Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists in Center, Portland, OR

If you’re reading this, we already know you’re struggling. Maybe you’re having trouble “adulting”. You’re feeling like everyone else seems to have it all together, why can’t you? Your mental health is getting worse and worse, and you just want it to stop. Your day to day life is chaos and worry and you remember better days when things just weren't like this. You might feel like you’re out of control of your life.

Empowerment comes from being open to exploring your inner strength as a means of gaining insight and knowledge. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate space for self-discovery. Through the Empowerment Model I use an eclectic, client centered, and strength based approach to finding healing and growth in the midst of challenges. By exploring the origin of symptoms and how they influence thoughts and behaviors we can overcome obstacles to feeling genuine health and wellness.

In 2023, I cofounded Grove Mental Health LLC (www.grovementalhealth.com) in order to directly implement the expertise I have gained over the past two decades of work in the mental health field. At the core of my practice is a belief that together we are removing barriers. With the fog of depression removed, with the constant noise of anxiety removed, with the weight of trauma removed, we can be free to live in congruence with that best version of ourselves. The work that we do will be to foster the confidence and connection with what lies within, tapping into the strength and stability provided by all of our intertwined roots.

You're navigating life's complexities, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. You're seeking clarity, support, and practical tools to manage stress and prioritize your own well-being. Your goal is to regain control, find balance, and build healthier connections, all while exploring what it means to prioritize your mental health.

I believe that we all do the best we can. I believe in the wisdom of the individual and the strength in each of us. I believe that there is power in our stories. I believe that we are stronger together. I believe we can change, do better and be better in our daily lives. I believe that small steps turn into big changes. I believe in being brave, finding your voice and believing in yourself. I believe that laughter is the best medicine and not taking ourselves too seriously. I focus on relationship first in all the work that I do. I focus on connection and the strengths of the individual to drive the work and the change.

***Currently available for in-person and Teletherapy appointments*** I am passionate about people leading empowered, connected, and purposeful lives. I provide counseling services to diverse clients as they learn, change, grow, and function in increasingly inspired, creative, healthy, and adaptive ways. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying needs, making changes, and practicing new skills in a safe and supportive setting. I am experienced in working with adults, couples, families, as well as adolescent clients, on issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, identity, and unwanted thoughts or emotions.

As a therapist with 20 years of experience specializing in working with a diverse population of teens, young adults, and families, I have decided to leverage my expertise by co-founding a group practice. I believe the therapeutic progress happens in a safe, empowering, and non-judgmental space for self-exploration and healing. I really value the therapeutic relationship, which we will build together in a safe, collaborative space where you can feel genuinely seen and heard. I enjoy using warmth, humor, and curiosity in my sessions. We will work together to identify and build upon your strengths and create lasting changes.

Everybody has a story. Often our stories about ourselves and others are formulated when we are very young, trying to make sense of what is going on around us. These stories are often untrue. However, the negative narrative continues into adulthood. I use therapy approaches and techniques that help clients re-author a different story about themselves, others and events that might have occurred. When this healing process occurs, I am inspired as a witness to my clients' transformation as they take steps from struggle to healing. I have been in practice for over 30 years and am a provider on all private insurance plans.

"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."

My style is warm and creative from a strength-based perspective. Creative in the sense that I provide tailored support to help individuals, families and groups identify and manage psychological, emotional and behavioral change. In life we experience challenges such as trauma, family conflict, crisis, physical illness, unemployment grief/loss and/or social challenges that can affect our quality of life. Together we will work to overcome barriers, to maximize your life experience and not allow the past to paralyze you from enjoying today and having a healthier and happier tomorrow.

While we can't always change our circumstances, we can always learn to respond to life's challenges in a way that correspond with our most deeply-held values. If depression or anxiety are stealing joy from your life, we can use the therapeutic space to help increase your resiliency and coping skills so you can refocus on the things that matter most to you. If you are struggling with substances or alcohol, we can non-judgmentally explore what kind of change you may wish to make. If you're not sure what you need, you just know you need some kind of help, that's okay too! Therapy is a place for compassionate self-exploration.