Thanks for stopping by today.
I began my journey to become a therapist in 2001 and have been working as a marriage and family therapist and counselor since 2002. Along the way, I have again and again been humbled and incredibly grateful to sit beside my clients as they confront with tremendous courage the immense challenges and opportunities of their lives.
To become a licensed therapist, I graduated with my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2003. Between 2002 and 2007, I completed 3,000 supervised counseling hours in order to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon in 2008 and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California in 2007. People are often unclear about what is involved in becoming a counselor, and it is a lengthy mix of education, heavily supervised internships, and eventually, a state board exam. After becoming licensed, I began the process as well to become a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist through the Gottman Institute in Seattle, WA and am now in the final stages of completing this process.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent a very meaningful chapter of my life living and studying in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I eventually completed two years in Bulgaria as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I believe these experiences sparked a passion and deeper respect for working with a wide and diverse clientele.
My approach aims to be low on "psychobabble" and as compassionate, direct, effective, genuine, and warm as possible. I specialize in adult individual, couples, and groups focusing on overcoming depression and difficult life transitions. I try to take a direct approach that helps you create more meaningful, lasting changes significantly quicker than traditional therapy often seems to allow. I see people for individual, couples, family, and group counseling. Please note that my couples sessions are 90 or 120 minutes in length. Please don't hesitate to call me at (503) 450-9902 if I may be of service to you or you have any questions.
