Psychodynamic Therapists in Portland, OR

***NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I work with adults and couples from diverse backgrounds. Using a collaborative, relational approach I help you with your struggles with anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, multicultural identity concerns, and life transitions. The foundation of my approach focuses on developing a shared understanding of your current struggles and how personal, relational, familial, and cultural experiences help shape your unique life circumstances. While doing this I help you expand and enrich your ability to cope so that you may be more empowered to generate change in your life.

"Only when we are brave enough to explore darkness will we discover infinite power of our light - B.B". Through a healthier understanding of our patterns and past we will gain the ultimate goal of therapy: unconditional self-acceptance. I create a safe and respectful space for us to explore ways to reduce your suffering, while creating alignment and joy in yourself and your relationships. I continue to be inspired by the work and the progress I see my clients make every day. My goal is to empower my clients and provide them with the support and tools they need to move forward, feeling more insightful, intentional, and fulfilled.

I am a licensed, clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I help clients address difficult, painful emotions and the concomitant thoughts and behaviors that hinder life and interfere with healthy development. My approach is developmental and psychodynamic . I focus not only on symptoms but, more importantly, on understanding and addressing root causes that create difficulties and interfere with health and progress. Within a safe, collaborative, confidential relationship, issues are addressed to facilitate a deeper self-understanding and a greater sense of freedom.

I provide therapy depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, addictions and co-occurring and disorders, as well as general life stress and family of origin issues. I consider myself a generalist able to treat a wide variety of mental and emotional issues. I particularly specialize in the LGBT community.

I utilize a modern relational and collaborative approach along with psychodynamic theory, CBT-based skills, and a host of trauma-informed/trauma-specific practices. My theory is that a combination of a deeper understanding of self, coupled with practical skills, can lead to sustained self-discovery and curiosity, desired personality changes, and relief. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle to regulate emotions and mood, are working through the impacts of childhood trauma in adulthood/young adulthood, are experiencing interpersonal issues, existential dread, anxiety, depression, and/or chronic suicidality.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes in joining with you as you embark upon new discoveries of yourself and those around you. I employ the idea of us working together and taking a journey that may appear to be rough in the beginning, but rest assured the rough places will soon be made smoothed. As we journey together in agreement there lies a hopeful, fulfilled, and enlightened road ahead. I am here to serve the worried well and worried heart. I will work to assist you in discovering new perspectives as you grow and restore balance in your life.

The human condition is stressful for everyone right now. Healthcare providers, LGBTQ2SIA + and those with chronic pain/medical illness are feeling it more than ever. Depression, anxiety and trauma responses can be overlooked/minimized. What you are experiencing is real and you deserve the time, space and support to explore this. Are your thoughts, feelings and behaviors getting in the way of your relationships/work/goals/well-being? Are you taking better care of others than you are of yourself? Is it time to move beyond surviving and begin thriving? If so, perhaps it's time to reach out for a helping hand. All are welcome here.

I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, the aftereffects of trauma, and life-transitions. If you are feeling hopelessness, despair, anger, or lack motivation, you are probably suffering from depression. Excessive worry and fears are signs of anxiety. Symptoms of trauma can include: panic attacks, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, anger, depression, and dissociation.