LMFT, CADC 1

I create an environment of focused calm, intentional and direct communication, curiosity, and a desire to assist each client in building their strengths.

I believe each of us are born with the potential to live a successful and joy-filled life; however, when events happen that disrupt this potential, one can be left with self-imposed limitations, distorted beliefs, and irrational thoughts that contribute to blocking the path to happiness. My approach to therapy comes from a collaborative, client-centered and unconditional positivity to assist you in believing in yourself, to find the courage and resilience to face your struggles, and help you reconstruct a life balance. I find that when I hold a space for clients and their struggles and defenses, they learn they can begin to trust in another human being, be heard and understood, and eventually learn to trust themselves, and even learn to like themselves. When I first attended therapy, I was terrified of losing the very thing that I thought was holding me together; my survival skills. What I eventually learned is that I could trust myself and the ability to thrive, learn to grow, laugh, and develop healthy boundaries in my relationships and with myself. I learned that I could say no and that the world didn’t collapse nor was I abandoned or rejected. I learned, and continually learn, that I am actually pretty cool and interesting, that I really do like who I am, and that who I am as a woman, a partner, and a person in this world, that I can trust and be trusted.

As I have always been curious about human behavior, it was only natural that I pursue a career that involves learning about humans and what it means to be human. Being a child of the sixties has shaped how I see and be in the world and how we each have similar problems and fears, as well as a multitude of forms of communication, being vulnerable and building trust, and dealing with anxieties.

My life experience of being bullied throughout elementary and middle school, and being sexually harassed and assaulted in high school negatively affected my self esteem, my belief in myself and my self worth. I became a high school dropout, a young mother in an abusive, alcoholic marriage, and saw little of myself of being worthy of good and trusting people. Through the experience of therapy and learning to trust my therapist, I found the courage to return to school, obtain my GED, seek a divorce, and learn to live on my own. I found I had enough credits to earn an associates degree, and within a few years obtained my bachelors and master's degrees and entered into the field of family therapy and addiction counseling.

My counseling style is relaxed and curious, with a bit of cussing at times for emphasis; and with directness and honesty I offer unconditional, positive regard toward my clients and whatever they bring to the therapy session. I use family systems therapy approaches mixed with mindfulness, generational and childhood exploration, breath-work and body awareness, and encourage homework and development of new skills. I believe in my clients ability to find their way no matter how long it may take.

I am skilled in managing difficult subjects and holding space for the deeper work of trauma, grief, and difficult transitions in life. 

For my own life balance, I participate in hobbies of complex quilt piecing and quilting, hiking and camping, music and dancing, abstract art with mixed media, and playing in my large garden (this year it’s all about the flowers and lots of color!). My four grown children bring me joy and pride, and my four grandchildren are the prize of my life. I enjoy cooking and traveling with my partner, as well as wandering through garden stores, antique stores, and old barns. I am looking forward to eventually adding a dog and a couple of kittens to my home.

Although I carry experience in many parts of this field, I focus on clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns including: couples and communication problems, LGBTQIA+, sexual issues and infidelity, divorce, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, addiction, codependency, boundary issues, anxiety, depression, Bipolar symptoms, hoarding behaviors/OCD, phobias, self-esteem and self-worth, shame and guilt, new parenthood and parenting, blended families, spirituality and meaning making, and career exploration.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Who I Work With: Adults, COUPLES, AND FAMILIES

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

• Couples and Communication Issues

• LGBTQIA+

• Sexual Issues

• Infidelity

• Divorce

• Life Transitions

• Grief and Loss

• Trauma

• PTSD

• Addiction

• Codependency

• Boundary Issues

• EMDR

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Bipolar Symptoms

• Hoarding Behaviors/OCD

• Phobias

• Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

• Shame and Guilt

• New Parenthood and Parenting

• Blended Families

• Spirituality and Meaning Making

• Career Exploration

Counseling Technique

My main therapeutic method is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is about identifying and changing negative, irrational, and distorted thoughts and beliefs and the effects on behaviors and emotions. As a behavioral model and with interventions, homework, and practice, you will learn how to change the harmful patterns that negatively affect behavior and emotions.

In addition to CBT, I am trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling to improve couples/relational communication and understanding, conflict management skills, and gain listening and empathy skills. In my work with families I rely on Structural therapy to help clients identify and change family dynamics of enmeshment, rigid or diffuse boundaries, secrets, and generational trauma. I use techniques of Genograms (exploring generational patterns within families), and Satir family therapy techniques to identify and change family patterns.

I provide treatment for trauma, anxiety, and phobia through EMDR 8-Phase Protocol, and assist clients experiencing dissociation with Flash Technique (an EMDR protocol to reduce overwhelm in trauma work).

I am certified in Alcohol and Drug counseling, and have a clinical and personal background in treating families with codependency and boundary issues.

I utilize several models of therapy for working with families including:

• Structural therapy

• Satir Family Therapy

• Solution-Focused therapy

• Collaborative therapy

I practice trauma-informed care, mindfulness, art interventions, and visualization and relaxation techniques. I encourage journaling, exercise (walking, yoga, etc.).

I am looking forward to including working with children and adolescents as I will be adding sand tray therapy and EMDR for children in the coming months.

Professional Background

My work in this field has focused on family systems, couples counseling, substance abuse, trauma and PTSD, and domestic violence offenders. I have experience in addressing hoarding disorder, OCD, and phobias. Additionally, I have provided treatment for mental health symptoms including depression, bipolar, anxiety and panic disorders. I have a background of experience in addressing military sexual trauma, and substance abuse for homeless veterans in San Diego, CA, and worked in residential treatment centers addressing substance abuse and dependence (San Diego and Portland) for treatment and relapse prevention for men and women.

Education Credentials

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (T-1525, Oregon). I hold a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from California School of Professional Psychology-Alliant International University, San Diego, CA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, as well a certification in Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling (CADC I). In addition, I have attended and practice Gottman Method Couples Counseling Level I & II, EMDR treatment (Eye Movement and Desensitization & Reprocessing), and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique ‘Tapping’).

I am currently a Supervisor-in-Training for State of Oregon Clinical Supervisors.