I celebrate you for taking a first step in life change. Accessing therapy and counseling services can seem unfamiliar and uncomfortable. I am here to support you in this process of life work. I am a culturally sensitive provider of mental health services. I offer competitive rates for sessions. I work with adults, couples, youth, and families.
I am licensed by the State of Oregon as a clinical social worker (LCSW), a designation given to individuals who have completed a social work graduate degree program and subsequently completed at least 3500 hours clinical practice experience, including 2000 direct client care hours, 100 hours of supervision with a licensed professional, a minimum of 24 months of supervised work, and demonstrated knowledge of clinical practice on a national certifying exam.
This license allows me to provide mental health and behavioral services and consultation. I attended Portland State University in Portland, Oregon and completed a Masters in Social Work. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Child & Family Studies.
About me
Credentials
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.