Family Therapy in Eugene, OR

I've been a licensed therapist for 35 years and received my Masters of Social Work from California State University, Sacramento but consider myself a true Oregonian, living in the Willamette Valley since 1995.

Clients describe therapy with me as a warm, caring, authentic space where they can breathe and be their full selves. With specialized training and experience in interpersonal process, attachment, EMDR and multicultural therapy; I use a variety of interventions, tailored to individual Client’s specific needs.

I view all people within the context of their relationships, past and present. I believe that everyone is doing the best that they can with the tools they have, and that our personal attachment histories can so often make us rigid and afraid, preventing us from making the changes that would greatly benefit our own and our loved ones’ lives. Before people begin to change, I believe they need to feel emotionally safe, heard, and validated — from that place, I see clients begin to feel open to experimenting with new ways of being in relationship with themselves and with others.

I specialize in working with people experiencing difficult life transitions. These may be adjusting to a disability, the death of a loved one, changes in family structure or employment among other things. I consider difficult life transitions to include times when we experience increased stress requiring changing coping skills. I create a safe and affirming environment for you to begin recognizing that you are not on this journey alone. By seeking counseling you have the opportunity to learn new information and patterns that no longer serve to move you in the direction you want to go.

Everyone wants to feel valued in their relationships and live a meaningful life. I challenge, encourage and create new strategies to help people stabilize their mood and build stronger relationships. We all get stuck in parts of our life and struggle to see a way out. I can be a guide and support to help you climb out of the darkness and find a new path towards the light.

Therapy is a transformational space. Whether there are clear obstacles to your mental health or you are curious to know yourself more fully, my hope is for you to view yourself with self-compassion and see your life context with more self-awareness. I greatly value the therapeutic relationship as a safe place to explore yourself and better understand your relational style. Exploring how family and culture influence your sense of self and the world are also important tools of self-discovery. In my approach, I collaboratively establish goals and expectations for our work together and am transparent about my methods and decisions.

Do you find yourself having the same argument with your partner over and over again? Are you looking to get a bit of that 'spark' back from the beginning of your relationship? Or maybe you are finding yourself stuck and overwhelmed with new challenges in your life. If so, you're in the right place. I specialize in working with couples who are looking to improve their communication and connection, as well as individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, or are processing trauma. Together we'll create a safe and welcoming space for you to grow and make meaningful changes in your life.

NOTE: Areas of Expertise: I practice a wide variety of techniques and modalities based on each individual. Therapies utilized: DBT (certified DBT Therapist), CBT, EMDR (EMDR Trained), Motivational Interviewing, ACT, Person-Centered Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Gottman Method, Strength Based Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Solution-Based Therapy, Mindfulness for Self-Compassion, Attachment-Based Family Therapy.

The only constant in life is change. This constant is felt in the passage of time, in recovery, in the building and breaking of relationships, in employment, in impact from trauma, in family, in health, in ability, in society, in the world. At Blue Skies Counseling I am dedicated to supporting the navigation of change, through person focused counseling.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice for 25 years. I use an integrative approach that includes cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and solution-focused therapy. My goal is to guide clients to solve problems, reach goals, attain emotional health, improve relationships, and realize their potential. I have had extensive training related to depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms and relationship issues. I work primarily with adults and couples.

My clinical practice focuses on adults and adolescents aged 14 and up. I work with a variety of presenting issues but specialize and enjoy working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, healing from historical trauma, couple’s therapy, and helping clients understand the mental health link that is common in people who are experiencing chronic physical pain.

Practice currently full. Are you looking for support and compassion as you explore and process your experiences and struggles? We all experience times of difficulty and challenge throughout our lives and benefit from the support of therapy. My hope is to create a connected relationship, provide a comfortable and safe space, and to work with you collaboratively to move toward your hopes and goals. Your holistic self (e.g. culture, sexuality, gender, family of origin, etc.) and experiences are very important to understand and honor through our work together.

My ideal client is someone seeking change, healing, and growth in their life. They may be struggling with emotional or behavioral issues, seeking meaning, or facing challenges in their relationships or personal development. They are looking for a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and are open to using therapy as a tool for positive change.

My ideal client is a resilient individual exploring the depths of culture and identity. They're eager to find their unique space amidst intersections of race, gender, and more. Facing challenges yet driven by self-awareness, they seek to embrace their cultural roots and build fulfilling relationships. In our collaboration, they find in me a dedicated ally, attuned to their journey and growth.

You've exhausted your own coping mechanisms and inner resources. You've searched for answers on the web, and in self-help books. You might have received advice from family and friends. Still, living life is a painful struggle. My goal, as a Clinical Psychologist, is to assist you in finding relief, as soon as possible, through new insights, and tools to improve your life.

Not accepting new patients at this time. I believe that each person has inherent worth, wisdom and the capacity to develop in ways that can lead toward wholeness and renewed energy for life. My main job is to co-create a therapeutic container where inner and outer healing can take place. I believe that when we listen to psychological symptoms, instead of ignoring or resisting them, we are more likely to find out what is out of balance and needs further integration in ourselves.

Welcome! Thanks for visiting my profile. I specialize in assisting you toward your goals with an integrated focus on mind, body, & spirit. My approach is a conscientious balance of kindness and honesty. For years I have been honored to support people through tough times. I am an intuitive, empathic listener who can support your most courageous hard work. Have you had the experience of being seen, heard, understood, & empowered to work toward achieving your objectives?

Are you in a place where you need to talk about gender identity and/or trans issues? Or maybe you identify as trans, gender nonconforming, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer and need to talk about other issues but don't want to have to educate your therapist. I can help. As a therapist, I create an environment of safety, respect, and empowerment for you, and I appreciate the powerful influence of culture, community, and beliefs that make your experience unique. I believe you have the inner strength and resources you need. I am here to be your collaborator in healing and change.

Apologies, my practice is full. I support clients in addressing issues related to identity, relationship and belonging. My work is anchored in a Relational model of care whose aim is to support the development and maintenance of mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships. I work with clients to identify and cultivate resources, supports and protective factors so they may feel increasingly more secure navigating life. My work with clients reflects my values of transparency, respect and courage. Much of my work focuses on resolving trauma wounding, with highly effective models of care such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems.