I am very fortunate to be here and do the work I do. The challenges I have experienced allow me to deeply relate to other people's pains and struggles. They taught me hope and faith: that life can get better and that it will get better. I am grateful for all my experiences because they made me who I am. They allow me to deeply connect with people who are struggling and be passionate about issues of social justice. My experiences are why I became a social worker and therapist.

In my own journey, I have found that nature can offer a tremendous amount of healing and have relied on spending time outdoors ever since I was little. I do alpine climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, hiking, camping, photography, and cycling. I see counseling and experiencing nature as similar activities that are both challenging and adventurous. These challenges are extremely rewarding opportunities for fostering spiritual growth that open doors to self-discovery, serenity, and personal development.

I obtained my MSW from the University of Washington. I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (# LW 60612359). My work experiences include volunteering as an ESL tutor in the USA and Mexico, working at a technical college helping students with disabilities, working at a shelter for victims of domestic violence, academic research, and for the past several years, providing mental health counseling to diverse array of clients, including LGBT, at Wellspring Family Services, Seattle Counseling Service, and Fairfax Hospital.

- Radka Chapin, MA, MSW, LICSW