About My Practice

Therapeutic Approach

I believe in viewing life holistically and taking into account physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. I believe my major responsibility as a helping agent is to help you reduce acute distress while also walking alongside you as, together, we do the deep work of seeking balance, wellness, authenticity, and meaning.

Primary Therapeutic Frameworks

I employ an eclectic therapeutic approach using integrative techniques and modalities. My primary therapeutic frameworks include Person-Centered/Humanistic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Parts Work (IFS), and Narrative Therapy.

Person-Centered/Humanistic Therapy is how I show up to our sessions, always bringing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and personal authenticity.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on reducing feelings of distress through mindfulness techniques, acceptance of what is both in our control and out of our control, and refocusing on the things that are most important to us so that we can live more fulfilling value-driven lives.

Emotionally Focused Therapy is based on research related to attachment and bonding, focusing on the healing power of meaningful connection, safety in relationship, and vulnerability. Coming from an attachment perspective, I may occasionally address what is emotionally happening between the two of us, including tough feelings like disappointment, rejection, or anger. This can help you gain insight into relationship dynamics that are occurring outside of the therapy space and provide opportunities to practice authentic emotional expression, something many of us have been taught to repress or handle in an unhelpful, indirect way.

Parts Work (Internal Family Systems) includes the stance that there is an inherently good, wise, and health-seeking core Self to each person. It says that we are also made up of multiple other parts (inner critic, inner parent, inner perfectionist, etc.) and that these parts get trapped in behaviors and thought patterns from the past that no longer serve us. The goal in Parts Work is to help those parts “take a break” and instead be led by our core wise Self.

Narrative Therapy examines the myriad stories we carry with us that influence our present day lives. Some of our stories are known, some of them are hidden, and some are waiting for an opportunity to be brought to life. Through Narrative Therapy, I help clients experience their life stories in new ways that are both meaningful and fulfilling.When we are able to bear witness to our stories and discover their complexity through exploration, that is when we have a true opportunity to grow.

Learn more about the therapeutic process here.

Credentials

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) registered with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists and hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William & Mary.

I have received advanced training in Narrative Therapy through the Evanston Family Therapy Center, advanced training in Narrative Exposure Therapy through Portland’s The Kiln, advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy through Portland Psychotherapy Center, and advanced Perinatal Mental Health Training through Postpartum Support International. I have also received supervision in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Parts Work, and Psychedelic Harm Prevention and Integration.