Licensed Professional Counseling

I currently work as a licensed professional counselor in Portland. I work with different types of clients on many different presenting problems. I am very comfortable performing individual therapy and couples counseling. In my therapeutic practice, I integrate psychodynamic therapy with cognitive therapy.

The Therapeutic Process

Many clients believe it is the therapist’s job to make them feel better. While feeling better may be the outcome of counseling, it is not always the case in every situation. The therapist’s main role is to help the client feel the emotion more clearly and to perhaps provide insight as to why it is surfacing so intensely. Individual therapy is a safe place to experience emotions, no matter what they are or how they manifest. It may seem counterintuitive to think of therapy as not making you feel better, but if one can fully allow and accept an emotion without duress (which can prompt unhealthy or destructive reactions), then one can learn to handle stronger emotions in the future. If a client develops the capacity to endure intense negative emotions, then a process of normalizing and desensitizing occurs, thereby reducing the tendency to react and/or take action against uncomfortable feelings.

My Therapeutic Background

I have a very strong background in family and couples work. I received my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Southern California, and my bachelor’s degree in child and family development from San Diego State University. Prior to going into private practice, I worked in the public school system providing individual, group, and family therapy to high-risk students. I also taught parenting classes on a regular basis. My therapeutic career started out at a crisis line here in Portland, where I mainly worked with people who were suffering from suicidal thoughts and severe anxiety. I have lived in Portland for over six years and the bulk of my work focuses on seeing couples and individuals in my private practice.

Your Health Insurance Plan

I would be glad to check with your insurance provider to find out what type of mental health coverage you have. I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will take intoconsideration the number of visits your insurance plan allows. You may read more about insurance coverage by checking out the insurance section.

Sliding Scale Therapy

I work with a limited number of clients on a sliding scale basis in order to make therapy as affordable as possible. If you are not able to use your insurance or pay my standard fee, you may be able to take advantage of the sliding scale. Call me if your finances are tight, and if we agree that we are a good fit, we’ll decide on fees you can afford. To learn more about the sliding scale fee visit the sliding scale section.

• Individual Therapy: $60 – $100
• Couples Counseling: $60 – $100
• Family Therapy: $60 – $100

Contact Me