Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) currently based and practicing in Oregon, though with an active license in California as well. I attended California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) for graduate school and lived in the Bay Area for a decade before moving to Portland, OR shortly before the pandemic. I have over thirteen years of experience as a "generalist" therapist, though I specialize in supporting individuals in the midst of life transitions, including but not limited to: relationship challenges, moves to a new city or state, new medical diagnoses, career and work problems, spiritual questioning, transitions into the workforce or retirement. While I consider the psychological theories behind my work, I hold them lightly in the room, believing most fundamentally in the importance of an adaptive, culturally-sensitive, non-judgmental stance with my clients. PLEASE NOTE: your chosen intake appointment time is subject to my final approval based on my shifting availability. I see clients on multiple platforms and am unable to sync all of my calendars in real time. Following the initial appointment, we will find a mutually agreeable meeting time and I will manage the booking on the Grow platform going forward, including rescheduling and cancellations. You will need to message me directly to cancel or reschedule your appointment. I request the courtesy of as much advanced notice as possible. I am not able to work with clients who cancel without 24 hrs advanced notice or no show more than twice.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In a first session we'll review some important "housekeeping" items like basic policies and your rights as a client in the vulnerable setting of therapy. I'll ask some pointed questions about what brings you into therapy and what your goals may be (if that's already clear to you) and some more open-ended questions to get a better sense of who you are and if I think I'm a good fit for what you're seeking to achieve. You will also have plenty of opportunities to ask me questions and assess for yourself if it feels like a "good fit". This may or may not be immediately apparent to you, which is perfectly normal. If there's doubt, I often suggest working together for three session before deciding on whether or not to set up recurring meetings.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
For the past thirteen years I have worked with clients spanning the spectrum of races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities and ethnicities, without judgment. I bring heart, sincerity and humility to my work and have a track record of exceptional retention with my clients, as I'm able to meet clients where they're at, as we collaboratively chart a path forward.