Trauma Focused Therapists in Southwest, Portland, OR

I am a clinical psychologist licensed at the doctoral level in Oregon. I specialize in providing the most up to date interventions supported by research. My approach to psychotherapy is evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to your needs. I consider therapy a collaborative process and would love to work with you to create meaningful and lasting changes. While I am a generalist, I have particular expertise in the areas of trauma/PTSD, women's mental health/gender equity concerns, substance use, anxiety, depression, and OCD. I am committed to anti-racist practice, women's empowerment, and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

I work with clients whose PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addictions were caused by relational trauma. This kind of trauma occurs when the actions of another violate the trust on which a relationship was built. The experience of profound and unexpected betrayal (as children or adults) can be deeply traumatic and cause lasting changes in the areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotion, thought, and memory.

I have been a therapist for over 20 years, have trained in multiple approaches and am consistently deepening and refining my practice. I have specialized in childhood development, anxiety, neurodiversity, trauma focused and trauma informed care with all ages. If you are open to change and seeing yourself from a different perspective then you may enjoy working with me. People who come with curiosity are well equipped to benefit from therapy. I welcome all and I am here to support your journey.

You're motivated to make a change. You may be confused about where to start, or if the change is even possible. You're seeking support as you transition through a difficult moment in life. Or perhaps, you've already made the difficult transition and you can't figure out how to return to "normal". I specialize in helping people overcome anxiety, improve self esteem and decrease symptoms of depression, process simple and complex trauma, and to change their thoughts and feelings in order to live a more happy and fulfilled life. You want to come to therapy because you want to live a more fulfilled life.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the core of individual and family work. When working with children, I believe in the power of play, art, and connection to build relationships and skill-build along with process challenging life events. I support families with increasing communication, building compassion and connection while honoring families’ inherent strengths and background. During individual therapy with adults, our work will be geared towards finding balance in navigating the unknown and building coping tools. In all aspects of my work I am committed to working from an anti-oppressive and affirming lens.

Everyday life stresses, and all nature of traumas can overwhelm. Greater understanding & additional tools diminish overload. Relief of painful emotions & experiences leads to greater peace, love, joy & purpose. Feelings, emotions, dreams, images, daydreams, & physical symptoms are expressions of our whole self & contain powerful healing messages. Their meaning unlocks underlying causes to reduce ailments and discomfort. We are dynamic beings oriented toward healing and wholeness. Exploration & understanding are keys to unlocking one's powerful healing process. Never forget: you are loved, appreciated and unique in this world.

My work involves helping you find what is most valuable to you and how you can live more in tune with your values and goals. By helping explore your feelings and relationships, we can discover together what patterns and obstacles can be shifted to bring you into the life you want. I am experienced in helping people improve their relationships, professional lives and sense of personal identity.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have dedicated much of my professional life to working with children and families. In my family work, I have enjoyed working with adults and have expanded my practice to include adults. I have worked in a variety of positions which include the following: therapist, youth advocate, teacher, youth employment specialist, Big Brother/Big Sister Coordinator, parent/teen mediator, mentor, coach, youth crew leader and Peace Corps Volunteer. These experiences have provided a wealth of insight into the human condition. They have enriched my life and often inform my work as a therapist.

Sometimes, we want to make changes but struggle with unknown parts of ourselves that seem to stop us. Habits, life long patterns and unconscious beliefs can hold us back from living the life that we long for. It takes time and courage to examine our belief system and reach out for what we really want. As a therapist, I follow the process of each individual. Clients are viewed on a spectrum of health, rather than through a lens of pathology. This approach creates a very curious and creative focus that encourages growth at the client’s own pace.