Regence Therapists in Portland, OR

I help people access their strengths, find clarity within, understand mind-body signals and enjoy an improved sense of fulfillment in life - even in hard times. We look at how individual well-being exists within extensive structures beyond the self. My therapeutic style aligns well with people who are struggling with the overwhelming state of the world, feeling out of touch with their deepest dreams and values, and dealing with stressful life transitions in relationships, work, and beyond. The above scenarios may manifest internally in the form of depression, anxiety, grief, burnout and feeling disconnected from yourself and others.

I hope to help reduce the suffering that comes from trauma and life's many other challenges through compassionate and scientific psychotherapy. I have worked with children and adults since the 1970's in two careers: as a pediatric physician assistant, and later as a Clinical Psychologist. As tools in the therapy process, I bring in EMDR, Somatic Transformation, Somatic Experiencing (SE), Creative Arts Therapy, Sand Tray and more, offering these skills in accordance with the wishes and healing preferences of the client. Currently I assist in training therapists in learning Somatic Experiencing.

You want to improve your relationship with food and your body, want a counselor to support you as you work towards nutrition goals with a Dietician or other Healthcare provider. You need support now that you are in active recovery from a past eating disorder. You experience periodic low mood or periods of worry that you haven't been able to solve on your own. You want to make lifestyle changes to improve your overall well being.

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 am currently not taking new clients. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience working in mental health. Through my own experiences in the military, I experienced first-hand Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression. After leaving the Navy, I sought therapy to help process what I experienced. While completing my education, I worked at Veterans' Affairs, helping combat Veterans who experienced PTSD and other challenges, including drug and alcohol addiction. I bring this experience to working with you in processing trauma and other issues you may be experiencing.

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.

I want to help you achieve clarity and comfort. If you are experiencing anxiety, anger, sadness, confusion, or other emotions that interfere with your life and relationships, I will work with you to better deal with current stressors and your emotional and behavioral reactions to them. Often, this involves working to heal past traumas. I work relationally and incorporate learnings from psychodynamic, attachment, mindfulness and existential theories.

Philosophy and Approach: I believe that at various times in our lives all individuals, couples and families need support adjusting to traumas, life changes and the daily stressors we all face. It is my desire to create a safe relationship where individuals feel that their experiences are understood and accepted. When the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, compassion, understanding and acceptance, individuals are able to feel supported to make positive changes in their lives.

I am a Clinical Psychologist licensed to practice in Oregon. I have experience in both general medical and psychiatric hospital settings as well as out-patient mental health clinics. I have been in full-time private practice since 1985. Areas of expertise and interest include: depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, child behavior problems, adult ADHD, and issues related to aging. My training includes: psychodynamic, family systems, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and play therapies. My approach is a blend of these tailored to meet the needs of the particular people with whom I'm working.

PRACTICE IS FULL Has the frantic pace of modern life and multiple demands on your time and energy left you feeling stressed out and stretched to your limits, struggling with loss of meaning, troubled relationships, anxiety, depression or illness? Therapy is a safe place where you can take the time you need and we can sort out painful experiences and difficult situations together, often bringing new insight and relief in only a few sessions. In my 25+ years of experience I have helped couples generate intimacy and compassion and both young and old resolve long-standing issues to create a more satisfying life.

The counseling I do is centered around you. It is based on exploring who you are, what's going on for you, and who you want to be. What your values are and what you want from your life. I'm curious to hear about how you're getting your needs met in your life, or what you feel you need. I'm not here to judge you, but to help you tell both of us how you arrived where you are and how to get to where you want to go.

"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.