We tend to think we should be able to go it alone, or talk with a friend,...or just TRY HARDER

when life feels overwhelming and difficult to bear.   Sometimes these attempts fall short, making it easy to blame ourselves, feel discouraged and disconnect from ourselves and our relationships.  Even asking for help seems hard!  That's why  I am passionate about helping individuals and couples who are courageously finding their way through those tough times.  I believe that we all have an internal wellspring of strength, wisdom, and hope - and counseling offers gentle guidance and support to move toward feeling better, even in the face of difficult challenges.  In therapy, we partner together to explore and embrace your story, consider new ways of being and relating, and carve new paths of hope and possibilities for you to live, love, heal and grow.  My approach is to be 'real' with you and to create a place where you are valued just as you are.  We will work together to discover the inherent value of what it means to be uniquely you, letting go of what's holding you back, and finding the freedom to embrace a life of authentic whole-heartedness.  I believe you deserve that.

Specialties

Self Esteem/Shame resilience

Stress/Anxiety/Emotional difficulties

Depression

Life Transitions

Grief/Loss

EFT Couples Counseling/Relational difficulties

Education, Training & Supervision

Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, George Fox University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Oregon State University

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship

ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Brainspotting Phase I Training

I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors

I am a registered Professional Counselor Associate with the state of Oregon. 

My supervisor is Lindsay McGrath, MS, LMFT (T0181)

Orientations

Emotion Focused Therapy

Attachment Theory

Internal Family Systems

Interpersonal Neurobiology

Compassion-focused Therapy

Sandtray

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

My Story

I'm a native of the beautiful Pacific Northwest and while the Portland rain isn't my favorite thing, as Dorothy says, "There's no place like home!"  My background as a business professional in technology, advertising, and start-up culture provides me with an understanding of the pressures you may be facing in your work life.  As a wife and mom, I've wrestled with the challenge of balancing all the expectations and demands of home life and parenthood, as well as unexpected hardships along the way.  The gifts of healing and growth gained through my own counseling experience brought me to this second career as a therapist helping adults and couples. 

In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, trying new restaurants, watching episodes of The Office :) and spending time with my friends and family.