Approach to Therapy

My theoretical approaches to behavioral and mental health are Trauma-informed care, Crisis Intervention, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, family system theory, Narrative therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Work Experience

I have worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations, within the United States and internationally. I have worked as a Medical Social worker, International Orphans Social worker, Immigration and Refugees Advocate, and Therapist. These experiences have been centered around providing therapeutic services and supports to individuals, families, and couples in the community, in their home, in orphanages, and within the court system.

For several years, I worked with foster children, adolescents, and their families  who were involved with the child welfare system. I have additional experience working internationally with orphanages in Central Africa and Immigrant and Refugee individuals and families in the United States. I speak three languages, English, French, and Lingala (Central Africa local language). I dually work in the hospital system completing psychosocial assessments, being an advocate, making recommendations as part of a multi-disciplinary team, and connecting patients to appropriate community resources. 

Approach to Therapy

I am working from the theoretical approaches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed care, Person-Centered Theory, Family Systems Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment Theory, Developmental Theories, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills. These theories are synthesized on an individual basis as it fits the needs and learning style of each client. I often offer work to do in between sessions to practice skills and further reflection.

The work we do in sessions will be based on the therapeutic relationship and establishing a confidential space. It is my goal that you feel welcome and safe to share. This will help you get the most out of our time together.

Work Experience

My career path has taken me throughout the Portland Metro and Clackamas areas. I have worked as a Medical Social Worker, Home Visitor, Family Advocate, and School Social Worker. I have facilitated family learning around child development, protective factors, life skills development, and healthy relationships. I have experience with providing services and supports to individuals and couples in their homes, in the community, at court, and with community partners. I have a passing familiarity with Spanish and am currently working on fluency.

I have worked in many social service environments with youth, children, and families including: residential treatment; in-patient psychiatric care; child welfare; parenting programs; intimate partner violence education; public school tutor; case manager; life skills facilitator; developmental disabilities worker; homeless and runaway youth worker; and with victims of sexual exploitation. I have served adults, older adults, and adolescents, and children in the hospital setting by providing assessment, recommendations, and resources for addiction, psychosis, family development, mental health care, and community engagement.