be it films, vinyl records, novels, or spending the day at the art museum. I also love laughing with my friends and my family, playing soccer, and writing poetry. And of course, spending time in the sublime nature throughout the PNW.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in 2021, and my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Seattle Pacific University in 2017. I began working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for Larch Counseling in 2021. Before I began working as a private practitioner, I worked as a clinical intern at the YMCA Social Impact of Seattle where I provided therapy to young kids and their families, adolescents, and adults from Jan. 2020-June 2021.

Garret Patterson, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

Originally from Texas, I moved to Seattle to live with my wife (and my cat, Pixel) to attend college at Seattle Pacific University for my undergraduate and graduate degree. Since being here I have fallen in love with the weather, mountains, and people I have come to know. I am overjoyed with the chance to connect and learn from people as they share their stories with me, as I believe each of us has so much to bring to the table.

My Hobbies

In my free time you can often find me in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. I also try and visit any and every museum that I can go to (but science museums are my favorite). I also spend a lot of time reading, watching movies, building model kits, or enjoying some coffee on my porch.

Education/Experience

I received my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific in 2023. I also received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Seattle Pacific University in 2020. Before that, I had known since I was in high school that I wanted to become a therapist, taking every opportunity to read and study all things related to the field. In school, I loved taking classes around how people develop over their lifespans, as well as studying the impact of parent-child connections both when people are young and old. While in school earning my therapy degree I enjoyed working with high-school students and young adults, married couples, and families.

For a longer form bio of me, click here.

Madison Dell, MA, LMFTA

A Little About Me

I grew up on the East Coast and spent most of my adult life in Vermont, working with children of all ages in a school-based setting. The children I have worked with have inspired me in many different ways, and some of my greatest lessons have come from them. One of my favorites is to embrace adventure. Taking this lesson to heart, I have always wanted to explore the West Coast, and decided to pursue my career as a Marriage and Family Therapist here in Washington!

My Hobbies

I love playing outside! Whether it’s mountain biking, skiing, or just running around with my dogs, I cherish being in nature. I also enjoy reading (preferably Harry Potter) and practicing yoga. I am an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and integrate elements of mindfulness and somatic awareness into my clinical work.

Education/Experience

In 2022, I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Certificate in Play Therapy from Antioch University. Prior to joining the Larch Counseling team, I interned at Sound Health, working primarily with families impacted by domestic violence.

My clinical approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused. I have extensive training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and Child-Parent- Relationship Therapy. I also have Advanced Training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Level I Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In my clinical work, I often draw from Internal Family Systems Therapy as well. My greatest passion is in supporting individuals and relationships healing from emotional pain, trauma, and loss.

Mario R. Gaspar de Alba, MS, LMFTA

A Little About Me

I am a transplant to the Seattle area, originally from West Texas. My extraordinary wife, Kilee, and I have been together for five years, and I hope to convince her to let us get a dog someday. We enjoy finding new places to eat and love going to different parks and beaches in the area on the weekends. I have been interested in pursuing a career in psychology since high school. I love reading and learning about the way the world works and how and why people think and behave the way they do. I am especially interested in philosophy, even though it is way overcomplicated. The last few years I have been reading up on Eastern philosophies and religions to broaden my understanding of the world.

My Hobbies

I have many hobbies, but I enjoy getting into new things and exploring what they have to offer. And if you ask any close friends of mine they will tell you I might have too many hobbies. My most persistent hobby is cooking and general foodie things. I grew up spending my summers as a cowboy working with my grandfather on his cattle ranches, and I hope to get back into that lifestyle, at least on a small scale, in the future. I enjoy art and music, particularly impressionist paintings, rock, sob rock, and old-school country music. My nerdiest hobby has to be lightsaber building, but who doesn't think lightsabers are the most fantastic things ever? Most importantly, I love spending time with loved ones and close friends doing almost anything: exploring nature, grilling, picnics, lawn games, pick up soccer or frisbee, and trying out new board games.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University in the Summer of 2023. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho in the Spring of 2020. I worked as a clinical intern at Larch Counseling while I was earning my graduate degree. In addition, I have worked part-time as a substitute for Seattle Public Schools for SPED and Distinctive classrooms since September of 2021. Before that, I worked full-time for the school year of 2020 at Madison Middle as a behavior intervention specialist with many wonderful children. I have also created and run couples workshops on the weekends during my final year as an intern with Larch counseling.

Victoria Morgan, MA, LMHC

A Little About Me

I was born and raised in Washington. My husband and I have two mini-goldendoodles whom we love taking on walks or playing fetch with. I love to spend time outside whether that is on a walk, going for a hike, kayaking, or in the garden. When I am not doing something active, I enjoy reading.

My Hobbies

I love being outdoors in the beauty that Washington has to offer. I enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, rowing, playing with our dogs, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Education/Experience

I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University in 2021. In 2016, I graduated from Western Washington University with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

In 2021, I started working with Larch Counseling as a counselor. Before I began working at Larch, I worked as a clinical intern at Northwest University, from May 2020 to June 2021. Before being a clinical intern, I gained extensive experience working with children with Autism.

I am certified in Gottman Levels 1 and 2, as well as Gottman Treating Affairs and Trauma, and Gottman Couples and Addiction. I am a Certified SYMBIS Facilitator, and I am certified in Lifespan Integration Levels 1 and 2. Lastly, I am trained in Trauma Dissociation and Psychosis: Strengths-Based Approaches to Understanding and Recovery, and Advanced PTSD Conceptualization.

Alexandria Packard, Clinical Intern, MS of MFT Cand.

A Little About Me

I grew up here in Duvall, and am well acquainted with our small (yet growing!) town. I am deeply aware of the joys and hardships that come with living in a rural area, and believe it is such a gift to be able to support the community in which I was raised.

I spent my undergraduate studies in Boise, Idaho and upon completion decided that I missed the rain and wanted to move back to Washington. I landed in Bellingham, where I lived for five years before moving to Seattle for graduate school. I absolutely love the Pacific Northwest, and I can typically be found adventuring around with my border collie by my side.

My Hobbies

In my free-time I enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, biking, skiing, surfing, paddle boarding, and running - though I can’t say the last one is as enjoyable yet. One of my favorite things about Washington is our proximity to the mountains, forest and sea. I am so grateful that I get to experience so much of the beauty nature has to offer right here in our backyard.

When I can’t be outside, I enjoy reading (although most of my reading material as of late has been textbooks, studies, and journal articles). When I do have time to read for pleasure, I like to read classic novels, cheesy romance books, and psychology genre’s about why we think and do what we do. While I am not the best cook, I am lucky that my boyfriend has an exceptional ability to make delicious food. We love connecting with family or friends over shared meals and card games.

Education/Experience

I am working on my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University, with an anticipated graduation date of June 2024. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Boise State University in 2016. In conjunction with interning at Larch Counseling, I work full-time at a foster care agency. I began working in Bellingham at Skookum Kids as a case manager in 2019, where I supported families who had been involved in the child-welfare system. I then transitioned to the same role in Seattle at Amara in January of 2022. I have always been passionate about advocating for and supporting families. While completing my undergraduate degree, I was a director for a student-run non-profit organization that supported children who were being treated at our local children’s hospital. I worked closely with both the St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, and the children and families they cared for. Over the last ten years I have been inspired by these people’s stories, and it has been a major part of my decision to begin this therapeutic career. To learn more about what it means working with me as a clinical intern, click here.

Shannon Sherman, Clinical Intern, MS of MFT Cand.

A Little About Me

I moved to the Pacific Northwest after growing up in Central Florida and completing my undergraduate studies in Gainesville, FL. Washington had the water, mountains, and summers I enjoyed, and four different seasons of the year. After twelve years in Seattle, I landed in Woodinville in 2021. I am grateful to learn with and from this warm and welcoming community.

My Hobbies

In my free-time I enjoy taking walks with friends, finding little free puzzle libraries, and antique or thrift shops. When I can, I like to draw or paint with acrylics or watercolors some of the landscapes I see. I love connecting with family or friends over shared meals and games.

Education/Experience

I am working on my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University, with an anticipated graduation date of June 2025. I received my Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from University of Florida in 2008. Along with interning at Larch Counseling, I work full-time at SPU as an annual giving and stewardship manager. Most of my professional life, I have worked in relationship-based fundraising, raising support for nonprofits and community causes. Through the pandemic and events in my personal journey, I invested in therapy and support groups for women facing separation and divorce. These experiences were key to my growth and inspired me to pursue this career. To learn more about what it means working with me as a clinical intern, click here.

About Our Internship Program

A clinical intern is a person who is currently attending their Master’s Program to attain the education they need for their licensure. During their work at Larch Counseling, they are receiving supervision from one of our Licensed Clinicians, and are also receiving group or individual supervision from the Master’s Program they are attending. They are well supported and have access to all the resources of our team. Because they are in training, and are required to be a part of an internship program to graduate, we are able to offer their services at a lower rate in our office, and offer them to the local school district for to provide services on campus. We take the hiring of our interns seriously, and only accept those we feel are a good fit for families we see, and the culture here at Larch. To learn more about the fee structure of interns, please visit our fee section here.