Below you’ll find information about who I am and how I work as a counselor. But I imagine an important first question you might have is why I am a therapist. My passion, and the purpose of my practice, is to empower others to find relief from symptoms and to discover, accept, and grow their authentic selves – your talents, your limitations, your undiscovered strengths, your room for growth, and what makes your life meaningful. Because it is from this place of meaning, self-knowledge, and self-celebration that all of us can steward our talents to make life better for ourselves and the people around us.
Education and Training
After moving from Ohio, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon where I researched empathy and social cognition. Afterwards, I received my Master’s degree from Portland State University in Counselor Education. There, I received dual training in both traditional clinical mental health counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling. I have worked with many clients with varying degrees of mental health issues. I have received training from both victims’ services and intensive outpatient community mental health settings. I’m thrilled to serve my community as a counselor and to witness the profound impact that comes from making healing, meaningful change.
I am currently licensed through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. Outside of providing counseling through my practice, I am still involved in the counseling school at Portland State University; providing therapy, training and mentoring to students enrolled in the Master’s program.
What is Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Clinical mental health counseling involves understanding human development, assessment, and implementing therapeutic interventions designed to help clients challenged by a range of mental health issues. My biggest concentrations in this realm are men’s issues, increasing self-esteem, and adjusting to trauma. I also specialize in dealing with depression and anxiety. A particular passion of mine in this field is understanding the building blocks of how we approach, establish, and maintain change in our lives. Learn more about my approach here.
What is a Rehabilitation Counselor?
I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). I have holistic training in helping individuals with cognitive, emotional, physical, mental, and developmental disabilities achieve personal, mental health, and vocational goals. This also means that I have training in helping individuals adjust to their own internal and external barriers to change regardless of ability status. My specialty in this realm is increasing self-determination when adjusting to the medical and psychosocial aspects of a disability or chronic illness.
Feeling comfortable with your counselor and having a good fit is an important part of getting the most out of therapy. If you have any questions or need to know something further to see if I am a good fit you can contact me or learn more about the mental health services I offer.