Biography
I focus to provide a space for clients to gain realistic and healthy perspective in their lives and through their pain. As Henri Nouwen states, “When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expression of despair into signs of hope.” Gaining perspective and fresh insight empowers you to make healthy choices about how you will respond to your circumstances.
My collaborative approach equips and empowers clients to identify what has been ineffective, strategically challenge those unhealthy thoughts/beliefs/actions, and gradually bring to surface unmet needs in order to then work together to better understand how to meet those needs in ways that help you flourish.
Therapy is work. Good, ongoing professional psychotherapy, while focused on empowering and liberating you, is not a feel-good time. It can be emotionally and mentally exhausting, which is why I honor the bravery it takes to seek therapeutic help. As a counselor I work to build a safe therapeutic attachment with clients where I can challenge them, help them process their pain (with reducing as much as possible any retraumatization), and help them cope with ambiguity, loss, and shame. This is all based on the desired goals of the client. True therapy, while professional, is an intimate relationship with clear verbalized boundaries.
I am a Registered Intern of the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate of the state of Washington. I am also a national certified counselor. I hold a Masters degree in Counseling from Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon (2017). I think Jim Carrey is one the funniest people alive, have a passion for trees, and tend to make up new words to fit the situation. I am supervised by Ken Logan, Psy.D.
Areas of Experience and Current Focus include
My collaborative approach equips and empowers clients to identify what has been ineffective, strategically challenge those unhealthy thoughts/beliefs/actions, and gradually bring to surface unmet needs in order to then work together to better understand how to meet those needs in ways that help you flourish.
Therapy is work. Good, ongoing professional psychotherapy, while focused on empowering and liberating you, is not a feel-good time. It can be emotionally and mentally exhausting, which is why I honor the bravery it takes to seek therapeutic help. As a counselor I work to build a safe therapeutic attachment with clients where I can challenge them, help them process their pain (with reducing as much as possible any retraumatization), and help them cope with ambiguity, loss, and shame. This is all based on the desired goals of the client. True therapy, while professional, is an intimate relationship with clear verbalized boundaries.
I am a Registered Intern of the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate of the state of Washington. I am also a national certified counselor. I hold a Masters degree in Counseling from Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon (2017). I think Jim Carrey is one the funniest people alive, have a passion for trees, and tend to make up new words to fit the situation. I am supervised by Ken Logan, Psy.D.
Areas of Experience and Current Focus include
- Individual therapy for late adolescent/young adults and adults.
- Shame issues (low self-worth, performance/striving/perfectionism issues)
- Personal growth, self-awareness development, identity, establishing boundaries, and spiritual formation
- Athletic related issues including: grief/loss related to retirement or other life transitions, issues of abuse, injury/rehab issues, anger management, anxiety or performance issues, identity struggles, burnout or mental clarity issues, and other relational issues (teammates, coaches, etc.).
- Certified as a Prepare Enrich facilitator and SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) certified facilitator for pre-married couples.
