Professional Counselor Associate, CADC III, MAC

I BELIEVE IN CREATING A SAFE, NURTURING AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO ALLOW FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO EXPLORE, ADDRESS AND HEAL. I VALUE THE TRUST THAT A THERAPIST PROVIDES TO CLIENTS AND PRACTICE A HUMANISTIC, PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH.

I wholeheartedly believe in the individual's capacity to heal and come from a humanistic/Jungian/Rogerian perspective that places emphasis on the individual to gain empowerment and heal from life's challenges. I utilize trauma informed, person centered, culturally informed techniques and am committed to traveling on the client’s journey and an ethically responsible manner at all times. I encourage the exploration of thoughts and emotions in a solution-focused approach.

I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. I spent most of my time playing sports and exploring the Sonoran desert. At 22 I moved to Portland, Oregon and worked as an environmental activist. I began my career in Eugene, Oregon as a substance abuse counselor when I was 28 years old.

Outside of being a therapist, I am a huge soccer fan and spend most weekends accompanying my daughter with her travel soccer team when I do have time for myself. I am an avid fly-fisherman and spend free time exploring the rivers of the Northwest in search of steelhead. I also enjoy meditation and mindfulness as an avenue for my own self growth and self care.

I assist clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns, including: addiction/recovery, codependency, trauma, major life transitions, anxiety, depression and self esteem issues. I approach each session in a culturally competent, trauma informed, warm, and compassionate way. I enjoy engaging with clients who have a range of identities and backgrounds.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Who I Work With: Adults, Teens 16+

While I work with a wide range of people and presenting problems, some of my most common topics of focus include:

• Addiction

• Drug Dependency 

• Abuse 

• Anxiety 

• Alcohol Abuse

• Alcohol Dependence  

• Codependency

• Depression

• Grief or loss

• Job stress

• Life transitions

• Men’s issues and self esteem

• Toxic masculinity

• Spiritual and transpersonal growth

Counseling Technique

I practice a humanistic, Jungian psychological approach, utilizing a rogerian counseling perspective that places emphasis on the individual to gain empowerment. I utilize trauma informed, personal and culturally centered techniques, and I am committed to traveling with you as a client on your journey in a nurturing and ethically responsible manner. I encouraged the exploration of thoughts and emotions in a solution-focused approach.

Professional Background

Prior to working as a mental health therapist I have spent over 20 years in Lane County working as a substance abuse counselor working with individuals and families to address the various ways that substances affect their lives. I have found this experience to be rewarding beyond words.

Education Credentials

• M.S. in Psychology with Emphasis on Substance Use and Chemical Dependency, Purdue University

• B.A. Psychology, Purdue University

I am currently a Professional Counselor Associate registered with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, I abide by its code of ethics. As an LPC associate, I am supervised by Zoe Cryns, LMFT.