I believe you are the expert of your own experience. I hope to create a relationship where we can explore your experience in a safe, respectful and empowering way. My approach is influenced by Person-Centered counseling, which honors the client as intuitive of their own experience and naturally inclined to grow. In this framework, my role as counselor is to stay present with your
process, as authentically, empathetically and accepting as possible. I view my role as a companion, providing support and structure where necessary to your ever-unfolding experience. My therapeutic style is also influenced by mindfulness techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), where we are taught to become increasingly comfortable with the fluctuating landscape of our experience. We learn to sit and breathe with uncomfortable, comfortable, as well as neutral experiences. Counter-intuitively, the more we let go and relax into discomfort, the more we find traction in accepting what is and find our way forward. Informed by ACT, we strive to align our behaviors, relationships and interactions with our core values bringing ourselves in harmony with that which we care about most.

Additionally, my approach centers on a multicultural and social justice orientation, which means our conversations will naturally consider your unique cultural identities and social locations, as well as the broader context of your lived experience. Through our collaboration, we will work to explore your experience together, including exploring areas of concern, possibilities for change and sources of strength and resilience.

I bring personal and professional experience working with addiction recovery maintenance and early childhood trauma into my practice. I also have experience working with depression, anxiety, grief, acute trauma, family-of-origins issues, life transitions, identity concerns, as well as with diverse, intersecting identities, such as adults, adolescents, elder adults, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ folks, rural and urban communities and low-income/working class individuals.

My credentials are: Professional Counselor Associate with the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT). I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). And, I received my master’s degree in mental health counseling with a specialization in addictions from Lewis & Clark College.
[email protected]
(503) 659-3480 ext. 34