About Me
My Approach
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing couples therapy in Portland Oregon.
As a depth-oriented marriage and family therapist, I work with individuals and couples, specializing in LGBTQ+ relationships. My practice integrates psychodynamic, narrative, collaborative, intergenerational, and systemic frameworks, and I am also a Relational Life Therapy (RLT) practitioner
My therapeutic approach focuses on building relational insight, challenging anti-relational behaviors, and developing self-acceptance and a strong relational skillset. My style is warm, direct, and infused with good humor.
I recognize that the therapeutic relationship exists within a powerful health system, and that identity and social location significantly shape how mental health and illness are experienced and expressed. A key aspect of growth, both in my personal life and professional practice, involves deepening our awareness of how societal and core belief systems manifest in the present moment.
Specialities
I primarily work with couples and partners, and specialize in working with LGBTQ+ relationships.
Relational Life Therapy is a transformational couples therapy model developed by Terry Real.
Training and Education
Master's degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling
Training aligns with COAMFTE standards, emphasizing systemic and relational therapy models
Two-year certification in Relational Life Therapy, a couples therapy model developed by couples and family therapist Terry Real.
Postgraduate training includes:
Couples Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology (Dan Siegel)
Sex Therapy (Martha Kauppi)
Sensorimotor Therapy (Pat Ogden)
Treating Complex Trauma and Internal Family Systems (Frank Anderson)
Collective Trauma and Healing (Thomas Huebl)
Polyvagal Theory Informed Trauma Assessment (Deb Dana)