Counselingoption

Areas of Clinical Focus

I guide individuals, couples, families, and groups in the counseling and coaching process to work through problems or to enhance performance in activities of daily living in work, relationships and recreation. Problem areas include difficulties with relationships: marriage / domestic partner, parent-child, as well as divorce/ separation, parenting, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, stress management, grief & loss, women's issues, infertility, habit disorders, addictions recovery: drugs, alcohol, food, sex; ACOA (adult children of alcoholics), family members effected by addiction, trauma: post traumatic stress, rape, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), domestic violence and dissociative disorders. Having difficulties with sleep, relaxation, or under performing.

Therapy Format

I am trained as a therapist to address clinical issues in an individual, couples/marriage, family, and group or workshop format.
I work with children, adolescents/teens, and adults.

Theoretical Orientation

I draw from a range of theories which guide the counseling process that focus on insight oriented personal growth as well as symptom management, meaning and dissolution. The focus of my counseling or therapy approach generally depends on what is needed from the counseling experience which is determined with the individual(s) I am working with. Please see my Treatment Philosophy section for more information about specific theories, approach, intervention, and healing philosophy.

Professional Training and Experience

I have over 25 years experience in the mental health field. I have been in private practice since 1992. Prior to starting my own practice I worked in a variety of clinical settings. I have a Masters certification in addiction counseling, extensive training in family and marriage interpersonal relational dynamics, trauma, women's empowerment and transition issues; psycho-educational workshops, clinical supervision, training, consultation and organizational development. In addition to insight oriented psychotherapy I am trained in a variety of treatment modalities such as EMDR by the EMDR institute and Hypnosis through ASCH. I maintain several levels of licensure and certification and attend continuing education courses routinely. For more information on my training, experience and license please see my professional experience page.

Serving the greater Portland and SW Washington area.

General Counseling Information - I am frequently asked "just what is counseling any way?" If you have questions about counseling and if it is appropriate for you please refer to the frequently asked Questions section.

General Counseling Information - I am frequently asked "just what is counseling any way?" If you have questions about counseling and if it is appropriate for you please refer to the frequently asked Questions section.