MY APPROACH

Relationships and life can be challenging. Sometimes it feels easier to walk away or shut down. Courage entails choosing connection and curiosity instead. I am passionate about helping you improve your communication skills, working with relationships where trust needs to be rebuilt, and am experienced with helping couples listen to each other in a deeper way, increasing connection and decreasing conflict. I also work with individuals and families who are adjusting to divorce, co-parenting/blended families, chronic illness/disability, grief, substance abuse disorders, and LGBTQ issues. All parts of you are welcome here. 

I am an active listener who calmly uses curiosity and thoughtfulness to explore your emotional patterns. We will work together to identify problematic issues, and work collaboratively towards resolving them in a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere. In relationship therapy I will watch, stop you, listen and help you to access emotions to help you reconnect with your partner. I have extensive training in EFT-C (Emotion Focused Couple Therapy), in addition to being certified in EMDR for trauma. I also draw from Psychodynamic Theory, Attachment theory, and the Gottman Method, incorporating interpersonal neurobiology into my practice. I am in the midst of completing Level 1 PACT training, which is neurobiology for couples.

ABOUT ME

I grew up in Canada, lived in Vancouver, BC, Toronto, and Sao Paulo Brazil, but have called Portland home for the past 22 years. I have always worked as a helper, and am passionate about my children, animals, travel, pickleball, the beach, and spending time with friends, usually finding new restaurants. I am curious about different cultures, believe in speaking up about things that matter, and feel very fortunate to do this career that I love. 

 EDUCATION

I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Portland State University.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have completed an externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and am certified in EMDR. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree from Simon Fraser University (Canada) in Criminology.  I previously worked as an Assistant Professor and an Adjunct Professor in the Counselor Education program at Portland State University.  As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am also required to participate in ongoing trainings in ethics and multicultural issues. I am committed to continually learning and expanding my knowledge on racial and LGBTQ equity issues.

WHAT IS A REHABILITATION COUNSELOR?

 I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). This means that I have specialized training in helping individuals and families with cognitive, emotional, physical, mental and developmental disabilities achieve vocational, mental health and personal goals. I can assist individuals adjust to internal and external barriers to evolve, regardless of ability level. My focus in this area is on the mental health aspect of adjusting to the medical/psychosocial aspects of a disability/chronic illness, for both individuals, couples and families. I am also experienced in assisting family members in adjusting to chronic/terminal illness of loved ones. I previously worked in an inpatient treatment program at the Washington County Jail so am experienced working with both drug and alcohol addiction. I believe that the opposite of addiction is connection.