Approach to Counseling

I believe pain can actually guide us in health and healing. The more we dig in and and take an honest look at where we've come from, where we are, and where we want to be, the more able we are to grow and heal.  It is a bold step to examine oneself at a deeper level through counseling and it can be difficult. It can also be an incredible tool in one's journey through life. 

As a counselor, I am committed to providing a safe environment for clients as I partner with them in working toward healthy change, development and growth. I believe it is essential to approach problems holistically.  I will focus on emotions, family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral problems while also keeping in mind deeper issues of meaning and purpose in the lives of my clients. This combines an existential worldview with a variety of other counseling techniques including family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and object-relations.

As someone who values a holistic counseling approach, I respect your religious and spiritual beliefs and differences. I feel very comfortable if you choose to include these in your therapy session. I also respect your right to not include this aspect of your life in session.

Sessions between a counselor and client may be very intimate emotionally and psychologically. Therefore it is important that both client and counselor understand that the relationship will remain on a professional level rather than a personal one. In light of this, I will not accept gifts form clients and contact will be limited to the paid sessions in the office or over the phone. We will not establish any relationship other than the professional counseling relationship. Counseling sessions focus exclusively on client concerns.  In most cases we meet once a week for a 50-minute session. 

Experience

I received my Master’s Degree in counseling from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Major coursework included: human growth and development, counseling adolescents, and marriage and family counseling. My experience includes working with children, adults, and families at The Dougy Center for grieving children and families, Concordia University as a counselor and adjunct professor, Sunnyside Counseling Center, and Bethany House for new and expectant young mothers. I am currently counseling through my private practice in Portland, OR.