Cancer Therapists in Hood River, OR

Maybe your teen or partner is depressed? Stuck on Internet Porn? Maybe you have somehow been victimized? Feel anxious, or alone? Loss of loved ones? I offer a relationship based, non-judgmental approach informed by tested, evidence-based practices, including CBT and EMDR therapies - neither of which demand medication. EMDR directly targets traumatic or hurtful memories and helps put them "in the past." This has been shown to help with anxiety/fear, panic attacks, nightmares, self-esteem issues and various other symptoms associated with post traumatic stress. CBT further offers you the chance to not be overwhelmed by your experience.

Most of my clients come to me in the midst of some sort of transition--a difficult relationship, a new job, divorce, retirement, a move, etc.--that they are unable to navigate alone. I also see many persons confronting cancer, chronic pain or a crisis of faith. When we first meet, we will explore what brings you into therapy at this time. We will create a plan together to achieve the outcome you would like best. Many times, I find that transitions involve a certain amount of loss and grief that has not yet been acknowledged. Our goal would be to fit this transition, or life condition, large or small, into your overall life journey.

Why do people go to therapy? Most often, it is because we are in a crisis of some kind. Although we all find crises painful, they are also opportunities for growth. In fact growth does not occur without discomfort, maybe even pain. Without that challenge, we will not grow. But we must also have support. That’s where therapy comes in. Through support and challenge, something new emerges. We don’t just get through. We grow. We come out the other side greater than we were.

Self awareness and connection can heal. My practice is a place where we can build safety and vulnerability, and work together to help you better understand yourself. Therapy is not always easy, but here you can regain a sense of control and create momentum.

Are you on a personal journey to heal from grief and trauma? I am someone to guide you through the chaos and help you encounter hope. I specialize in grief and loss, narcissistic abuse recovery, Bipolar disorder, adult children of alcoholics, and individuals with disabilities and those auto-immune disorders, and individuals who are domestic violence and cancer survivors. Unfortunately, I don't treat suicidal ideation or self-harm at this time.

I'm here to help you build a life filled with meaning and purpose, no matter what obstacles come your way. While I work with a wide variety of folks struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma, my expertise is in helping those impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. A major diagnosis can turn your world upside down. While your medical team treats your physical symptoms, your emotions need care as well. Together, we can process difficult emotions, learn to live alongside uncertainty, and find meaning amid life’s greatest challenges.

I specialize in working with folx with chronic illness, disability, and C-PTSD. I offer individual counseling for adults and age 14+; family/couples counseling for working with chronic illness within relationships. Other issues include depression, anxiety, life transitions including end of life, grief, ADHD, career and empowerment, creativity and expression, identity issues, performance enhancement, sexuality, spiritual explorations. My experience confirms that each of us has innate wisdom longing to guide our lives towards greater freedom, connection, and well-being.

As a psychologist, I evaluate and treat patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit me because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help.

“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we'll ever do." This quote by Brene Brown describes therapy well, particularly when the focus is healing from trauma. Therapy is a place to explore and embrace your story more fully, and my highest value is establishing an authentic, safe, compassionate, and accepting space where you can process what is keeping you "stuck." Whether you desire to develop skills to improve your relationships; process recent grief, divorce, childhood trauma, or cancer diagnosis; or alter core beliefs and lifelong behavior patterns; I would be honored to work with you.

Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.

I offer counseling and coaching for adults and their families who are facing challenging life transitions, such as serious medical illness (e.g. cancer, multiple sclerosis), relationship change, career change and retirement, midlife revitalization, loss and bereavement.

My clients often have a history of (or ongoing) trauma, including medical trauma, attachment trauma, single-incident traumatic events, and complex trauma; difficulty coping with chronic illness and/or disability (e.g., EDS, MCAS, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, autoimmune disease, mobility issues); anxiety/panic disorders; obsessive-compulsive disorder; and/or dissociative disorders. Many of my clients have complex cases. Some choose to do long-term depth work with me, while others may see me to work toward more immediate goals.

I believe that every individual possesses their own unique strengths and knowledge that can be leveraged to overcome challenges and navigate life transitions. I take an integrative, trauma informed mindfulness-based approach, to empower you to be your own change agent for creating sustainable optimum emotional and spiritual well-being.