About

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SERVICES

Individual Therapy for Adults

SPECIALTIES

Women's mental health across the lifespan
Perinatal mood disorders - pregnancy and postpartum
Pregnancy loss, traumatic birth
Trauma healing and recovery (including complex trauma)
Depression and anxiety
Grief and loss
Reproductive health concerns, fertility challenges and decision-making
Life transitions
Relationships concerns

TREATMENT ORIENTATIONS AND CLINICAL THEORY

that informs my work

Somatic work informed by Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Trauma informed 'parts work' (Janina Fisher's TIST model)
Mindfulness
Self compassion
Interpersonal neurobiology
Polyvagal theory
Interpersonal therapy
Family Systems therapy
Solution Focused therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Attachment theory
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (trauma themes and developmental injury)

EDUCATION

Masters in Social Work, Child and Family Emphasis, CIVITAS Scholar

University of Michigan, 1997

Bachelors of Arts in Communication, Television Production Emphasis,

Santa Clara University, 1992

CERTIFICATIONS

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma Themes Level 1- completed October 2021
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Complex Trauma and Dissociation with Janina Fisher- completed January 2022
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Developmental Injury Level 2 -completed October 2022
Postpartum Support International Perinatal Anxiety and Disorders Training (multiple trainings over the years)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon (L6406 ) since 2014

PROFESSIONAL AFFLILIATIONS

National Assosiation of Social Workers
Postpartum Support International
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute

ABOUT ME

Hello, I am so glad you found your way here. I welcome you just as you are, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you as you explore your own healing journey.

I believe it is really important that you know a little about me as a therapist, what influences my work, my style so you can begin to assess whether I feel like a good fit.

For starters, I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon and hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. I have over 25 years of experience in the field, having worked in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health, healthcare and healthcare administration. My current practice is heavily influenced by the 8 years I spent as the Clinic Social Worker at the Legacy Midwifery Clinic. This is where I developed a passion for supporting women's mental health and wellness. During that time, I began pursuing advanced training in perinatal mental health, which encompasses pregnancy and post partum. I gained valuable experience counseling women who've experienced fertility concerns, birth trauma, losses, mood concerns, NICU/PICU stays and difficulties with the transition to parenthood.

When I began working as a therapist in private practice in the fall of 2018, it felt like a natural progression after my years of varied experience. I have found it to be wonderfully challenging and rewarding work that always has me on the growth curve!

As a therapist, I value bringing a warm and collaborative approach to my counseling style. I take a strengths-based approach and tailor my work to a person's needs and goals. I view therapy as an opportunity for healing and as a vehicle for integrating difficult life experiences, deepening one's sense of self, cultivating meaningful connection and increasing present-minded awareness. I incorporate an eclectic mix of therapies and interventions, including mindfulness, somatic work, self compassion work, family systems, acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma informed care and interpersonal neurobiology while also grounding strategies in practical solutions. I like to be a resource for women and their families, and maintain a shared resource with colleagues for help directing you towards resources in our community.

I also like to stress that I really enjoy working with women across the lifespan on a range of issues including anxiety and depression, PTSD/trauma histories, relationship concerns/domestic violence, grief and loss and adjustment concerns/life transitions.

Additionally, I value and pursue ongoing learning in a field that is constantly evolving. My training interests include trauma treatment therapies and ongoing learning around incorporating somatic interventions in my work.

I feel honored to work with my clients and bear witness to their amazing strengths and spirit. If you would like to learn more about my work and availability, please contact me by submitting an inquiry on my 'Contacts' page.