Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Goose Hollow, Portland, OR

***Not currently accepting new clients*** My work focuses on helping survivors of betrayal trauma to heal and to thrive. Most of my clients have experienced a betrayal of trust either by loved ones such as a parent, partner, or friend, or an institution such as their university or employer. I specialize in helping survivors to overcome feelings of shame and self-criticism that are actually adaptive responses to betrayal trauma, but that are no longer serving them. In learning to let go of shame and self-criticism, a new way of living becomes possible that is richer, more joyful, and more connected than was previously possible.

Are you experiencing a life change-career, gender, sexual orientation, loss, disabilities, or medical concerns? I will support you in making sense of it and moving forward. I completed post-graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of autism and ADHD. I am qualified to assess gender dysphoria and write gender affirmation letters using WPATH guidelines. I can assess the necessity of an emotional support animal and write those letters as well. I especially welcome women and humans who are neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2S+. Finally, if you are open to it, I will help you grow through exploration of your past traumas.

I provide a nonjudgemental space for clients to address anything you choose to bring to therapy. I work primarily with Narrative Therapy, which is a world view as much as it is a therapeutic approach. The Narrative approach puts your story at the center of the conversation. People in my practice are also seen through a multi-storied lens rather than a narrow singular story. I will have a friendly and laid back approach in our sessions. At the same time, I will also offer you direct feedback and honest observations. Mindfulness work, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Relational work are also important to me.

I want you to leave each therapy session feeling more hopeful than when you started. I love working with clients motivated to make changes, and also clients who feel uncertain about their ability to feel better—it’s a big step to start therapy! As a therapist with extensive experience working with clients coping with anxiety, trauma, OCD and dissociation, I consistently see how traumatic events unconsciously block and inhibit an individual from feeling hopeful and making change in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe, trusting space to address what's burdening you and empower your sense of agency.

I'm keeping a short wait list for new clients, but I'm happy to meet with you for a brief consult before you wait to be scheduled. My goal is to provide a space for you to learn about yourself, grow as a person, and develop and work toward goals that feel relevant and doable. We can work on developing healthy coping strategies for current stressors, or increasing understanding around past experiences. I enjoy working with people toward discovering values, practicing healthy boundaries, and developing self-compassion. I will ask for your honest feedback throughout the therapy process so that I can adjust my approach as needed.

Much of what stands in the way of growth is our own self-judgment. We are all imperfect and our greatest hope for growth, contentment and fulfilling connection to others, comes through recognizing this truth and accepting the natural ebb and flow of emotion and circumstance. My job as your counselor is to help you figure out your goals, learn how your old habits and coping strategies no longer serve you, and help you access your inner wisdom.

For over 30 years, I've had the honor of assisting couples, families, and individuals of all ages, as they identify, clarify and find constructive coping strategies to deal with issues relating to anxiety, depression, grief, anger and relationships. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I especially enjoy working on issues such as affair recovery, attachment disorders and phase-of-life challenges. Whether you are struggling with a relationship in your life, overwhelming anxiety, or some other problem, I would be honored to work with you. I prefer to work with those who have clear goal goals, and who are solution-focused.

I work with individuals who struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief in many areas of life. Feeling overwhelmed is common in difficult times, and being misunderstood or judged by others can make things feel harder. I provide a warm and supportive environment while sharing information and skills to help you improve your relationship to yourself and others. All people need to feel like they have influence in their lives, healthy connections with others, and the ability to make effective changes when things aren't going well. Let's explore together to create goals that will develop your strengths.

I believe that each person's life is unique and precious no matter how the person perceives it. I believe in our innate healing power, resilience, and creativity. I work with teens and adults who are suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, and other emotional distress related to loss & grief, relational conflict, traumatic events, and life transitions. Together, we work to increase your awareness, expand your capacity to perceive realities and new perspectives, and to grow to be something larger than current self. I also work with intercultural couples who are seeking better communication for greater mutual understanding.

I offer professional therapy to support people and families in creating the change and movement they hope for in their lives. People often struggle with life challenges, relationships, unhelpful patterns of behavior, or feeling stuck and unable to make the changes that they want. I believe it is possible to move forward in a fulfilling and healthy way through support, empathy, exploration and collaborative challenge. I specialize in working with: teenager and parent relationships; couples challenges; trauma/stress reactivity; anxiety, attachment issues, depression and mood disorders; life transitions, personality difficulties, and lifestyle/health and wellness.