services update

My counseling practice is CLOSED to NEW counseling referrals for the entire 2020-2021 school year. From September of 2020 onward, I will be working full-time with schools and organizations on consulting projects.

Transform Discipline

Promote Youth Mental Health

Helping schools and youth-serving organizations create environments that raise healthy, courageous, and compassionate children and teens.

office located in Bellingham, WA 

Core Belief

The best youth mental health care happens outside the therapy room, in the environments where children live, learn, and play. 

Contact

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Counseling Update

​​I am not accepting referrals for psychotherapy.

information for former counseling clients

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featured services

Educational Consulting

School discipline, youth behavioral health, MTSS, and social-emotional learning program development and consulting.

trainings & workshops

Trainings on Restorative Practices, School Discipline Reform, Social-Emotional Learning, Suicide Prevention, anxiety, and youth mental health promotion.

Tools & Resources

Tools and resources to help schools and  organizations create equitable policies, processes, and systems that promote youth mental health. 

MSW, University of Washington, Seattle 2012
​LICSW, WA State #LW60922289

Tammy Dee, MSW (she/her) is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). She primarily provides consulting services focused on school discipline and school mental health programs. She also holds an ESA School Social Work Certificate with OSPI (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) and worked as a School Social Worker for 6 school years prior to beginning her private practice. In addition, she has taught undergraduate Social Work courses, conducted research on the implementation of Restorative Practices in schools in Australia, and co-authored research articles and a book chapter on child abuse and neglect. She is especially passionate about helping rural & semi-rural schools transform discipline systems and promote youth mental health.

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More about Tammy

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Short on time? Quick tips

for parents & Educators

Take a look below (hover over icons) for research-based insights on strategies to promote youth mental health. These tips are for parents, educators, and youth-serving professionals working tirelessly to raise courageous, resilient, and compassionate children and teens. ​*Mobile-responsive not currently available. 

Positive Expectations

We often tell children what NOT to do; without telling them what to do instead. Teaching children what you WANT them to do can help reduce behavior problems. Set & teach clear, positive behavioral expectations.

Accomodations

Going out of your way to prevent distress in children with excessive worries or fears can actually make their anxiety worse. Empathy & validation PLUS gradual & safe exposure to challenges build courage and confidence!

Independence & Responsibility

Children and teens need opportunities to develop confidence in their knowledge, skills, and abilities. A good rule: try not to do things FOR them that they can do themselves.

Stress & the Brain

Stressed humans can't access the parts of their brain that allow them to think rationally and reflect on their behaviors. Recognize when children (and adults) are experiencing a fight, flight, or freeze response. Model mindful moments and relaxation strategies.

Attention & Reinforcement

Pay attention to what you're paying attention to! Highlight the times a child is meeting (or working hard to meet) expectations and positively reinforce their efforts. A good rule: 5 positive reinforcements for every 1 correction.

Boundaries & Enforcement

Clearly set and consistently enforce boundaries. The belief that a child will be caught misbehaving is what deters misbehavior; not punitive consequences! Try restating what behaviors you expect of them. Be consistent with your boundaries!