My Approach & Education

My Approach:

I take an eclectic approach to therapy and draw from a variety of insight-building, change-oriented intervention styles—Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Social Rhythms Theory (IPSRT) and Relational/Interpersonal therapies to name a few—to support you in reaching your goals. I often send clients home with skills to practice or resources to engage with between sessions. 

I am also trained in trauma processing using Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and based on your symptoms we may discuss using these modalities in our treatment.

What you can expect from me:

As your therapist, you will find me direct, approachable and genuine. I see therapy as a partnership and I work to dismantle hierarchy in the therapeutic relationship—you are the expert on you, I am merely partnering with you in this process. Whether we are working on building practical skills or exploring your personal history, I will be patient and collaborative in my approach.

What will we talk about?

Therapy looks different for different people. For you it may look like exploring your family of origin and childhood experiences and getting a better understanding of how these factors impact you today. Or it may look like learning skills to use to work towards your goals. It may look like identifying changes that need to be made to satisfy your need for meaning and fulfillment in your life. Whatever your needs are, we’ll figure out the path forward together.

I can help you navigate life transitions, sort out what new direction fits you best, or guide you in establishing  supportive & meaningful relationships. My practice involves treating folks who struggle with depression, bipolar, trauma, grief, and anxiety. My experience also includes working with people who are Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary, as well as survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse.

I work well with clients who are curious about themselves and the world around them, who have a sense of humor and are motivated to engage in the process of therapy. I am passionate about building genuine relationships with my clients so that I can truly understand both what makes you you and what needs to shift for you to reach your goals.

Getting started:

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming and it can be challenging to know what to look for in a therapist. 

Research shows that the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important change factors in therapy. I hope the information on this website helps you determine whether we might work well together.

If you think we might work well together please contact me to set up a consultation call.

Licenses, Education & Trainings:

Professional licenses:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon Lic # C4163

Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington Lic # LH60566217

Degrees:

Master of Arts, Professional Mental Health Counseling (2014)

Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Counseling and Education

Bachelor of Arts, Literature (2006)

University of California, Santa Cruz

specialized trainings:

EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training– Personal Transformation Institute (2021)

Assessments and Planning for Gender Affirming Surgery– Brave Space  (2017)

DBT Team consultation and weekly training– Community Services North West (2014-2015)

Narrative Exposure Therapy Training– Lewis & Clark  (2013)

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Training– The Portland Women’s Crisis Line  (2010)