I am a licensed psychologist and have worked as a mental health therapist since 2007 providing services to individuals, couples, and families. In my private practice, I specialize in culturally competent therapy for Portland’s LGBTQ community and other minority individuals.
I work with clients of various sexual, gender, and cultural backgrounds to address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, identity concerns, and life transitions. I strive to tailor therapy to the needs of each individual client, and collaborate with clients to determine the focus and nature of counseling.
Individualized, Culturally-Responsive Therapy
I believe that therapy needs to be individualized and not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. I integrate theories and techniques derived from a variety of psychological approaches to adapt therapy to your issues, strengths, and culture. I am likely to employ elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and Gestalt therapy, as well as psychodynamic, attachment, queer, and feminist theory in our work together. Additionally, my training as a doctoral-level practitioner allows me to use various assessments when appropriate. Such measures can aid in diagnosis, treatment, and evaluating progress and outcome. In all cases, I seek to use evidence-based practices flexibly as we collaboratively develop a counseling experience that works for you.
I work from a strengths-based perspective, seeking to help you tap into not only your personal strengths, but also those of your family, communities, and culture. I believe that all people are oriented towards health and growth. But, people often develop ways of thinking, acting, being, and interacting that stymie this process. As a therapist, my job is to explore problematic areas of your life with you and help you find new ways of being that help you feel more contented, balanced, and effective.
Therapeutic Background
I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University here in Portland in August of 2012 and served my internship in University of Puget Sound’s integrated health center. During my graduate training, I worked with individuals, couples, and families of all ages. These clients were dealing with a variety of issues ranging from chronic major depression to questions of identity to adjustment to college and other life transitions. Throughout my training, I have specialized in providing affirming mental health services to LGBTQ people, but I have also worked extensively with heterosexual individuals and couples. My education has helped me become well versed in current research on psychological issues and evidence-based practices in clinical psychology.
