Trauma Focused Therapists in Forest Grove, OR
I love working with clients who may feel lost and unsure of where or how to start their journey toward mental health recovery. Maybe you have slipped through the cracks of the mental health system and are struggling to find the support you need. You may feel stuck in the past, angry at the world, or fearful that happiness is out of reach. I understand that some days, this pain may feel so heavy or overwhelming that getting out of bed or replying to messages from friends and family feels too hard. I’m here to help you identify and shift any patterns that aren’t serving you, so you can move forward in a way that match your values.
I love working with clients who may feel lost and unsure of where or how to start their journey toward mental health recovery. Maybe you have slipped through the cracks of the mental health system and are struggling to find the support you need. You may feel stuck in the past, angry at the world, or fearful that happiness is out of reach. I understand that some days, this pain may feel so heavy or overwhelming that getting out of bed or replying to messages from friends and family feels too hard. I’m here to help you identify and shift any patterns that aren’t serving you, so you can move forward in a way that match your values.
I provide individual and relationship therapy, that focuses on solutions to issues like overwhelming emotions, conflict with others, or stressful events. I believe that in life, every person has the ability to navigate through life's challenges. Though when stressed for prolonged periods of time, or sometimes even if you experience just one traumatic or overwhelming event, it can be helpful to work through these issues with the guidance of a therapist for awhile. During sessions I offer support through conversation, asking questions and activities to help you accomplish your goals around mental health and relationships.
I provide individual and relationship therapy, that focuses on solutions to issues like overwhelming emotions, conflict with others, or stressful events. I believe that in life, every person has the ability to navigate through life's challenges. Though when stressed for prolonged periods of time, or sometimes even if you experience just one traumatic or overwhelming event, it can be helpful to work through these issues with the guidance of a therapist for awhile. During sessions I offer support through conversation, asking questions and activities to help you accomplish your goals around mental health and relationships.
Welcome to a safe space where your journey towards mental and emotional well-being begins. As a dedicated mental health therapist, my primary focus is on fostering empathy and establishing a profound connection with each individual who walks through my door. Your unique experiences and struggles matter, and together, we will navigate the path to healing, growth, and resilience. Together, we'll navigate life's challenges, foster resilience, and unlock your full potential. Let's embark on this transformative path to healing and growth.
Welcome to a safe space where your journey towards mental and emotional well-being begins. As a dedicated mental health therapist, my primary focus is on fostering empathy and establishing a profound connection with each individual who walks through my door. Your unique experiences and struggles matter, and together, we will navigate the path to healing, growth, and resilience. Together, we'll navigate life's challenges, foster resilience, and unlock your full potential. Let's embark on this transformative path to healing and growth.
My goal is to help you reach your goals. As a husband, father of six kids, grandfather of eight grandkids, mental health worker, and minister, I bring some life experience. If nothing else, I've learned that we all need encouraging support.
I look forward to traveling with you on the road to transformation.
My goal is to help you reach your goals. As a husband, father of six kids, grandfather of eight grandkids, mental health worker, and minister, I bring some life experience. If nothing else, I've learned that we all need encouraging support.
I look forward to traveling with you on the road to transformation.
Asking for help can be hard, and maybe therapy feels intimidating. But do you really want to white-knuckle it through another week? Parenting in the best of circumstances is hard. But when your child is struggling with difficult behavior, that’s brutal. You are not alone. I hear from parents all the time they feel shame for struggling as a parent, feel lost in the noise of parenting advice, and feel disconnected from their partners, child, and even themselves. But it doesn’t have to be that way, I can help.
Asking for help can be hard, and maybe therapy feels intimidating. But do you really want to white-knuckle it through another week? Parenting in the best of circumstances is hard. But when your child is struggling with difficult behavior, that’s brutal. You are not alone. I hear from parents all the time they feel shame for struggling as a parent, feel lost in the noise of parenting advice, and feel disconnected from their partners, child, and even themselves. But it doesn’t have to be that way, I can help.
Our therapist-client relationship is one that relies on shared wisdom. You are the expert in the subject area of you, while I bring therapeutic resources and my own lived experience.
Our therapist-client relationship is one that relies on shared wisdom. You are the expert in the subject area of you, while I bring therapeutic resources and my own lived experience.
You’re doing “well enough” on the outside, but inside something feels off. You may be managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or relationship strain while questioning what’s next or what actually matters. You don’t need fixing, you want clarity, steadiness, and a way to respond rather than react. My clients are looking for practical tools, honest reflection, and a grounded space to reconnect with their values and live with more intention, not just less distress.
You’re doing “well enough” on the outside, but inside something feels off. You may be managing stress, anxiety, burnout, or relationship strain while questioning what’s next or what actually matters. You don’t need fixing, you want clarity, steadiness, and a way to respond rather than react. My clients are looking for practical tools, honest reflection, and a grounded space to reconnect with their values and live with more intention, not just less distress.
With my client-centered focus, I work hard to build a therapeutic relationship that creates a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space for clients to present themselves to their fullest potential. My priority is to guide and support each client in their journey to develop their sense of self-love, confidence, and peace of mind and body. Some of the issues I work with are parenting support, parent-child relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues at home/school, emotional dysregulation/outbursts, coping skills, life transitions, stress, teen violence and trauma.
With my client-centered focus, I work hard to build a therapeutic relationship that creates a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space for clients to present themselves to their fullest potential. My priority is to guide and support each client in their journey to develop their sense of self-love, confidence, and peace of mind and body. Some of the issues I work with are parenting support, parent-child relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues at home/school, emotional dysregulation/outbursts, coping skills, life transitions, stress, teen violence and trauma.
It can be difficult to find quality care when you're struggling. Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, anger, relationship issues, health problems and life transitions can be confusing, and I want to be the one to help you through it. I believe in evidence-based practice and working with the whole person to find balance again. If it feels like it has been a long time since you've been able to enjoy life, there is hope.
It can be difficult to find quality care when you're struggling. Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, anger, relationship issues, health problems and life transitions can be confusing, and I want to be the one to help you through it. I believe in evidence-based practice and working with the whole person to find balance again. If it feels like it has been a long time since you've been able to enjoy life, there is hope.
At Gentle Giant Counseling, my priority is to create a warm, inclusive environment where you feel truly seen and understood. I know life’s challenges—like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or major life transitions—can weigh heavily, especially when you belong to a marginalized community. I’m here to offer support to individuals from all walks of life, with a special focus on the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we’ll work at a comfortable pace to heal, grow, and build the resilience needed to live a balanced, authentic life.
At Gentle Giant Counseling, my priority is to create a warm, inclusive environment where you feel truly seen and understood. I know life’s challenges—like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or major life transitions—can weigh heavily, especially when you belong to a marginalized community. I’m here to offer support to individuals from all walks of life, with a special focus on the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, we’ll work at a comfortable pace to heal, grow, and build the resilience needed to live a balanced, authentic life.
I work with individuals and families across the lifespan both in person and via telehealth formats. My specialty areas include child development, trauma, anxiety, grief & loss and chronic medial issues. I have a play therapy room designed for expressive therapies and family systems work. I am certified in trauma, EMDR for children and adults and am faculty at the institute teaching in trauma informed care, play therapy, clinical supervision and animal assisted human health. My work involves complex divorce and family therapy needs. I provide clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensing or play therapy certification.
I work with individuals and families across the lifespan both in person and via telehealth formats. My specialty areas include child development, trauma, anxiety, grief & loss and chronic medial issues. I have a play therapy room designed for expressive therapies and family systems work. I am certified in trauma, EMDR for children and adults and am faculty at the institute teaching in trauma informed care, play therapy, clinical supervision and animal assisted human health. My work involves complex divorce and family therapy needs. I provide clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensing or play therapy certification.
I specialize in trauma focused therapy.
Do you find yourself struggling to connect effectively with your loved ones? Most of my clients are dealing with some type of trauma or trigger from their past which causes hurdles in their current lives. As I work with clients it has become clear that most, if not all, of you already have the skills and self knowledge to deal with these challenges, those skills have just gotten buried in the muck. My mission is to connect with couples and families to assist them in transforming & harmonizing their lives. I do this by walking alongside, supporting, and challenging to rediscover the skills and abilities you already possess.
I specialize in trauma focused therapy.
Do you find yourself struggling to connect effectively with your loved ones? Most of my clients are dealing with some type of trauma or trigger from their past which causes hurdles in their current lives. As I work with clients it has become clear that most, if not all, of you already have the skills and self knowledge to deal with these challenges, those skills have just gotten buried in the muck. My mission is to connect with couples and families to assist them in transforming & harmonizing their lives. I do this by walking alongside, supporting, and challenging to rediscover the skills and abilities you already possess.
Your strengths identify who you are. Your unique needs can be addressed in a safe, collaborative environment where you can learn to communicate in ways that help you get your needs met in relationships. Anxiety and negativity can prevent you from engaging with others effectively. Learning about your needs and becoming aware of your thinking patterns is crucial. You can overcome insecurities by contacting me for support and insight for the concerns you have about your life.
Your strengths identify who you are. Your unique needs can be addressed in a safe, collaborative environment where you can learn to communicate in ways that help you get your needs met in relationships. Anxiety and negativity can prevent you from engaging with others effectively. Learning about your needs and becoming aware of your thinking patterns is crucial. You can overcome insecurities by contacting me for support and insight for the concerns you have about your life.
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH. For over 12 years, I have counseled children, teens and families to navigate the challenges that arise. I approach counseling with a humanistic, strength-based, client centered and collaborative framework. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Mindfulness, and Perinatal Mental Health. Over my career I have experience in supporting people to gain insight and skills to overcome their emotional and behavioral challenges. Moreover, helping families move through ruptures that have created difficulties to connection and growth.
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*IN PERSON AND TELEHEALTH. For over 12 years, I have counseled children, teens and families to navigate the challenges that arise. I approach counseling with a humanistic, strength-based, client centered and collaborative framework. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Mindfulness, and Perinatal Mental Health. Over my career I have experience in supporting people to gain insight and skills to overcome their emotional and behavioral challenges. Moreover, helping families move through ruptures that have created difficulties to connection and growth.
When there is a feeling of disconnect between yourself and the world or with those in your life, it can be lonely and confusing. We alI feel stuck in our life at times around repeating old patterns, managing painful emotions or having critical thoughts of self and others. Maybe you are experiencing depression, life transitions or anxious thoughts. I aim to help clients explore what is causing them distress and identify new ways to overcome those obstacles. If you find yourself engaging in similar patterns and struggling to find effective ways to cope with anxiety or daily stressors, therapy may be a courageous first step to relief.
When there is a feeling of disconnect between yourself and the world or with those in your life, it can be lonely and confusing. We alI feel stuck in our life at times around repeating old patterns, managing painful emotions or having critical thoughts of self and others. Maybe you are experiencing depression, life transitions or anxious thoughts. I aim to help clients explore what is causing them distress and identify new ways to overcome those obstacles. If you find yourself engaging in similar patterns and struggling to find effective ways to cope with anxiety or daily stressors, therapy may be a courageous first step to relief.
Couples & Relationship Therapy for Lasting Change
Do you want to work on your relationships? My focus is to help individuals and couples feel emotionally confident and positive moving from a negative to a positive cycle in their life and relationships. I offer the practical tools needed to work with stress, anxiety, infidelity, break ups, divorce, boundaries, trauma or other issues that are obstacles to a warm, caring relationship. Clients find me practical and caring as we determine how to move forward. I offer online appointments for flexible and convenient sessions to maximize progress and reach your goals.
Couples & Relationship Therapy for Lasting Change
Do you want to work on your relationships? My focus is to help individuals and couples feel emotionally confident and positive moving from a negative to a positive cycle in their life and relationships. I offer the practical tools needed to work with stress, anxiety, infidelity, break ups, divorce, boundaries, trauma or other issues that are obstacles to a warm, caring relationship. Clients find me practical and caring as we determine how to move forward. I offer online appointments for flexible and convenient sessions to maximize progress and reach your goals.
Do you feel worn down by constant expectations-trying to do the “right” thing, not disappoint others, and keep yourself going? Do you find it hard to fully relax even when nothing is urgent, or catch yourself replaying conversations long after they’ve passed? Do you feel tired but still pushing through, unsure how to slow down without guilt? Anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm can make daily life feel heavy, especially in transitions. Many of my clients are first- or second-generation immigrants or adults navigating relationships and identity while carrying a strong sense of responsibility. If this resonates, you are not alone.
Do you feel worn down by constant expectations-trying to do the “right” thing, not disappoint others, and keep yourself going? Do you find it hard to fully relax even when nothing is urgent, or catch yourself replaying conversations long after they’ve passed? Do you feel tired but still pushing through, unsure how to slow down without guilt? Anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm can make daily life feel heavy, especially in transitions. Many of my clients are first- or second-generation immigrants or adults navigating relationships and identity while carrying a strong sense of responsibility. If this resonates, you are not alone.
I believe that a healthy outlook comes from having a good grasp of your ABC's... Accept, Balance, Cope. People often say things like, "I need to let it go," or "I need to forgive ...," etc. But we rarely talk about what it means to do that. Those phrases mean accepting that life is what it is-a balance of both good and bad-and making a choice to focus on the things we CAN change. Then "it" can stop directing our lives-we cope. Whether you need to let go of anger, fear, or sadness, I can help!
I believe that a healthy outlook comes from having a good grasp of your ABC's... Accept, Balance, Cope. People often say things like, "I need to let it go," or "I need to forgive ...," etc. But we rarely talk about what it means to do that. Those phrases mean accepting that life is what it is-a balance of both good and bad-and making a choice to focus on the things we CAN change. Then "it" can stop directing our lives-we cope. Whether you need to let go of anger, fear, or sadness, I can help!
Does it feel like you are constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? Healing from physical, sexual, and/or emotional trauma often feels this way—and carrying that weight of pain can make you feel like you have lost yourself along the way. If you feel stuck in old patterns or disconnected from yourself, I want you to know: it is not your fault, and you do not have to carry this alone. I specialize in helping women reclaim their identity and find safety within themselves again. Using EMDR and somatic-based tools, we don't just talk about the past; we work to release it from your nervous system.
Does it feel like you are constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? Healing from physical, sexual, and/or emotional trauma often feels this way—and carrying that weight of pain can make you feel like you have lost yourself along the way. If you feel stuck in old patterns or disconnected from yourself, I want you to know: it is not your fault, and you do not have to carry this alone. I specialize in helping women reclaim their identity and find safety within themselves again. Using EMDR and somatic-based tools, we don't just talk about the past; we work to release it from your nervous system.
Hello and thank you for reaching out. I am currently taking new clients and accept Cigna/Evernorth, Lyra, or Modern Health as well as out of pocket. I specialize in trauma, depression and anxiety, relationships, autism, and grief. At SanaVita, we believe healing is unique to each person. This may look like 1:1 counseling, a solitary walk, the beauty of the outdoors, learning new things, creating art or music, or connecting with animals and people. What does healing look like for you?
Hello and thank you for reaching out. I am currently taking new clients and accept Cigna/Evernorth, Lyra, or Modern Health as well as out of pocket. I specialize in trauma, depression and anxiety, relationships, autism, and grief. At SanaVita, we believe healing is unique to each person. This may look like 1:1 counseling, a solitary walk, the beauty of the outdoors, learning new things, creating art or music, or connecting with animals and people. What does healing look like for you?
