MA, LPC, NCC

I believe that counseling can provide a safe place to explore ourselves and our world in new and positive ways. It is an honor to be a part of each client’s personal journey of restoration and freedom.

The struggles of life can feel overwhelming at times, and having someone to journey through these challenges with allows for hope and growth, ultimately building a roadmap toward a more content and fulfilling life.

I have always been drawn to hearing peoples stories and learning about how individuals navigate life. As a teenager I struggled as part of an adoptive family, trying to figure out where I fit in the world around me. I had a deep desire for connection, and consequently, made choices that led me through a great deal of heartache, leaving me confused and feeling damaged. When I was in my early 20’s, I began the journey of therapy with a wonderful therapist in Eugene. She gently guided me toward personal insight and forgiveness for myself, ultimately helping me restore a positive self image and identity. Ever since I experienced my own healing process through therapy, I have wanted to help others experience the same freedom and ability to navigate life’s challenges. While working with clients, I hope to help unravel some of the confusion and false cognitions that have shaped their lives, building a holistic framework of positive self-concept and providing coping skills to enhance day-to-day living and restore relationships.

When I am not working with clients I enjoy spending time with my family. I have three adult children and two wonderful daughter in-laws. We regularly enjoy cooking together, camping, finding fun new restaurants, and hanging out as a family. My husband and I love getting outdoors with our dog, either on the beautiful Oregon coast or in the mountains. Travel continues to be a big part of my life, and experiencing other cultures and customs has given me insight into the world around me and a deeper connection with our common humanity. On cold rainy days in Oregon, I like to sit by the fire and enjoy some quiet time with my husband or a good podcast.

I work with clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns, including: hopelessness and depression, anxiety, family relationship difficulties, job and work related challenges, cultural and life transitions, aging, grief and loss, trauma and adverse childhood experiences, suicidal ideation, self-esteem problems, time management issues, and parenting challenges.

I am certified through Level 2 of the Gottman Method to help couples repair their marriage relationship, focused on a foundation of friendship and stability.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Who I Work With: Adults, Teens, Couples

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

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Processing Grief

• Trauma

• Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Aging

• Life Transitions

• Cross-Cultural Informed Therapy

• Adolescent Counseling

• Parenting Skills

• Couples Therapy

• Time Management

• Self-Esteem Challenges

• Adoptive Families

Counseling Technique

I use a variety of evidenced-based counseling techniques and theories when working with clients. These include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. The foundation of my approach to therapy in highly informed by the individual or couple, as I identify what is effective for them.

Professional Background

For more than 10 years, I lived and worked in cross-cultural settings in both Kenya and Germany. While in Germany, I assisted expatriate workers as they transitioned to living overseas, helping them navigate the challenges of cross-cultural life and the ups and downs of living abroad. I also engaged with the refugee population, processing trauma and grief surrounding war, fleeing their homes, and experiencing grief over significant loss. In Kenya I was a School-Based Mental Health Counselor and part of a multi-disciplinary team at an international boarding school for children hailing from 30+ countries. I provided individual therapy for children in 1st - 12th grade. While receiving my masters degree I worked in a Community Mental Health Counseling Center, where I provided therapy for children, teens and adults with a variety of diagnostic presentations.

Education Credentials

I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. The CCU counseling program gave me a robust educational background and has inspired me to continue learning with specialized training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other theoretical orientations. Prior to my masters degree, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Corban University with an emphasis on Family Studies. I am a National Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon.