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Practice PhilosophyI believe the therapeutic relationship is best served by establishing clear goals and outcomes and by using culturally relevant, evidence-based interventions. I assess and understand the developmental stages and needs of a client. And, I commit to working as hard as you in therapy!
I warmly welcome and enjoy clients of all backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. I work with women, men, and teens; individuals, couples, and families; gay, straight, gender fluid, trans, queer, and questioning. And, I operate from an actively antiracist, social justice perspective. Finally, I think humor, fun, and creativity can add a lot to the therapeutic experience, as well as alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. Even when working through very difficult feelings or traumas, I hope to help clients experience joy and laughter in life again. |
Who I Serve
I am a board certified counselor. Over my career, I have developed an expertise, treating trauma survivors of all types. This includes: sexual assault, sexual abuse, catastrophic events, street youth, foster youth, human trafficking survivors, refugees, survivors of and/or witnesses to crime, car accidents, and accidents of any type, etc. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is treatable and curable.
The experience and training it takes to treat trauma also lends itself very well to treating general anxiety, as well as the symptoms that can appear alongside anxiety: sleep difficulties, relational problems, career concerns, family conflict, My expertise is also very applicable in working with the disenfranchised and those who have faced all types of discrimination such as the LGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). I recognize and acknowledge the institutional and systemic barriers to physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health and work with clients to improve access to resourcing and community, as well as advocate on people's behalf when given permission and when appropriate.
I also work with couples, individuals, and teens in treating depression, developing coping skills and self regulation skills, relationship issues, marital conflict, career issues, professional development, and goal setting.
The experience and training it takes to treat trauma also lends itself very well to treating general anxiety, as well as the symptoms that can appear alongside anxiety: sleep difficulties, relational problems, career concerns, family conflict, My expertise is also very applicable in working with the disenfranchised and those who have faced all types of discrimination such as the LGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). I recognize and acknowledge the institutional and systemic barriers to physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health and work with clients to improve access to resourcing and community, as well as advocate on people's behalf when given permission and when appropriate.
I also work with couples, individuals, and teens in treating depression, developing coping skills and self regulation skills, relationship issues, marital conflict, career issues, professional development, and goal setting.
Treatment Methodologies
I have trained in multiple modalities such as: EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Humanistic, Family Systems, Solution-Focused, Play therapy, and Mindfulness practices. I also have a specialty in, and advanced training, treating acute trauma & pervasive or persistent anxiety.
Education, Experience, Background and Publications
I am a National Board Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon: License No.C2434. I attended Northern Arizona University, earning a BA in Psychology in 1996 and MA in Counseling With Distinction in 2006. I am a Certified EMDR provider, meaning I have completed all EMDR trainings and certification tasks proving my efficacy.
In the time between Bachelor and Masters degrees, I worked in the field of counseling, and also in business (publishing and software). I believe my experience outside counseling, and taking time between undergraduate and graduate school, has been vital to developing a more holistic and grounded view of therapy.
Having said that, if the years prior to and during undergraduate and graduate school count, and I think they do, I have worked in the counseling field for over 30 years. Continuing education is extremely important to me. Every year, I exceed the requirements for continuing education so I may offer my clients the most effective research-based interventions available and continue to integrate methods from a variety of theoretical orientations.
Publications:
- Want a Hug? Consent and Boundaries For Kids Want A Hug? was selected by children as a "Children's Favorite Book" via the Children's Book Council. The Kids Book Choice Awards is the only national book awards program where the winners are selected by kids and teens of all ages.R
- Recognizing and Managing Back-to-School Anxiety
- Talking to Kids About Body Boundaries at the Holidays
- Guest Blog: 5 Tips for Teaching Consent and Boundaries to Kids
TV Appearances:
- Recognizing and Managing Back-to-School Anxiety
- What is Play Therapy?
- What to do If/When Therapy is Less Frequent
- Talking to Kids About Consent and Boundaries
- A Proper Greeting
- Navigating Anxiety During the Holidays
- How to Find a Therapist
- When To Seek Couples Counseling
- How to Talk to Kids About Going to Counseling
- How to Know if Therapy is Working
Podcasts:
A Little Bit More About Me |
I have lived and worked in several parts of the US, and abroad in the UK for a year. My favorite places are on the West Coast. Prior to moving to Portland, I spent most of my adult life in Flagstaff, AZ and the Bay Area, CA. When I am not working, I can be found hiking, camping, adventuring, reading, supporting the Portland Thorns, and spending quality time with family and friends.
