Therapists in Rose City Park, Portland, OR

Therapy is about change, growth, and healing; being seen, heard and understood; accessing the truest parts of ourselves. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in my over 20 years of experience as an LCSW in the mental health field. I’ve worked in a wide variety of practice settings including healthcare, community mental health, and homeless youth services. I draw from an eclectic mix of therapeutic frameworks and techniques including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, among others.

You’ve grown up wondering if you’re weird, wrong, or at fault. You feel like you don’t align with your family, your assigned gender, or traditional relationships. You wonder if you speak the same language as others in your world. You’ve tried to fit in, get things done, and meet others’ standards, but have always felt like you’re missing the mark. You feel stuck, like everyone else knows something you don’t. Now, you want guidance, support, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your ideal life.

I help people access greater psychological and emotional wellness by working through trauma, unhealthy relational patterns, and old beliefs. If you find that family or romantic relationships are difficult, you are socially isolated, your career or school performance is suffering, or you struggle with anxiety, depression or loss, therapy can help. Our work together can allow you to cultivate deeper self-understanding and acceptance, which are the stepping-stones to a more vital, engaged, and fulfilling life.

Feeling stuck in life's circumstances? Don't just "Do it" as Nike says, but "Do something healthy"! With memberships in ADAA (anxiety) and the OCD Institute, trained in trauma treatment, and a certified domestic violence provider, I work with a variety of issues in marital, individual, and family counseling. I seek to be collaborative, practical, and respectful. My doctorate is from George Fox University, and I have been in the field since 1986. Offices are in Vancouver WA and Portland OR. Thank you for considering me.

Are you struggling with difficult or painful life transitions? Are you unsure of how to move forward? Maybe you've lost your way, you feel stuck, or have lost a sense of your own priorities. Even if you have an idea of what you want in life, you're not sure you have the resources or confidence to get you there. These all-too-common human experiences can be transformed into opportunities to redefine yourself and grow stronger in the process.

Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you are coming back to the work, finding a therapist you connect with is key. When you feel the right fit, it is amazing what is possible on the healing journey. Problems start to feel more manageable and creativity opens up, allowing you to lean in and work toward the change you want to see happen. I deeply value both humor and seriousness to the therapeutic relationship. I believe that we are all wired to move toward health; sometimes we need help and guidance along the way to clear out past trauma, anxiety, relationship problems, depression.

The world can feel like a very judgmental and lonely place at times. I am committed to coming alongside my clients to help them develop skills for targeting ineffective behaviors, habits and beliefs. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals. I have a person centered orientation and believe that therapy works best when there is a positive relationship between client and therapist. I love getting to know my clients, using humor in my practice and developing deep, meaningful relationships that promote healing. I offer evening and weekend appointments.

I enjoy working with families, couples, and individuals who are experiencing relationship problems. I also have a background in treating depression and anxiety. My approach emphasizes helping people achieve practical results and is based in family systems and cognitive behavior theories. One of my guiding beliefs is that people are basically competent and are always seeking to solve problems on their own. In most cases this works well, but sometimes people get stuck and their attempted solutions either have no effect or make things worse. I see my role as helping people get "unstuck."

I believe that everyone holds the tools to reach their maximum potential in life. Sometimes we get stuck, needing guidance, direction and support. These are some of the many benefits that counseling can provide for you. During our sessions together we will take a look at behaviors which interfere with your quality of life. Therapy can allow you to take on a new perspective of your current situation, and guide you on the path toward growth and change. I will provide you a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere to allow you to discover the path to best life.

If you are struggling you don't have to be. I can help you figure out how to let go of what's got you stuck and how to find more joy in your life. Clients dealing with stress, lack of focus, emotional issues, feelings of hopeless, and self defeating attitudes find new ways of thinking and being by working with me. Interested in using insurance? I am paneled with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and Pacific Source. Want to get a quick estimate of what it costs to be my client: https://www.virgobilling.com/new-clients/

I'm a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor, with a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Master's degree in Counseling, and another Masters degree in Education. I specialize in treating adult survivors of childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse. I'm also specially certified as a sexual addiction therapist (CSAT), and I work with adults who have ADHD, along with their partners. I am available for sessions at my office, and on-line for clients in OR, WA and PA.

As a psychotherapist and contemporary psychoanalyst, I will help you deal with your concerns and distress through greater understanding of what goes on inside of you. We will listen to and work with your feelings, dreams, fantasies, sadness, fears, hopes and desires with compassion and insight. During the past thirty years, I have helped adults, teenagers and children create a safe space in therapy based on trust and respect to develop a sturdier sense of self, have more satisfying relationships, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and access what was previously out of awareness or unthought that can now inform daily life.

Maintaining connection with those close to us can be difficult. I understand the complexities of relationships and how challenging they can be at times. As you know all relationships require maintenance and care, and I can help you navigate the complexities of your unique relationships so those relationships feel healthy for you. I work with individuals, couples and families around what is difficult for them in the moment. I have experience working with people through a variety of issues and with people from all walks of life.