Who I work with

I see clients with a variety of different mental health issues. I prioritize working with young adults and offering individual therapy. Some of the areas I have specialized in are: anxiety, depression, dissociation, sexual trauma, religious trauma, women's issues, PTSD and ADHD. Please also feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have on whether I may a good fit!

What does therapy look like

Therapy can absolutely look like that classic movie scene where someone is venting and a therapist nods from across the room. Listening and validating play a huge role in therapy, and I think it can be helpful to acknowledge a few other features that contribute to success in therapy. The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts-think kinda like when you have a math teacher you really love or hate-even if they're teaching the same subject it can completely change the outcome. I always recommend prioritize seeing a therapist you feel that you "click" with. Therapy isn't a super comfy activity, so having a therapist you like can make it a bit easier.

As a therapist, I really value listening, validating and giving feedback. I love weaving in humor and find it can actually be really helpful and validating when a therapist reacts (i.e. is not a blank wall) when you tell them something big. Healing comes through human connection and relationships, and not just my education (I'd actually argue that's a pretty small part of it). I really enjoy working with clients who are willing to show up and open to considering different perspectives and trying new things.

My background

I'm a PNW native, grew up in Beaverton and am now living in East Portland with my two roommates and dog! I received my undergrad in social work through Concordia University and masters in social work through PSU. In 2020, I began working as a crisis intervention specialist, answering calls on local and national suicide and crisis hotlines. I took a brief break from that while living in Boston and began selling art in markets before returning to Portland for my masters. While getting my MSW, I worked as a mental health advocate at Rose Haven, a local day shelter for women, children and gender non-conforming folks. A lot of my work as a therapist has been heavily influenced through my work on the crisis lines and at the shelter. Since then, I've done trainings on CBT, DBT, IFS, ADHD, Brainspotting and trauma recovery to continue growing as a therapist.