Therapists for college students near Portland, OR
If this is your first time looking for a therapist, or continuing your journey into self discovery finding someone to connect with may feel like a difficult task. I believe that the most important step in finding success in therapy is connecting with someone who understands you and can hear your perspective and respectfully challenge your thought process. Whether you are someone who comes to this setting thinking, “I don’t even know where to start,” or are coming with a list of tasks to begin working on, I would enjoy getting to know you As a previous director of a college counseling center I have experience working with teens, college age students, and young adults stepping out on their own and trying to discover who they are. Specifically working with LGBTQIA+ population on learning what their identity means in a new environment. As an adoptive parent and social worker I also have experience working with parents or teens who have had experience in foster care or adoption. My approach is person centered, and strength based. I have spent the last 15 years working in non-profit health centers and hospitals. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work (2010), and licensed in MA and OR
My clinical practice focuses on adults and adolescents aged 14 and up. I work with a variety of presenting issues but specialize and enjoy working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, healing from historical trauma, couple’s therapy, and helping clients understand the mental health link that is common in people who are experiencing chronic physical pain.
I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to work with individuals, couples and families during times of increased stress and transition. My approach is strengths-based, direct, and tailored to meet the needs of each client. By creating an atmosphere of respect and safety, I encourage my clients to explore and make sense out of the challenges they are facing and assist them in creating a clear path to improvement. Everyone comes to therapy with different experiences, needs, and objectives. It is my goal to establish a therapeutic relationship that both challenges and encourages my clients to meet their goals in therapy, and in life.
My clients are dedicated athletes grappling with eating disorders or OCD, facing the dual challenges of their mental health and a desire to perform at their peak. They are often overwhelmed by the demands of their sport, which can blur the lines between passion and harmful habits. Their primary goal is to reclaim their lives and their love for their sport, seeking not just recovery, but transformation—an opportunity to realign their beliefs and values towards a healthier, more balanced existence. They crave empowerment, resilience, and the ability to thrive both in their athletic pursuits and personal lives.
I primarily work with individuals struggling with compulsive behavior, including sex/porn addiction, codependency, internet/social media addiction, and problem spending/debting. Addiction is meant to make you feel less. It provides temporary numbing for lifelong pain. You feel trapped, depressed, angry, anxious, guilty, and afraid when you can't stop. Recovering from compulsive behavior, though not easy, is possible and has been accomplished many times. But it does require a complete change in beliefs and attitude, along with how to deal with life and its problems. Getting out of your head and taking action is the next indicated step. Listen to your mind and body - it's time to stop treating yourself so badly. I can help you learn to help yourself. You can become your own best advocate. All are welcome in my office, including those from BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.