I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 25 years experience. Currently I practice in West Linn , Oregon although I am also licensed in the state of California. As a licensed professional , I participate in continuing education to continue my learning process and stay current in the field. I find it very fulfilling and a privilege to have people open up their lives and hearts to me as they seek out help. All of us have been adversely effected by various circumstances and events in our lives. Therapy helps heal these broken places and also provides an increased understanding of what is happening inside and the ability to communicate that effectively in relationships which leads to more satisfying and fulfilling relationships. I work with individuals and couples age 16 and up with specialized training in trauma work/EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and relationship issues. I come from a Christian worldview and have training into incorporating this into the therapy process if the client so desires. I also work with mood disorders (anxiety, depression, panic) and eating disorders. I currently am on Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, Pacific Source and LifeWise insurance panels as a preferred provider, so typically if you are insured by these companies, you only pay your office visit co-payment once your deductible for the year has been met. If you are insured by a different company, check with your insurance company as to what your reimbursement is for outpatient mental health with an out of network provider and I can still submit sessions costs to your insurance company. If you are experiencing difficulties in your current situation, your relationship or marriage or struggling within your own "skin" - how you feel about yourself, or your moods and emotions, I think you will find that sitting down with someone and working these things through will be very beneficial. Please reach out and find help for yourself of your relationship, you won't be sorry!

Portland Therapist Finding a therapist and approach that is the right fit for you is a process that can be both rewarding and challenging. I offer both individual and group therapy, and I hope that the information on this site helps you in your search. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact me to schedule your FREE 15 minute phone consultation. Are you… …challenged by life changes or transitions? …longing for more fulfilling relationships? …experiencing creative blocks? …finding the past is interfering in the present? …feeling anxiety or depressive symptoms? …dreaming of a new direction? …stuck in outdated patterns or beliefs? …are you looking good on the outside… but struggling on the inside? These challenges do not define who you are… They are a step on the journey, informing you that now is the time to get back on track. With Skill, presence, respect and compassion, I am here to help you come back to center and move toward the life you truly want. Discover the power of your authentic self. Have more fun and fulfilling relationships. Live a life of greater joy, inspiration and aliveness! Past Client: " You have taught me new skills to help me see myself and accept myself in a more caring and loving way. You have helped me to open my mind and my heart and my spirit to accept myself just as I am in this moment. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. You have touched my heart in a very special way." From a former client who was having creative blocks and seeking personal empowerment: "I thoroughly enjoy my meetings with you. You have helped me learn so much about myself in the past few months. The tools and knowledge that you have given me, or helped me to discover, during our sessions, I use and think about all the time."

I work collaboratively with clients who have ADHD, ADD, anxiety disorders, depression, anger problems, unresolved trauma, communication difficulties, parenting, relationship difficulties, marital problems, grief, loss, divorce, and life transitions, helping them return to optimal functionability. Medication management is utilized when warranted. Although I am Board Certified to work with adults, children and adolescents, my private practice is primarilly for adults. I have certification in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Advanced Therapist in Hypnotherapy. I make referrals to other health care practitioners such as psychiatrists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, etc. I believe that I am uniquely qualified to work with clients from the psychological perspective and medical aspects of mental health. My licensure as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Clinical Social Worker ensures you of my extensive studies and dedication to the highest standards and ethics.

Possibly the deadliest drug available, heroin destroys lives. Because treatment for drug addiction is most effective when specific to your drug of choice, we focus on helping men with addictions to heroin. Men's Heroin Rehab is also a drug addiction resource that helps families understand, assess, and treat loved ones who are suffering from addiction.

At Compass Community Counseling you can count on a judgment free environment to assist individuals, couples and families with counseling services in Vancouver, WA and the Portland-Metro area to make lasting positive changes. We lead our clients to find hope, direction, and healing through emotional renewal, spiritual change and physical growth. We have extensive training and experience working with relationships and how they are imbedded in a person’s patterns of behaviors. We have additional training in Functional Family Therapy, Gottman methods, and Sex Therapy. Every couple has moments when they start to fight more, feel angry, harbor resentment, or even feel withdrawn from their partner. If we are being truly honest we know that relationships are hard and they take a tremendous amount of work. We see our role as a relationship or marriage counselor to sit with you, where you are in the moment and help guide the way in mending the broken pieces of your relationship. Our goal in couples counseling is never about taking sides; it is about helping you each to understand each other better.

If you feel you are working too hard trying to handle a difficult transition in your life, trying to cope with anxieties or depression or trying to recover from a trauma, please call me. I offer counseling in Vancouver, Washington to individuals and couples. My years of experience in the Portland Metro area, including Vancouver, Washington, has prepared me to be sensitive to diversity of all kinds and to understand the struggles of others while remaining flexible to what one may need in the moment. After 16 years of providing emergency medical social work in three busy emergency departments, I have found a great balance to life by shifting my focus as a counselor for individuals and couples in a private setting in Vancouver, Washington. My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental and welcoming space for you to explore yourself with honesty. I will help you begin moving forward, while supporting you through the change process. My practice is action-oriented, with great attention to your strengths while helping you to stay present in the moment.