A little bit about me…

My Approach:

I have a non-pathologizing, trauma-informed, client-centered approach to counseling. This approach acknowledges each client’s individual needs and helps clients identify what will improve their mental health the most.

It is important to me that my clients feel respected: that they feel safe, supported, seen, and heard. My clients’ unique life circumstances and experience are validated and honored.

I have a pragmatic approach, which uses a combination of different therapeutic techniques. I like to give my clients tools and information that they can use in “real time” and in a variety of settings.

Education and Training:

  • I earned a Bacherlors Degree in Economics from the University of California at San Diego in 1987. Many years and many jobs later I became a licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Oregon and found that helping others was what I wanted to do.
  • I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022 from Adams State University in Colorado.
  • I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the State of Oregon, #R7882. 
  • I am trained in EMDR by an EMDRIA approved training organization.
  • I received my IFS training from the IFS Institute and am a Level 1 Clinician and am currently enrolled in an IFS for couples training.
  • I am a Nationally Certified Counselor.

My Experience:

I have worked with clients experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and many other other symptoms.

I have worked with clients using a broad range of modalities, interventions, and psychoeducation including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, MBCBT, Polyvagal Theory, Breathwork, etc.

My favorite and most used include: Mindfulness Based Modalities, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Attachment Theory, Existential/Humanistic, and Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT).

If you’re interested in learning more about these modalities please see my Modalities page.