Accepting New Clients
I am a licensed psychologist in Oregon. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I was a compliance professional in the biopharmaceutical industry; I spent most of my time traveling around the world and working with people from many cultures.
I consider myself a life-long student of what it means to be human and the common joys and struggles of existence. My curiosity has provided a rich tapestry of life experiences that include surviving law school, managing large teams of highly talented people, training a service dog, learning how to raise my own food, identifying edible plants in the wild, building a fire in the rain, and playing the guitar and Irish tin whistle (but not at the same time).
I live my life according to the proposition that to be human means our existence precedes our essence. As a result, we are constantly evolving based on the choices we make from moment to moment.
I also believe that we are naturally inclined to grow in healthy ways throughout our lifespan. When unfettered, this healthy growth contributes to living a content, authentic and meaning-filled life. Sometimes, however, this growth gets blocked and psychotherapy can help clarify what that block is and how to move it out of the way.
One of my favorite quotes is from Albert Camus: "The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion".
Non-Pathologizing. You are more than a diagnosis and we will work on identifying choices you may have never considered. I pride myself on being discreet, compassionate, and professional.
Treatment. My integrative treatment approach is individualized and based on each person’s strengths and needs. I conceptualize treatment though a trauma informed humanistic existential lens. I primarily integrate interventions from the following therapies: Client-centered, Somatic Experiencing, Emotion Focused, Acceptance and Commitment, and Logotherapy.
Anti Oppression. I am committed to practicing psychotherapy from a position of cultural humility and an intersectional perspective.
I run my practice according to the following eight fundamental principles of Anti-Oppression Psychology:
- Committing to Addressing Intersectional Violence and Oppressions in the Therapeutic Process.
- Understanding That Systemic Oppression and Practices of Exclusion Contribute to Trauma and Violence of the Body, Mind, and Spirit
- Examining and Determining Clients’ and Therapists’ Identities
- Understanding Dissociation and Re-Traumatisation in the Therapeutic Process
- Locating Clients’ and Therapists’ Frameworks Historically and Geographically (Locally and Transnationally) Based on Intersectional Factors
- Engaging in Emancipatory, Empowerment-Centred Change Process with Client and Therapist
- Practicing Accountability and Responsibility
- Re-defining Resistance and Resiliency
(Adapted from Psychotherapy and Counseling Journal of Australia)
I am a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). I provide gender affirming care for adults who are addressing their own gender identity or are seeking support as an ally for a child, partner or friend. I also conduct evaluations for readiness for hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and gender affirming surgeries.
Reach out on (541) 215-4693 or submit this form and I will contact you as soon as possible.
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