Family Systems Therapists in Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill, Portland, OR

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with teen boys and their parents, adult men, and couples. I focus on supporting teen boys in better understanding and navigating their thoughts and feelings; involving parents is always an option. My specialities in my work adult men involve high-functioning anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, and/or depression. My skill in working with all clients on enhancing their relationships serves my couples work nicely; I focus on how a couple experiences emotion, on verbal and non-verbal communication, and on enriching closeness and intimacy.

I have worked in complicated systems which include the criminal legal system, working with houseless folks seeking services and in primary care working with youth and families in pediatrics. I base my practice as trauma-informed, client centered, and using a social justice lens. My practice consists of Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, and Narrative Therapy.

Life is not simple. It can be really challenging to navigate, especially on our own. I work with clients all across Oregon to help them heal from abusive relationships, toxic family dynamics, narcissistic parents, partners, bosses, and/or religious groups. I offer therapy focused on self-rebuilding, relationship struggles, developing healthy boundaries, and discovering your healthier way to move forward as your most authentic self. I am committed to creating the opportunity for you to have a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, inclusive & affirming space to empower your life.

Sometimes we need a caring person, skilled at listening, who will act as a mirror, reflecting back our deepest knowing and personal truth. The act of entrusting another in this manner helps us to realign with our wisest self. We begin feeling more at ease and clearer about our intentions. Choices begin to reflect who we really want to be in the world. Suddenly, we are noticing and appreciating what is right and joyful in life more of the time.

I work with clients at their pace and through the therapeutic process they begin to unleash the shame, destructive inner voices, and debilitating pain that are keeping the client from living a life of connectedness and joy. My focus is to help people discover why they might be relating and behaving the way they are, and give them tools to create change, transforming their inner world and relationships.

Too often we give our power away to letting a thought, a circumstance or interaction rob us of our peace. Have you even felt that your life is just "the way things are?" Although it is true we cannot always control external forces, we are capable of controlling how we respond to them which is a simple concept to grasp but takes intentionality to implement. The good news is the best version of yourself is already within you and as you learn to observe your experience without judgement, you will have the ability to offer greater acceptance and compassion for yourself and to others to create a ripple effect of positive change.

Currently on a waitlist. I am a licensed therapist that works with many different types of clients including children/adolescents, families, & couples. My goal is to help my clients work through the issues they are facing so they can work towards their goals in their lives and relationships. Every person has innate strengths and my goal is to help identify those strengths and build on them so that they can reach their goals in treatment and in their lives. Ultimately, I want my clients to feel heard and supported in my practice and I hope to help them on their journey in finding positive change in their lives and relationships.

If you feel like you're drowning or barely keeping above water - here is your sign, your life raft, that you will catch your breath, you will make it through this! Life is challenging, there's no denying that, but sometimes we need to lean on someone or accept that offer from a friend who wants to help us. It's okay to need help. It's okay to say "I'm struggling". There is NO shame in acknowledging we can't (and shouldn't) do it all. So if you're hoping to find that moment of relief during this stage in life, I am here to offer you that support, validation and empowerment. You can do this.

Do you struggle with finding your purpose or understanding the direction in which your life is taking? Do you struggle with finding acceptance or questioning your identity? Do you experience a cloud of uncertainties? If you answered yes to any of those questions, or seek a better understanding of your life, I may be able to guide you through your journey. I know first-hand the importance of wanting to find representation and seeking guidance from those with similar narratives. It can be troublesome to question whether or not a therapist can relate to you when you are dealing with difficulties in your life.

Coming to therapy is a brave choice that takes vulnerability, courage, and energy. You may be experiencing pain, anxiety, anger, dissatisfaction, or numbness, and looking to experience your life differently. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship, and bring a warm, steady, and grounded presence into the therapy space. I empower, and encourage my clients toward exploring their emotions, body experiences, thoughts, memories and desires. I support clients in navigating their internal and relational worlds toward fullness, freedom and agency. I am a holder of hope and offer my clients deep compassion along with direct guidance.

I AM NOT PRESENTLY TAKING NEW CLIENTS. In therapy, I work to develop a relationship where you can both specifically explore the issues that have brought you to therapy- depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, lack of purpose, trauma, drug and alcohol issues-- and your life, in general. This atmosphere allows you to gain more self-knowledge and self-acceptance as well as to see fresh perspectives on your troubles and desires. You can then begin to find a way through some necessary changes. An important aspect of my therapy approach is encouraging clients to take steps to live life in more alignment with who they are.

As a mental health professional, I bring nearly a decade of experience to benefit clients from a broad range of backgrounds. My professional style is holistic, high-energy, compassionate, organized, and solution focused with motivation to assist clients in meeting their needs and develop skills through therapeutic treatment to achieve their optimal level of emotional health. I am available to all individuals at various stages of their mental health journey. Similarly to my choice of approach, the ultimate objective of our time together will differ between individuals, and we can work together to identify your personal goals.

My intention for you is to gently but dynamically create opportunities for growth and healing through flexible and creative alternatives to break through old patterns. I like to collaborate with motivated clients who are willing to work to change their lives. My goal is to help you discover your own solutions to your problems and concerns in an environment that is welcoming, empathetic and non-judgmental. I do that by carefully attending to your thoughts and feelings. Although I will offer specific "interventions" I believe that change occurs during therapy when there is strong motivation combined with the quality of our connection.

Taking the first step to get help and support can be confusing and hard to navigate. This is particularly difficult when we are struggling. I understand this and want to support you in feeling better and getting more out of your life. I believe that the most important way I can support you in counseling is by helping us build a trusting, collaborative relationship where you feel seen, heard and understood.

Therapy is writing your own story as we embrace the ‘self as inherently fluid’ and that all individuals are capable of crafting new and empowering stories that include a new sense of self. This is a healing journey, and I'm here to connect with you to explore together the trauma, grief, and other challenging life experiences that prevent you from healing, growing and living the fulfilling life you are seeking.

You can overcome anxiety and past difficult experiences, including the results of trauma. Often anxiety gets in the way of engaging with relationships or our careers in the way that we want to. Past traumas may come to surface when we find ourselves feeling guarded, overwhelmed, or reliving our childhood experiences, even when we don't want to. If you're seeking a sense of empowerment for your life and tools for managing anxiety or trauma, you've come to the right place.

I am currently accepting new patients -

Currently Accepting New Clients! My approach is person centered: You are the expert in your own life and I am here to help and support with your journey whatever that looks like. I use a variety of techniques that are both collaborative and strengths-based and draw from social justice and equity work. I don’t just look at you as the individual but also how your surrounding environment impacts you. My counseling style is warm and compassionate. I want to offer you a safe space to heal and grow. It would be an honor to work with you on your life journey. You are the expert and I am here to support you on that journey.

Getting started in therapy can feel daunting and I can help to make that experience easier for you. My clients most frequently describe me as genuine, easy to talk to, and compassionate. I understand that we all cope in different ways and welcome having periods of light conversation and humor along the way. I strive to genuinely get to know you and help you identify what is causing your distress, so we can work towards resolving it. I help my clients learn and strengthen the skills needed to navigate difficult life experiences more efficiently.