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!

I am a psychologist with over thirty year’s clinical experience. Over the years I’ve worked with and helped hundreds of individuals and couples through a wide range of difficulties. My style is respectful, interactive and dynamic. I’ve learned that there are a lot ways to help, to heal and to promote personal growth, and that no particular approach fits every person or situation. For example, for individuals with problems arising from recent traumatic events or from childhood trauma or neglect, whose parents may have been inconsistent or worse, I often combine EMDR with cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic strategies. Others seek therapy because of chronic relationship issues, issues of self-worth, or compulsive patterns they know to be self-defeating. In all cases, I use the first few sessions to fully understand the origins of the problem, and together, we develop a plan of action. If you are a couple seeking help, I’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation.

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."

Is your life, or your relationship, not quite where you want it to be? Are you feeling stuck or misunderstood? Are you struggling with anxiety, codependency, depression, PTSD, or grief? Do you feel as if your past trauma is negatively impacting your current life? No one knows you as well as you do: your dreams, desires, goals, struggles, feelings, ambitions, relationships, etc. Sometimes internal and external pressure becomes too much to bear alone. As a therapist, I can help you understand your experiences in an empathic and safe space that promotes healing, growth, and the creative exploration of all areas of life. You will set the pace as we explore the issues most important to you, including daily hardships, navigating relationships, and untangling pain - past and present. As an expert in individual and couple counseling, I’m deeply passionate about helping people improve their relationships, enhance their emotional well-being, break free of anxiety and depression, discover their strengths, and re-empower their lives.

Complex trauma is a relatively newer concept referring to our adaptive development around ongoing or repeating childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It is very common, and because it involves entangled parts and beliefs, healing requires specific approaches that instill a sense of felt safety in the body before processing old traumas. Where most of us develop structures to protect us from the uncomfortable parts of life, in therapy we are developing an ability to meet all parts of self with presence and compassion.

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.

Do you know a teenager who is struggling? Do you notice your teen being sad, irritable, or withdrawn? Are you finding it really hard to connect with your adolescent? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are definitely not alone. Adolescence is a challenging time for both kids and their parents. My counseling services are geared at helping teens cope with the issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, sexual abuse, self-harm behaviors, low self-esteem, peer and parent conflicts, and school related concerns. While I spend some time working individually with teens, I make it of high priority to work with the whole family in strengthening family relationships. I come alongside parents to support them in managing their teens' changing moods and drama-filled friendships. Just as much as I am passionate in working with teens, I enjoy working individually with women. There are times when talking to a trusted friend or family member is just not enough. I find it that women come to see a professional counselor when the circumstances in their life affect their relationships, sleep, work, eating habits, and everyday life. I work with women who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationships. Using my skills, empathy, and insight I guide women to live more fulfilling lives at home, work, with friends and with themselves.

Counseling for adults and teens (age 11+). At Star Meadow Counseling, you'll find warm, good-humored mental health therapists that care about helping you on your path toward healing. We'd love to help you overcome anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, an eating disorder, or recover from a traumatic event. Our therapists have specialties in research-proven therapy approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR. Supervision for licensure is also available for Master's level counselors.