Therapists in West Slope, Portland, OR

I work with clients on a short-term model, identifying strengths and enhancing coping skills. I also do long-term insight-oriented work; identifying patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors which reflect unconscious conflict and create barriers in relationships with oneself and others. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are often what prompt people to enter therapy. Some people want to learn tools and behaviors to alleviate symptomology; while others continue with therapy, after symptom reduction, and explore internal themes from their family-of-origin and how they are impacting their relationships today. I believe change occurs through the therapeutic relationship.

You are so much more than your thoughts and impulses! My approach to counseling is holistic, client-centered and depth oriented, which encourages personal growth, transformation, and self-empowerment. I invite the whole person to come forward, even those parts we may have strong aversions to within ourselves. I offer ways to explore the self with curiosity and compassion, assisting clients in developing more acceptance of their individuality. I believe that the mind and body work together as one, and that when we observe them together, there is potential for new insights and a deeper connection to your innate wisdom.

You want things in your life to change, and you want them to change fast. I approach therapy from a practical perspective: part of our work together will be to help you determine what changes you want to make, and get started with some practical actions (yes, homework!).

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." (Brene Brown) Come just as you are - to discover a more vibrant and authentic you. Something is getting in the way for you - stress and anxiety, depression, fear of not being accepted for who you are, relationship issues. You want to find greater happiness and meaning in your life, and in your relationships.

It's difficult to admit we are not where we want to be in our lives. It is painful when we are overwhelmed by sadness, anger, or worry. Attending counseling is an act of self-love and courage. You know yourself, and where you long to go. We work together to help you get there. Whether your distress is acute, or subtle, managed, or uncontrolled, it will lead to a lack of mental, physical and spiritual health. Unresolved anger, trauma, neglect, hurt, and family dysfunction will keep you stuck and block you from realizing your full potential.

Currently have daytime openings! Do you find yourself feeling anxious, stuck, and needing peace and change? Have you noticed unhelpful patterns showing up in your relationships? Do your goals seem distant or overwhelming, because maybe, you're not sure where to start? If any of these sound familiar, know that you're not alone, and real practical help is available. While I don't have all the answers, I can lend a kind, empathetic, trained ear, shedding light on your strengths as we find the way forward towards change and healing.

I have worked with individuals experiencing trauma for five years within a community health setting. For the past five years I have specialized to treat members and their families who are enduring hardships with mental health and substance use disorders. Many of my clients came from diverse family, cultural, and gender communities; and all of my clients had experienced homelessness, abuse from childhood, and/or domestic violence. I hope to treat everyone I encounter with a trauma informed approach, which understands that anyone and everyone experiences trauma on some level in their life.

Are you overwhelmed? Stressed? Are you struggling with thoughts that you find disturbing? Are you in need of hope, healing, and support? If so, I can help. I will help you identify your life's purpose/meaning, develop healthy coping skills as you grow in your relationships. Beside my professional background, I know firsthand the joy and challenges of raising a family, juggling multiple demands; and have experienced the loss of a child through both miscarriage and stillbirth. If you are looking for someone whom you can connect with on an experiential level, I am that therapist. I look forward to assisting you in your life's journey.

I am a Trauma-informed Therapist. Therefore, I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic experience. Establishing a space that is heart-opening, inviting, judgement-free and secure-inducing is essential in my practice. The goal and emphasis throughout our alliance are to form equanimity and a balanced collaborative experience between you (the client) and myself. As a social justice Queer advocate and Therapist, I get how various institutionalized parameters may impact the flourishing of oneself: such as Anti-Blackness, Gender-Based Oppression, Capitalism, Anti-Climatic change, and all the other forms of systemic injustice.

I hold certificates in CBT trauma for children and adults, have worked with domestic violence groups, as well as participated in parenting groups and helped lead emotionally focused groups for children ages 5 to 12. I have also counseled couples through issues of trust, dysfunction, and infidelity. In the coming months I look to complete certificate programs in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, a trauma/PTSD focused protocol), geriatric populations and their unique issues and challenges, as well as refine my trauma skills by continuing in trauma focused interventions through CBT as well as art therapy.