I treat my clients as the experts in their own lives. I encourage a safe, respectful and compassionate setting for clients to identify what they need from therapy. I assist clients in seeing their situations and problems more realistically, so they feel empowered in their actions, behaviors and choices.
In my therapy practice, I work eclectically with older teens, adults, older adults, and couples, with an emphasis on brief modalities. I use Mindfulness approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Therapy (ACT), Solutions Focused Therapy, and Person Centered Therapy. I also use Relational Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy to encourage insight and awareness of the effects of the past on the present.
Background
I graduated from Portland State University School of Social Work in 1992. Before that, I earned a BA in English Literature with a secondary teaching certificate from Portland State University in 1987.
I have 27 years of experience practicing in the field of mental health. I have experience as a counselor in my own practice and as a crisis response specialist, and as a therapist in an EAP setting working predominantly with teachers in the community.
Areas of Interest:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Life Transitions
Trauma
Grief (including pet loss)
Relational Issues
Chronic Pain
Climate Stress
Diversity Issues (cultural, gender, spiritual)
Couples
Relationship Skills
Communication
Self-compassion
Stress Management
Empathy Focus