About
I am a Licensed Proffessional Counselor practicing at Bridge City Counseling Offices alongside a holistic team of counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, all of whom have committed to making some discounted fee slots available for clients who are unable to afford mental health services at there regular cost. As a state of Oregon licensed therapist, I can accept most major insurances.
Education and background: I hold a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary with a specialization in child and adolescent therapy. I have specialized training in play and art therapy, sexuality issues, and abuse treatment. I am an adjust faculty in the masters in counseling program at Western Seminary and have taught in the psychology department at Concordia University. In addition to private practice, I manage Bridge City Counseling Offices and work part time for a community mental health sexual abuse treatment program doing group and family therapy. Before opening Bridge City Counseling, I counseled at Charis Counseling Associates, a non-profit counseling clinic in the Vancouver, WA area, and at Sunnyside Counseling Offices here in Portland.
Philosophy and Approach: I am committed to serving clients by working with them toward empowering them to move into greater personal growth, freedom, responsible living, and maturity. In this process, I will endeavor to understand them and their situation from their perspective, to serve as a mirror through which they can more accurately see themselves and the reality of their situation, and to serve as a catalyst to help them move toward desired and needed change. I believe that counseling consist of helping clients access, both in the therapy room and through real life relationships, the information, relationship, perspective, care, and tools that they need to do this healing.
I approach counseling from a Christian worldview and understanding of people, life, growth, and faith. I believe that every individual, regardless of age, background, or circumstance deserves to be treated, cared for and talked to with respect. I believe that every person has within themselves both a tendency to get stuck and sabotage themselves and others, and an ability and potential to heal, grow, thrive, and love. I work with clients from various backgrounds and faith perspectives, and treatment is not dependent upon their sharing of my perspectives and values.