Counseling & Health Services
Our Staff
Counseling Office
The staff of the Counseling Office is committed to providing a caring, relaxed and professional service. As a student, you have a right to know what that service is and to choose a counselor who best suits your needs and purposes.
Elizabeth McKinney, Ph.D.
Counselor
Green River Counseling Services
Lindbloom Student Center, Room 231
(253) 833-9111 ext. 2460
Education and Training: I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida, and a B.A. in Psychology from Stanford University. I have five years of experience practicing counseling in university counseling centers, a community mental health center, and a juvenile prison. I have also worked in various direct service and supervisory positions for state social service agencies.
Techniques used: My counseling style is based on cognitive-behavioral theory which assumes that problematic emotions/behaviors can result from how we process information. In other words, changing how we think may change how we feel and act. I will work closely with you to identify your goals, the steps necessary to achieve your goals, and the barriers that are preventing you from achieving your goals. Some techniques that I use include skill building, reading and writing exercises, and role play. I believe that all people have the tools necessary to succeed, and that if they don't have them, they can learn them. My areas of counseling interest are effective communication, multiculturalism/diversity, relaxation, couples counseling, and anxiety reduction.
Devon Klein, LMHC
Counselor
Green River Counseling Services
Lindbloom Student Center, Room 235
(253) 833-9111 ext. 4492
Education and Training: I hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. My training includes treatment of adults and adolescents in both an inpatient hospital setting and a community mental health center. My work experience includes working with adults and teens in community mental health agencies, inpatient rehabilitation, residential programs, psycho-educational groups and court-referred programs. I engage in ongoing continuing education to both learn new evidence-based approaches as they emerge and to update or renew my knowledge in previously studied fields.
Techniques used: My counseling approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral theory which assumes that problematic emotions and behaviors can result from how we process information. My style focuses on working closely with you to identify your goals and the skills you already possess that may aid in your achievement of these goals. To do this, we will identify successes to build on, outline the steps needed to move forward, and problem-solve to overcome any barriers. I also bring a holistic perspective that helps us to understand our problems within the context of our identity, relationships and personal history. This is a collaborative process, in which much of the work is done through practice of the skills discussed in one’s daily life. I have experience working with a variety of issues and conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, domestic violence, conflict management, self-esteem, transitions, career planning, relationships, communication, sexuality, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, ADHD, parenting, anger management and personality disorders.
Monica Clark, MSW
Counselor
Green River Counseling Services
Lindbloom Student Center, Room 231
(253) 833-9111 ext. 2461
Education and Training: I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Washington, Seattle, specializing in Children, Youth and Families and School Social Work. I also received my Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Washington, Seattle. I have experience providing outpatient mental health services for youth and adults at community mental health agencies, and over five years' experience working with children, youth and families in various public school settings as a school social worker.
Techniques Used: My counseling style is based on the cognitive-behavioral theory, which assumes that problematic emotions and behaviors can result from how we process information and experiences in our lives. I approach all sessions with a strengths-based perspective, meaning that I work to find natural strengths you already possess and help you build on these strengths in order to achieve your goals. I believe that with the right support, we can all achieve a level of stability and happiness. I have experience working with various issues including depression, suicidal ideation, social skills, stress management, self-esteem, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, mood disorders, career planning, interpersonal relationships, parenting, substance abuse, sexuality and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Health Services
Julie French
Green River Health Services
Lindbloom Student Center, Room 227
(253) 833-9111 ext. 2430
Education and Training: I am a Community Health Educator and hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Oregon State University. I keep updated and certified in First Aid and CPR training. I have specialized in the area of preventative health education. Past experience in hospital-based health education has given me a broad background in the area of helping others make positive life-long behavior changes.
Techniques used: In my health programming, I emphasize both conventional and holistic health-care approaches for creating health, well-being and avoiding illness. I focus on good self-care. The individual is an active participant in becoming aware of health and lifestyle issues, and practicing appropriate behavioral changes that support prevention of health problems, as well as obtaining early screening. What a student does now affects future well-being.