Philosophy and Approach
I work with families, individuals and couples to help facilitate change that they agree is going to be most useful. I utilize Solution Focused and Narrative Therapy approaches to inform my work with people and maintain a baseline philosophy that draws heavily from Family Systems training. The Family Systems approach places the client as the expert in their own life and the therapist as a part of the solution finding process. I believe this to be the most effect way to help others figure out what needs to be done differently to find more success in their lives. I don't find it helpful to judge you or tell you what to do. Instead, I think the most generalizable change will be change that is created together.
Education and Training
My graduate education was done at Lewis and Clark College in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology in 2005. I practiced as a Child and Family Therapist at an agency that serves mentally ill and emotionally disturbed children and families for ten years in various positions. I have attended trainings and consultations in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Licensure
I have completed the required 2000+ face to face client contact hours under supervision by a licensed clinician to qualify for the opportunity to take the National MFT Licensing test. Passage of the test ensures that the candidate for licensure has mastered Family Systems concepts and has shown proficiency in applying the principles of practice. I have been granted licensure as an MFT in Oregon. My license number is T0729.