STYLE
I continue to offer virtual sessions, as well as in-person, for those interested who are vacc’d.
My style is informal and interactive. I’m a pragmatist and believe most people have limited time and money to spend in therapy. I help clients examine where they’re stuck, and come up with a plan to accept what is, while working toward incremental change. I enjoy individuals and couples who are open to working on things, even if they have no idea where to begin.
TRAINING AND BACKGROUND
I’m a Portland native (so few of us left these days). After completing my undergraduate degree in advertising, I worked in corporate marketing and HR. In one of those life changing moments, I decided to switch paths and returned to school to earn my masters in counseling (2000). I’ve loved practicing therapy ever since, working with people courageously moving through life’s obstacles. There’s really nothing much better than witnessing a breakthrough!
My schooling included training in all modes of individual, couples and group treatment, but I’m grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Post grad, I worked in community mental health and emergency psychology, honing my crisis assessment and treatment skills, as well as training and working extensively with DBT. Since earning my license in 2002, I’ve worked in private practice, integrating CBT, mindfulness and neuropsychology with my clients. That said, the art of therapy is tailoring each session to the person and the day.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, gardening and spinning (on a bike, not in my head… usually).
MS Counseling Psychology, Lewis & Clark College
Certificate in Human Resources, Portland State University
BA Advertising, University of Oregon Clark Honors College
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I work with a wide variety of adults, couples and teen girls (14+). While I’m comfortable with most topics, particular strengths include: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, communication, childhood trauma, grief, parenting, fertility, codependency, and work stress. I do not see clients under 14, but I do offer parent coaching for parents of younger children.