Therapists in Portland, OR

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.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP! It's never easy, but when you do take that first, safe step into healing and transformation, you will find the energy for change and lasting solutions. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide if we're right for each other. I specialize in anxiety and depression and their effects on relationships, including marriage, partnerships, family, and the workplace.

I work with a wide range of people. My clients like deep work, As a Process Oriented therapist and teacher I use dreamwork, symptoms work, bodywork, movement, relationship work, conflict work, inner work and meditation, art and creativity, and many other methods based on the individuals client's process. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I have helped develop Process Oriented family therapy; Process Oriented sex and intimacy work; Process Oriented personal and historical trauma work; Process oriented coma and brain injury work, I have written 11 books on these topics. My work integrates mind body and spirit.

I think of my approach to helping people as a collaborative and educational one. Most people who come in for therapy are wanting to make a change in their lives but are struggling in some manor. I feel that the best way to implement change is through one's thoughts (cognitions), feelings, and behaviors-this kind of approach is known as Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT). A person needs to welcome the challenges and opportunities in his or her life with a clear and calm mind - These are the cognitive and behavioral aspects of CBT.

I work with persons who are having adjustment difficulties, and who experience stress and anxiety while making life transitions. I treat sexual difficulties or lifestyle issues from a sex positive perspective. I work with wishing to change specific habits (smoking, overeating, etc.); or to reduce stress and anxiety. I also work with those who have culturally unpopular or unsupported life styles, and who experience conflict, marginalization, or disempowerment.

I work with people who have struggled with domestic violence, trauma, abuse, relationship issues, PTSD, addiction, problematic drug or alcohol use, depression, shame, men's issues, and working with systems. I help people achieve the freedom and success that they desire.

"When you come into therapy it is a time to expand the sense of yourself. Our job is to get familiar with the values that have helped you get through difficult situations and use them now. You may be a combat veteran, mental health or law enforcement worker having family or relationship problems. You need clear and practical strategies for replacing automatic reactions with mindful responses. Feeling understood by another human being is useful for flexible problem solving and clarifying your values. The majority of my experience is working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD will definitely get better with knowledgeable treatment."

If you are having problems with anxiety, depression, coping with illness or injury, or because of conflict in your primary relationship, I would be happy to help. I also work well with people who have had long-term problems, or who have found previous therapy unhelpful or of limited benefit. I see therapy as more than just advice, but getting to the root cause and understanding how physical, emotional and belief systems interact. Reducing dependence on medications, relieving emotional suffering, or restoring love and communication are among the goals we can address.