Therapists in Maplewood-Ashcreek, Portland, OR

Therapy is about creating opportunity for different choices. I partner with people so they can find out what’s going on beneath the surface in their lives. When you’re feeling stuck or out of control, and your old ways of coping don't seem to be working, we can create a plan. We can examine why things are the way they are and what it will take to make a different choice. I can’t take away the problem, but I can help you learn a different way of dealing with it. While I primarily use an ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) framework, no single therapeutic modality is 'correct' so I work to be flexible and blends multiple styles.

Your Spirit is calling you to remember your true nature; to dive below the judgments of your mind, the conditioning of your past, your fears of not being enough or worthy of a rich and satisfying life. Many people struggle through life, trying to find a place in the world to fit, feeling inadequate and judging their pain. All along, the perfection of who you are is waiting to be discovered. For this you must journey within. With careful attention, each moment is an opening to what is most essential, true and relevant NOW. Even pain is a perfect expression of your Spirit's wisdom, if you know how to listen to the message it sends.

My approach to therapy is compassionate and direct. I will be respectful, but I will also be honest. I routinely give homework assignments as part of therapy, with the belief that if you accomplish the task you will start to experience the change you seek. I will try to understand both the nature and context of your problem and the potential impact of change before I offer helpful solutions. I will ask you about where you are trying to go, and we will work together to develop a practical plan to help you get there.

I firmly believe that growth has two paths. To truly flourish, one must balance a desire for change with a true willingness to accept oneselve for who you are. A treatment that embraces this idea is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and it's the core philosophy I use with my patients every day. In treatment, DBT concepts focus on changing things that are getting in the way of living the life you want, while accepting yourself unconditionally. The focus is to develop a life worth living. My program offers a full finality DBT which includes individual therapy, group skills training, and phone consultation.

My goal through therapy is to empower my clients to overcome personal barriers and reach their full potential. I accomplish this through a holistic, trauma-informed approach integrating an assortment of evidence based modalities to meet the needs of my clients. Trained in all areas of wellness, I teach a variety of classes. Since 2009, I’ve worked extensively in social work, outreach, non-profit, and community mental health. The areas I feel most passionate about include: post traumatic growth, wellness, community, environmental awareness, equity, inclusion, parenting and developing healthy, interdependent relationships.

I believe therapy has the power to transform people's lives and improve their relationships. My approach is collaborative and relational. In therapy, I work with clients to develop concrete goals and tools to increase confidence in themselves and in their relationships. I also assist clients in processing how past experiences may contribute to insecurities, unhelpful patterns in relationships, and professional dissatisfaction. Throughout the therapy process I help empower clients to change their life narratives by expressing and pursuing what they want in their lives.

I see individuals, couples and families who are seeking support for things they feel are not going well in their lives. From the Family Systems perspective, any number of issues can be looked at together. My work is centered around interpersonal relationships and how we interact with each other, our selves and our communities. Relationship dynamics are constantly in and out of balance. Managing these relationships is key in helping develop healthy ways of dealing with life issues. The work we do together should feel helpful and focused on your goals.

I focus on intimate relationships, sexual expression, disparate desire, shifting intimacy, alternative relating styles, polyamory. This often includes performance issues, the impact of aging and menopause, dealing with grief and jealousy. I have experience working with differing abilities and my clients range in age from mid-twenties to mid-nineties. I also work with those in recovery from drug/alcohol addiction and their specific issues around sex and relationships. I aim to engage the mind and heart while centering on the body. Pleasure is important and a great way to learn!

Helping others discover peace, connection, and confidence in the face of turmoil has long been a passion of mine. I believe everyone is capable of growth and healing if they are provided sufficient encouragement, support, and effective strategies. My therapeutic style is conversational and relaxed. I encourage clients to identify and communicate their unique needs and concerns in order to improve interpersonal relationships, manage bothersome emotions or behaviors, and develop healthier family connections. No matter their goal, I strongly believe in the client’s right to decide the focus of therapy.

My work is grounded in the principles of positive psychology, utilizing a person-centered, strength-based solution focused approach. I aim to create a supportive environment where you feel heard and accepted by offering authentic, non-judgmental, and personalized support that respects that you are the expert of your own life. As we begin the process of self-discovery I’ll meet you with unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and compassion. I have experience working in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and supporting those that have experienced traumatic events.

Mindful Therapy Pacific NW, LLC was formed to help meet the ever-growing need for high-quality therapy that is both accessible and affordable to Oregon and Washington residents. We are a group of highly trained compassionate clinicians. Our clients are seeking support as they face and navigate life's challenges, as well as those who are simply ready to move in a new direction in their lives. We believe that mental health involves the whole person: not only the mind, but our bodies, spirit, unique personal history, occupation, environment and personal relationships.