About Dr. Rice
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Sammamish, Washington

My Path:  From Engineer to Clinical Psychologist

Before studying psychology, I had a successful career as an engineer but found that it was not fulfilling later in life.  I became interested in psychology after volunteering at crisis centers and taking a few courses. The decision to pursue becoming a psychologist brought me a renewed sense of purpose; I enjoy helping others fulfill their potential in times when they may not realize they have the ability to do so.

I have worked with a variety of individuals in some of the most challenging environments, which has helped me learn and grow as a person and as a clinician. As a psychiatric inpatient clinician, I learned how powerful it can be to have someone there supporting and encouraging a person through moments of crisis. Working at a correctional facility I held therapeutic relationships with individuals while they built meaning back into their lives and relationships after the devastating blow of incarceration. My own therapist who seems to never give up on me has helped me navigate many messy life challenges and emerge to thrive in life. I believe in the amazing human capacity to find joy and live full rich meaningful lives in the midst of inevitable pain and struggles that accompany living.

How I Help

I help people deal with painful thoughts, feelings, and symptoms that get in the way of living satisfying lives.  My approach emphasizes values, acceptance, compassion for self and others, and living fully in the present. Treatment is tailored to the individual needs of clients in the contexts of their lives. I believe in a safe collaborative therapeutic relationship in which clients bring their experiences and understanding of the world and I bring education, clinical experience and life experience. We work together to clarify what clients want their lives to be about, identify factors that get in the way of living that life, and develop skills and a plan of action that works for them.  Therapeutic interventions draw from evidenced based practices such as acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive processing therapy for trauma recovery, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy skills training, and supportive therapy.

Additionally, I provide psychological assessments to inform therapy or to answer specific referral questions.

Who I help

I enjoy working with adults and adolescents with a broad range of psychological problems such as life transitions, depression, anxiety and anxiety related disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, suicidality and self-harm, personality disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. I have worked with adults and adolescents in institutional, acute psychiatric inpatient, and community settings.

Credentials

Licensed clinical psychologist, PY 60607077
Licensed mental health counselor, LH 60281152

In My Free Time

In my free time, you might find me jogging, walking my German Shepherd through the neighborhood, judging a high school debate tournament, or attending a high school wrestling tournament. I value a healthy balance of work and self-care and supporting my children while they navigate high school. I have also been known to binge-watch Netflix shows and I love a good movie with popcorn.

Contact us to book a counseling session in our Issaquah or Sammamish therapy office. Or, set up a FREE, 10-minute phone consultation by calling us at 425-269-3277.