“…only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say it is I you have been looking for, then goes with you everywhere like a shadow or a friend.” – Naomi Shihab Nye
I will have openings for in-person and telehealth appointments starting May 5, 2025.
At times, despite our best efforts to get through challenging life circumstances, they have the potential to lead us to feel stuck, trapped in emotional suffering and disconnected from the people and things that matter most to us. We might find that the very things that have helped us to deal with challenges in the past are no longer serving us in the same way in the present. This can happen when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory in life – such as being diagnosed with significant physical health problems, caring for ill loved ones, or recovering from traumatic or other stressful life experiences.
I offer evidence-based practices, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help people navigate life challenges, build skills to get unstuck, and connect with and do more of what matters most to them in life. I previously worked in medical settings and I have significant experience working with people who are experiencing various stages of cancer and survivorship, other health concerns, and their caregivers and loved ones. It is important to me to provide services that are informed by science, and that are also collaborative and person-centered. I strive to learn about and incorporate each person’s values, life experience, inherent wisdom and personal strengths into my work with them. Additionally, my approach is very relational in nature, meaning, in addition to bringing my mind and professional experience to the care I provide, I also bring my heart. I seek to establish, genuine, compassionate therapeutic relationships.
Over the years, I have had the honor of working with people who hold diverse identities and cultural backgrounds, and who come from many different walks of life. I believe that all of us, regardless of how different we are from one another, belong in this world and are deserving of respect, empathy and kindness. I strive to provide services that are culturally humble, equitable and inclusive. I am committed to lifelong learning about other perspectives, identities, worldviews and cultures – importantly, learning directly from the people that I serve. I also engage in self-reflection about my own worldview, background and privilege, and how this might show up my work with others. Additionally, I believe that it is important to attend the broader context of people’s lives, strengthening those things that that can promote health and wellbeing, such as meaningful relationships, and addressing factors that can contribute to social stress, such as marginalization and oppression.
Treatment Approach
Orientation: My approach to practice is primarily guided by modern cognitive behavioral therapies, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I often integrate mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions in my work, as well as the values, wisdom, experience and personal strengths of the people that I serve.
Modalities: Individual
Client Focus
Ages: Adults (18+)
Qualifications
Practicing Since: 2003
Degree: PhD, Clinical Psychology
Year you got your highest degree: 2009
License Number and State: Oregon #: pending, Louisiana #: 1189
Specialties
- Adjustment to/living with acute and chronic physical health concerns, particularly cancer
- Recovery from trauma/stressful life experiences
- Caregiver wellbeing
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/loss
- Values/personal growth, health-promotion and wellbeing
Financial
Average Cost: $205-$245
Accepted Insurance Plans: I accept OHP and most other insurance as an out-of-network provider
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 503-281-4852