Services
About My Clients
My clients are often women (but, not always) seeking clarity and support around their current life situations, changes and challenges - Maybe it's trying for or having a new child while balancing work, social and interpersonal relationships. Maybe it's processing loss/grief/change - including a influential person, a job, a move to a new city, a role in life (parenting). We can identify and practice shame resilience skills. We go through change all the time and you don't have to be alone with it.
My Background and Approach
As a cognitive, dialectical behavioral based therapist, a Gottman Level One trained counselor and a Certified Daring Way ™ Facilitator (Brené Brown) in Portland, Oregon, my treatment approach is to provide insightful support with feedback to help clients help themselves. I work primarily with individuals and groups but, do help couples from time to time. I am a certified additions therapist as well. I am a graduate of Portland State University with my earlier background in International Studies stateside and overseas. I have been in private practice for 14 years, full time for 11 years and before that having had a lot of exposure and work in community mental health around Portland. My approach is described as active and supportive. I work with clients to address current issues and long-standing challenges. Applying sensitivity, empathy and compassion, I help individuals bring resolution to a wide range of life challenges and clinical psychological issues.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I practice in Portland, Oregon and have lived here for 18 years, however, grew up in conservative Idaho. I know many sides of a community and it's pressures, ideals and culture. I have lived and worked overseas for over six years of my life so, have a deeper understanding in multicultural environments. I have been trained in Shame Resilience in the Daring Way™ curriculum and that content is applicable in many environments. I find great purpose and enthusiasm for this group and individual work in these ideals. I have personal experience with perinatal mood disorders and have worked for 15 years to provide support for other parents in their journeys in the pregnancy, infant loss, postpartum and parenting arenas and recently, perimenopause. I have also worked in the addictions arena for 15+ years and have experience in alcohol and other substances addictions work. As well as some experience in working with compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, internet usage.