MS, LPC, CADC III, MAC

I RECOGNIZE THAT EACH PERSON HAS THEIR OWN SET OF UNIQUE CHALLENGES AND STRUGGLES AND BELIEVE THAT THOSE STRUGGLES CAN BE ASSETS TO EMPOWER US.

I believe that therapy is a powerful and useful way to achieve our best selves. I hold the belief that stigma surrounding counseling and addiction should be eliminated. I actively support organizations that reduce mental health and addiction stigma in the Northwest. I am the Founder of Insight Northwest Counseling.

I have a strong meditation and spiritual practice that is directly connected to my recovery and self care. I have a personal and familial experience with addiction. I identify as a person in long-term recovery and I understand the challenges that these individuals and families face. I believe that my personal experiences provide me with a perspective that allows me to work with others with a human-to-human approach rather than a professional bestowing wisdom approach. I recognize that each person has their own set of unique challenges and struggles and I believe that those struggles can be assets to empower us. Outside of the therapy room I enjoy spending time with my wife, trying new foods, traveling, laughing, mountain biking, and riding dirt bikes.

I assist clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns including: addiction/recovery, trauma, college students, academic challenges, men’s issues, major life transitions, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. 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, backgrounds, lifestyles, including those who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Who I Work With: Adults and Families

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

• Addiction / Drug Dependance / Abuse

• ADHD

• Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependence

• Anxiety

• Cancer

• Codependency

• Depression

• Grief or Loss

• Family Conflict

• Internet Addiction

• Job Stress

• Life Transitions

• Men’s Issues

• Personal Growth

• Relationship / Marriage Issues

• Self-Esteem

• Toxic Masculinity

Counseling Technique

I approach therapy using a blend of holistic, client-centered, trauma and culturally informed theories and approaches. When working with individuals and teens I primarily use Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and somatic/body focused techniques.

When working with couples and families I primarily utilize Emotion Focused Therapy and the Gottman method. Please reach out to me if you have questions about my approach and how we can work together to best achieve your desired goals.

Professional Background

Prior to working in private practice I worked as an alcohol and drug counselor and peer mentor at multiple non-profit organizations in Lane County. I’ve worked directly with families, parents, children, and individuals of all ages who were struggling with substance abuse addiction, behavioral challenges, and educational difficulties. While completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a preschool teacher at multiple non-profit preschools for at-risk children. During graduate school I completed my practicum placement at a group practice mental health organization working with children, individuals, couples, and families. I believe that all of my experience working in the local community has taught me an immense amount about helping others and tailoring an approach that is specific for each client.

Education Credentials

• M.S., Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy, University of Oregon

• B.Ed., Family and Human Services with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development, University of Oregon

• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC III) (Level Three), Mental Health & Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO)

• Master Addiction Counselor, National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon. I am also working towards becoming dually licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the State of Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. I am under supervision by Tiffany Brown, PhD who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and board approved supervisor. I regularly attend trainings, consume clinical research, and continue education to provide the best service to my clients.