About Me

My name is Marieka Miller and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Washington State. I have dedicated my professional life to treatment and research in the field of psychology.

I was born and raised in the Seattle area and attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. After this I worked at the Child Study and Treatment Center for two years before returning to school. I went on to receive both my Masters and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, California. My area of academic emphasis is with children and families.

My professional experience, academic emphasis, and personal passion is working with children and families yet my background and interests are diverse: two years of work as a psychiatric child care counselor, working as a tutor and a parent consultant in a premier clinic for autistic children and their families, long-term individual, couple, child, and family therapy, domestic violence rehabilitation group therapy, pre-marital counseling, immigration evaluations, as well as psychological evaluations and report writing.

During my various professional positions I became interested in children and families affected by autism. I have worked closely with families who struggle with the daily stressors unique to raising children with autism and offer marital/family support, education, and skill training as it pertains to coping strategies and stress reduction with this population.

As a counselor I provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. My training has been diverse and from a wide assortment of approaches, including, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and psychodynamic. My method when working with clients is to individualize treatment in order to maximize his or her benefits.

When working with adults, treatment often focuses on issues related to life-transitions/adjustment, depression, anxiety, unresolved grief, parenting (specifically, parenting autistic children), marital discord, and family conflict. When working with children, treatment may focus on anxiety, adjustment to life changes, trauma, behavioral challenges, emotional disturbances, and autism related issues.

Education & Training

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Pacific Lutheran University

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in children and families, California School of Professional Psychology

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in children and families, California School of Professional Psychology

Credentials

Licensed Clinical Psychologist - License # PSYC.PY.60032195 – expiration date: 11/23/2009

Professional Memberships

Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA)

American Psychological Association (APA)

Professional Experience

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Marieka Miller's Private Practice, Issaquah, WA

Parent Educator, Clinical Intern, Tutor, Center for Autism Research Evaluation and Services, San Diego, CA

Psychology Intern at Catholic Charities, San Diego, CA

Psychology Intern at Professional Community Services, El Cajon, CA

Psychiatric Child Care Counselor, Child Study and Treatment Center, Steilacoom, WA

Psychology Intern, Western State Mental Hospital, Center for Forensic Services, Steilacoom, WA

Professional Research

Dissertation Research: Examined marital satisfaction, stress levels, and coping strategies of parents raising children with autism

Mental Health Philosophy

I try to approach each new clinical situation with an open-mind and attempt to use creative tactics especially when working with children. I tend to have strong beliefs in regards to the mind-body connection and am willing to incorporate this point of view into your treatment upon your request. I believe that each individual client is unique and strive to create a setting that is sensitive to the distinctive differences that are inherent in each and every one of us.