Adoption Therapists in Portland, OR

I AM NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. I have provided clinical service in; residential, outpatient, partial hospitalization for adolescents and children, in-home services and private practice. I have served on several social service agency boards and have consulted with schools, hospitals, outpatient service agencies and individual clinicians. I have also presented workshops on cultural diversity and the clinical implications, and the clinical presence in the recovery community. I am currently on a variety of insurance, state and Employee Assistance Program panels.

Have you struggled during pregnancy or postpartum? Do you love parenting but find that anxiety, depression, and/or shame get in the way of truly enjoying your children? Are you struggling to co-parent effectively and peacefully with your co-parent(s)? In the process of becoming a parent and wanting to identify and explore what raising a child means to you? Let's sit down and explore these big things together.

CJ grew up in the Midwest and moved to Colorado to earn their Master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. They have experience working with children, adolescents and families in school-based mental health services and foster care/ adoption settings. CJ uses a compassionate person-centered, mindfulness and strengths-based approach to help you identify what you need in order to move forward. They will meet you where you are in your healing journey and provides a safe space for all identities.

I respect the complexity of human nature and human needs and strive to guide adults, children, and families through difficult issues by tailoring treatment plans to address individuals’ needs. I recognize and respect cultural differences and support the growth of children to enhance their emotional awareness which I believe results in healthier, safer communities. I employ an eclectic approach to therapy with a strong reliance on attachment theory. My primary modalities in therapy are play therapy and a form of drama therapy in which embodiment, playfulness, and relationship are key features.

Wherever you are on your path to greater health, my goal is to assist you in finding your inner resources and strengths. I offer therapeutic services for the following: Depression, Anxiety, Adoption -related issues, Parenting, Women's Issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationship/Intimacy Issues and Family-of-Origin Issues. I welcome clients of all sexual orientations and/or gender identities. I also strive to be culturally sensitive and am open to learning more about the traditional backgrounds of my clients so as to provide more competent service.

I provide therapy and parenting support to children and families experiencing adoption , trauma and attachment needs. Each child who comes to see me is struggling with an aspect of their life story. I believe all children have the capacity to heal. My goal is to utilize compassion and kindness to help your child notice their own strengths. By highlighting these children are encouraged to then share their story with their caregivers. Subsequently I help caregivers build their capacity to bear this story. Through this process of sharing and bearing a lifelong supportive connection is built between the caregivers and child.

I believe there comes a time in most people's lives when it's helpful to have a supportive person to guide them through challenges they may be experiencing. It takes strength and courage to decide to begin therapy. If this is something you are considering for your child then you should be commended! As a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, I engaged in Synergetic Play Therapy (TM), "a research-informed model of play therapy blending the therapeutic power of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity." - Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy