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Creating change in your life can be exciting, scary, hopeful and challenging. Whether you are dealing with a crisis, experiencing relational distress or simply feel that you are not living the life you would like to be living, my goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental and collaborative client/therapist relationship in which you can begin to effect real change.
As a collaborative therapist, I integrate various therapeutic theories and draw on different techniques according to my clients and their needs. I am influenced by systemic, existential, psychodynamic and interpersonal theories. What this means for our sessions is that we will examine how your life experiences – particularly those relating to family of origin, culture, and past trauma – affect your core beliefs and thus your way of being in the world (how you think, feel, and behave). Whether you are coming to counseling alone or with partners or children, we will examine how you function as part of a system. This includes both immediate and familial systems as well as larger societal and cultural systems.
I will help you change what isn’t working in your life by examining your history of patterns, personal experiences and stressors and help you develop the skills and resources to implement change. At the same time, we’ll reinforce what is working and look at the strengths of your current relationships. We will also explore how you make meaning in your life and what values you hold – thereby discovering and strengthening your authentic self. Understanding your sense of self and your personal strengths will aid in the process of healing and creating health and wholeness. My hope is that through genuine acceptance, compassion, encouragement and challenge we can work together to help you utilize your strengths, discover your authentic self and move forward. Ultimately, you will find more peace, joy and balance in life and greater fulfillment and connection in your relationships.
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy / Parenting
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) / Adults Molested as Children
PTSD / Trauma
Adolescents
Cross-Cultural Issues
Life changes/Transitions
Self-Esteem
Anxiety / Depression
Communication Difficulties
Stress Management
Masters of Science in Counselor Education
Specialization in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy
Portland State University, 2007
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Oregon, 1999
Some of the major coursework and training during my graduate program included: Human Development, Family Life Cycles and Transitions, Human Sexuality, Couples Therapy, Substance Abuse, and Grief and Loss. I have over 11 years experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. My scope of experience also includes working with adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups in various treatment settings such as residential care, outpatient therapy, crisis lines and in-home therapeutic services. |
