About

*big breath, begin taking about myself in the third person*

Misty has been a practicing therapist for 16+ years, and has worked in residential, outpatient, and acute inpatient levels of care. She was Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) until 2019, and served as the state counseling association ethics chair. In 2019 she obtained her clinical social work credential (LICSW). She's trained numerous interns from graduate programs in New Mexico, and is licensed in the states of Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. Her professional life has included working with the Albuquerque Police Department, fire fighters and US military personnel.

In her previous life she was a high school STEM teacher, with an undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences and a composite minor in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Her background in education helps her to be especially effective in teaching her clients how to better manage their challenges, and her background in science helps her seek and critically select evidence-based treatments. 

Misty holds master's degrees in Educational Psychology, Professional Counseling, and Clinical Social Work. She has has completed training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy, The Center for Deployment Psychology, The International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, and the Trichotillomania Learning Center, among others.

In her spare time, Misty watches stand-up comedy, because laughing is important, and she practices doing one thing every day that scares her.  She's also working on aging gracefully. She is the proud daughter, granddaughter, mother, and wife of US military members. 

Her life philosophy can be summed up by a quote from one of her favorite movies, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty:

To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.

 Misty might be the right therapist for you if...

• You're willing to work hard, including practicing skills outside of session. After all, 1 hour per week with me isn't going to work miracles - you'll have homework. You'll practice what you're learning. 
• You have some buy-in to therapy. Meaning, you reach out for an appointment. 
• You're willing to submit weekly tracking sheets regarding your practice. 
• You do not currently meet the criteria for the following personality disorders: Borderline, Narcissistic Histrionic, Antisocial. (These require specialized training and therapy but she's happy to refer you!)
• You do not have an active substance abuse disorder, or have been in recovery for at least 6 months.

Looking for an OCD or anxiety treatment provider near you? I provide effective treatment is available via telehealth in the Seattle, Olympic Peninsula, and Surrounding areas and throughout Washington state. I also provide treatment client clients in Albuquerque, and throughout New Mexico.

 Misty@pilgrimbehavioral.com 

call/text 505.501.8293