Hello!

For a long time therapists were taught to not share anything about themselves. But many modern therapists think this isn’t always in their clients’ best interests. 

This does not mean I use your sessions to talk about myself! Boundaries are important to me and your sessions will always be focused on you. 

But I’ve discovered that healing is more possible when therapy is a genuine relationship between two real people.  Also, knowing your therapist shares some of the same values or life experiences can give you more confidence that you will be understood and not judged.

 

    • I’m in my late 30's.

    • I’m queer. I came out when I was 18. However, the road to self-acceptance and self-love was rocky for a while.

    • My pronouns are they or she. I consider myself nonbinary and gender non-conforming.

    • I don't have children. I have amazing niblings (bio and chosen), and value the role I get to play in their lives. I love my cats and am a helpless animal lover.

    • I've been married. And divorced.

    • I am fiercely progressive - socially and politically. I have always believed deeply in the dignity of all living beings and I feel this on a profound existential level. I know that this is part of what makes me a good therapist.

    • I’m committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression of all kinds and I work hard to stay educated and engaged. And, as a white, able-bodied person, I will always have more to learn and more work to do. I am comfortable being in a position of not knowing, hearing feedback, and examining myself. And I really value learning from the wisdom of my clients.

    • I regularly donate to mutual aid funds and organizations that are doing social justice work that I believe in.

    • I’m a vegetarian and I do my best to be thoughtful about where my food comes from.

    • My greatest joys: the ocean, karaoke, animals, backpacking/camping, house plants, crossword puzzles, audiobooks, and extra long brunches with friends. I also make pottery in my free time.

    • I go to therapy too. It has really helped me.

  • I grew up in Washington, D.C. - a diverse city with political and social engagement at the forefront of its culture. I went to a Quaker school, which instilled strong progressive values and a commitment to serving my community from the get go - something I will always appreciate about my upbringing.

    As a young person, I had my own mental health struggles. The support I received from my school counselor and personal therapist was life-changing. I decided to pursue psychology when I went to college and entered the mental health field right after I graduated in 2007.

    During my difficult younger years, I discovered a longing to understand what humans need in order to live healthy, meaningful lives. I was often told I was "too sensitive." While a part of me worried that that was true, in my gut I knew it wasn't a problem. It was a gift.

    I wanted to be a part of shifting our society’s narratives about mental health by being someone who welcomes and connects with the humanity and vulnerability of others.

    Nothing is more meaningful to me than helping others discover the strength and wisdom within themselves to live their most authentic, invigorated life - a journey I have been on myself as well. I’m so grateful to be doing what I love in this amazing city.

  • I graduated from the University of Vermont in 2007 with a BA in Psychology. After several years as a social worker in Vermont, I ventured to Portland in 2010 where I continued my work in community mental health while I received my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Portland State University (2014).

    I’m currently licensed in the State of Oregon (#C4682).

    If you have questions or concerns regarding any ethical or professional considerations, feel free to contact me or the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists at any time.

    Advanced training

    Have questions about any of these trainings or approaches? Ask me about it when we meet!

  • Since 2007, I have worked closely with teens, families, and adults in a variety of community-based mental health settings and counseling centers, including: a college counseling clinic; adult and youth residential treatment facilities; a psychiatric hospital unit; drug and alcohol treatment; an emergency shelter for commercially sexually exploited teens; a mental health urgent walk-in clinic; providing psychological assessments at a chronic pain clinic; and my private practice.

    I have been in private practice since 2014. In addition to being a therapist and clinical supervisor, I am an adjunct professor in the Portland State University graduate counseling program.