Family Therapy in McMinnville, OR

My experience as an adoptive, foster and biological mom opened my eyes to mental health needs and I/DD. I lived in Liberia for nearly three years, which is where I met and married my husband. We have a mixed race family and have had to work to blend the best parts of each culture into our own family culture. For the past 11 years I have worked for county mental health serving initially as a skills trainer in homes, schools and the community. For 5 years I was a wraparound care coordinator, which inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in social work. Since 2017 I have provided therapy in both clinic and school settings.

I have many years of experience working with complex family dynamics in agency work. I became a counselor in order to provide services to individuals and families who needed help with their lives. I count it a privilege to work with clients and meet people in their hour of need and sometimes in their hour of desperation. One of my greatest strengths is helping you discover solutions amidst complicated and emotional challenges that are plaguing your life. I try to meet clients right where they are, and encourage them to see a better future for their lives and families.

I am committed to helping individuals, families, businesses, communities move forward. I bring 40+ years of clinical experience which includes work with combat, childhood and complex PTSD and trauma including Holocaust survivors. I have been recognized by The Southern Poverty Law Center for contributions to promote justice. I work with cancer patients and their families as a member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers. Psychotherapy with trauma survivors has helped clients lead productive and happier lives despite strife and adversity.

[NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME] Maybe, you're looking for help with your marriage, or help with a personal life issue, or you want to work through the pain of past hurts or the grief of a significant loss? Counseling provides the opportunity for healthy change, personal growth and healing. I work from an integrated and holistic cognitive-behavioral perspective. I focus on helping my clients change thoughts and actions, so they may better understand their problems and find healing from life's hurts, restore health to relationships, and develop helpful solutions to life's challenges.

Whether you are looking for support during a particularly difficult time, to process trauma, or work with you and your family /spouse/partner, I am here to help. My approach is focused on connection, respect and empathy as a way to help clients heal and deepen understanding of themselves and those they love. I have experience working with an array of concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, infertility, trauma and so on using a trauma-informed integrative approach grounded in attachment. I believe each person possesses within themselves the ability to heal and grow and will spend our time in sessions doing just that.

I was drawn to work in the helping profession through a deep desire to understand emotional processes and healing as well as my love for relationships. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves our connections with others and the overall quality of daily experiences for each individual and family . This includes helping individuals and families through life challenges such as depression, anxiety, divorce, sibling and relational issues, behavioral issues, ADHD, current and past traumas, adult children of alcoholic issues, attachment, Aspergers Syndrome, chronic illnesses and other issues that rob us of health and joy.

Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. I am here to let you know that you do not have to go through this process alone. I am here to provide support whether you are experiencing relationship problems, depression, anxiety, loss, life transitions or even if you are just looking into working on personal goals. I am here for you! I work with an open mind and an open heart. My role as a therapist is to work collaboratively with clients to help them overcome obstacles and recognize their strengths. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for ALL clients to feel heard and accepted. ALL of your identities are welcomed here.