New to Grow
I have been in practice for 19 years. I went back to school as an older adult which gave me life experiences that have enriched my counseling practice. I did my internship at a Community Based Outpatient Veterans Clinic in Eugene, OR. I started my private practice in 2007 and work with veterans, couples, and adults. I moved to Portland, OR in 2020 and have done mostly TeleHealth counseling. I do have some in person appointments that are mostly in the evening.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Counseling is a relationship. It is very important that you feel trust before we go deeper into the harder parts of your story. The first session is just getting to know each other. I will go over your intake with you and ask a few questions about your family and your goals for counseling. As you gain more trust in the relationship you will be more willing to delve into difficult subjects.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength is being a compassionate listener. I use strength based techniques with all of my clients. Often, it is difficult to identify your strengths, so we will spend time developing your ability to notice and appreciate them in yourself. We also will focus on learning to be kinder and more compassionate with yourself when you are struggling with stressful emotions.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I want to support your quest for more understanding of yourself. Tangled emotions often get in the way of experiencing a full life. Whether it is a relationship that is painful or just gaining more insight: you are the expert in your own life! I am a helper. I want to assist you in feeling more control and confident, and less alone. I have been on this journey myself and know how vulnerable you may feel when reaching out. It can feel like nobody will ever understand you or wants to hear your story. I know what that feels like, have had counseling myself, and know it takes courage to reach out. I would like to connect with you and help you build something better for your life!
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I will help you identify your interactional patterns and underlying emotions. We will work together to come up with ways to identify the triggers that may get in the way of relationships as well as in your pursuit of goals and happiness.
Attachment-based
The bonds we have with our initial caregivers can have a lasting effect on how we interact with others as adults. Together we will explore these past relationships and come up with healthier methods to pursue a happier and healthier life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
How you talk to yourself can have a negative impact on your mood and behavior. Part of our work together will be examining negative thoughts and find more balanced and constructive ways to treat yourself. This could lead to a better mood and more motivation in your life.
Compassion Focused
We are often harder on ourselves than we are on others. This can lead to negative thoughts and behaviors. A majority of my work is helping clients have more self compassion for the parts they do not like. This is difficult process to learn, but very beneficial. If you are able to be kinder when you are struggling, you will feel less alone, stronger, and able to move forward. Self compassion is a practice that I use in my own personal life. It helps me on the days that are hard!
Grief Therapy
Life can feel scary and when you are caught off guard by something difficult like death, divorce, or a serious diagnosis. Grief is something we have to get through and it is not easy. I can help you with understanding the process and to not feel isolated or ashamed for any of the feelings that you experience.