First Health Therapists in Tigard, OR

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. I specialize in early childhood mental health, trauma, at-risk adolescents, depression, anxiety and identity issues ( in relation to acculturation, biculturalism and/or effects of human migration/immigration).

People can live a life that is joyful, peaceful, loving, compassionate, mindful and connected with the love we truly are. As life takes it course, we can lose sight of who we are at our core Essence. Patterns and habits get established that can interfere with living life to its fullest and in alignment with core values and highest priority intentions. Cognitive thoughts form belief systems and ways of acting and behaving in the world that are not always in alignment with our core Essence. Emotions can get stored in the physical body, which the cognitive mind may not always be able to fully access without support and guidance.

I practice individual, adult psychotherapy in Oregon and Utah (Utah is currently telehealth only), and I hold an Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (telehealth) in several other states as well. I work primarily with individuals experiencing anxiety or mood-related problems as well as those who are having difficulty with their relationships or difficulty coping with stressful life events. Since my VA internship, a portion of my practice has been working with veterans. I've been a provider for Returning Veterans Project and Give an Hour and have completed the MAPS training in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.

Whether you are looking for support during a particularly difficult time, to process trauma, or work with you and your family/spouse/partner, I am here to help. My approach is focused on connection, respect and empathy as a way to help clients heal and deepen understanding of themselves and those they love. I have experience working with an array of concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, infertility, trauma and so on using a trauma-informed integrative approach grounded in attachment. I believe each person possesses within themselves the ability to heal and grow and will spend our time in sessions doing just that.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bi-cultural licensed clinical social worker in Tigard, Oregon. I have many years of experience working with children and families. My areas of expertise include: sexual abuse cases, early childhood mental health, working with children and families exposed to traumatic events and family therapy. I like to facilitate groups for trauma survivors and also to work with adult survivors of sexual abuse. I particularly enjoy working with Latino families. I am very interested in reunification cases particularly working with children and families involved in the child welfare system.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with depression? Do you have a hard time managing stress or finding balance in your life? If so, you may be an ideal client for my practice. I work with individuals who are looking to improve their mental health and overall well-being. My clients are often seeking a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their emotions, gain insight into their behaviors, and learn new coping skills. They may be experiencing challenges related to relationships, work, or other areas of their lives, and they are motivated to make positive changes.

In my practice, I focus on helping people identify and change patterns in their lives that cause ongoing frustration or disappointment. I offer support for a range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, experiences of abuse and trauma, issues with shame and self-esteem, changes during different stages of life, and complex relationship problems. Working through these issues in a safe, therapeutic setting can help individuals build self-esteem, improve their relationships, and find new enthusiasm for work and personal life.

I believe that people can change and often need assistance during the process. I believe that relationships are worth investing in and couples can learn to relate to each other more effectively. I believe sometimes people become stuck trying to do the right thing, or figure out what is the right thing. I believe people often need encouragement to push past where they are stuck. I believe we all can benefit and learn from hearing a different perspective.

Do you feel that you and your family have been struggling lately? are you, or your family members struggling with anything that you are not certain how to deal with? No matter how much you have tried things seem to be the same or seem to be getting worse for you and your family? Do you feel accepted and understood?

Life is sometimes unpredictable and challenging, and you may find you need some guidance and support. In a collaborative therapeutic environment, we will find solutions to challenges you face, through increased self-awareness and active pursuit of your goals. I integrate my practical experience as a former NASA mechanical engineer with my psychological training as a therapist to see individuals, couples and families. My approach is strength-based, cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed. I also have extensive experience in addiction, military family issues, and I especially enjoy working with adolescents.

I believe all people have within themselves the ability to move towards positive change. By creating a safe and trusting relationship and environment, I begin to facilitate my clients' abilities to accept personal responsibility for their behavior, develop autonomy, and make positive and constructive choices in their lives. I hope to empower my clients to successfully overcome traumatic and/or stressful life events and to find positive solutions to problems they may face currently or in the future.

My apologies, however, my waitlist is currently closed. I will edit this profile when that changes. I especially enjoy working with individuals who have experienced "outsider status" and are on a journey to create a sense of belonging in their own way and style. Many of my patients are creatives who experience hindrances in connecting with their creative energies and seek ways to more fully nourish and honor these aspects of Self.