I approach counseling from a client-centric viewpoint.  I am convinced that all people hold a deep knowledge about what makes them come alive – that the key to one’s fulfillment lies in the ability to trust and express their true nature and trust it. I simply facilitate the process of discovering or uncovering your authentic inner voice and your ability to lovingly communicate in relationships.

I employ an eclectic and integrated approach that is predicated on individual client and family needs. Our body, thoughts, feelings, experiences, behaviors, beliefs and symptoms are all part of an integrated whole and therefore seek to support the whole person in a collaborative, compassionate, and relational manner. I draw from my training and experience with body-centered collaborative problem solving, depth and dream work, emotion-focused therapy, mediation, mindfulness techniques, narrative therapy, family systems, cognitive-behavioral methods, and elements of art, dance, and movement therapy.  My focus is work with adolescents, families, couples, and women craving to honor their soul’s creative gifts.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College: Graduate School of Counseling and Education.  Major coursework included: human growth and development with an emphasis in child and adolescent adjustment; group, individual, family and couple’s counseling; trauma and crisis intervention; diversity, social justice and cultural awareness; and assessment and diagnosis of mental and emotional disorders, play therapy, expressive arts therapy, and more. 

I also completed one year of coursework in the Education Specialist degree program, which provides me a good understanding of the education system.  I have completed a 6-month facilitation-training program – The Heart of Facilitation, and several advanced Effective Communication and Relationship Building Seminars.  I have been trained in Restorative Justice Principles and Practices by Resolve, and in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions by Ross Greene.  I have passed the national counseling board exam, and engage in ongoing continuing education opportunities in order to continue to hone skills and stay updated on current research in the counseling world.  I have been in practice for over 5 years.

I have also been trained by Wendy Davis, PhD, of Postpartum International to be a Perinatal Mental Health Provider, aware of symptoms, risk factors, screening, assessment, treatment and support for a range of perinatal mental health issues.