Therapists in Columbia County, OR

I am passionate about coming into the Here and Now with clients and believe in the healing power of being witnessed with presence and loving kindness. Using mindfulness based practices I focus on supporting clients in addressing issues of depression, anxiety, and identity issues. In session I emphasize bringing the client’s attention out of thoughts/stories and into their present moment bodily experience with the understanding that more immediate change can occur this way. I enjoy experiencing the client and counselor relationship as a microcosm of the client’s greater relational life, and an opportunity to do deep healing.

I hold a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Western States in Portland, OR. My primary research focus is transpersonal experiences and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and integration. My philosophy is one of organicity, meaning that every individual is gifted with an innate healing wisdom and capacity for wholeness. As a former earth scientist and current artist, I incorporate lessons from nature and creative expression in my work, and seek to help others reconnect with the more subtle rhythms of psyche as a woven thread in the generative fabric of life.

Are you at an important crossroads, more than ready for a change but wanting greater clarity before making life altering decisions? Do you have recurrent, disturbing, or just intriguingly vivid dreams and wonder what they might be attempting to convey? Are you experiencing persistent physical symptoms that you know, or suspect, might have their origins in repressed emotions, chronic stress, unresolved grief or trauma? Are you longing to deepen an intimate partnership and curious about addressing the 5 natural stages of development through which, once understood and honored, our relationships can evolve and thrive? See photos and my Linked In.

*Accepting New Clients* I help my clients recognize and work through their traumas, patterns, and blocks. They learn that deep within there is a truth that is yearning for recognition. At some level they are aware that this truth maps the path and purpose of their lives. We'll work together to find new paths of success and personal power. I reflect to them the wisdom and talents they hold within so that they may begin to own that identity and build confidence in becoming who they really are. I work from a framework that is Archetypal, Jungian, Somatic, Shamanic, Transpersonal, Holistic, Spiritual, and Vibrational/Energetic.

Everyone is on a journey of personal development; making meaning of their lives and experiences. I consider people to be the experts in their lives, who, when supported, are able to follow their natural drive for self-actualization. All human experiences are a valuable part of the process of self-emergence. Even the greatest challenges can offer insight and fuel for a path forward. I seek to draw out clients' strengths and support the cultivation of their inner guide. People are neither sick nor well. Rather, we are all in process, with personal depths that want for exploration.

We are living in unprecedented times. Change is constant and the ability to stay calm, reflective and aligned to our truest selves isn't so easy. I believe each person has the power and ability to heal themselves. And, we could all use some guidance, support, and tools as well as age-old wisdom along the way. If you struggle with trauma. anxiety, or depression, or want break old patterns that aren't serving you -- to live a life with more meaning, value, and joy, I am happy to be your guide. The journey to healing, balance and connection with your highest self awaits you -- to live more deeply, mindfully and awakened.

My commitment is to offer effective therapy. As a person seeking therapy, you need a counselor who can understand and meet you where healing and growth is waiting to take place within you. Let's connect and find out if that counselor is me. I offer depth therapy that is emotionally sensitive, trauma-informed and transpersonal: integrating soul-searching and the management of daily life & relationships. My practice is integrative: weaving elements of nature therapy, body-centered expression and a receptive, feminine/masculine balanced approach.

Psychotherapy is a journey of discovery. It helps to reveal a better understanding of your true self, and can assist in the development of healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others. You and I will set the destination and collaborate to bring about a more optimal way of being. My goal is to work side by side with you in a safe and supportive environment. My therapeutic approach is viewed through a holistic, transpersonal lens - working with the mind, body, and spirit in a deep and intentional way.

I am currently providing mostly telehealth services via the HIPPA compliant website, doxy.me. I believe psychotherapy is an extremely unique and special endeavor, and I find providing psychotherapy is both rewarding and a privilege. I am a warm, supportive, verbal, interactive therapist, and I care about my clients well being and development. If you plan to call for a therapy appointment, please be sure to include your insurance company and reasons for therapy, There is further and more extensive information on at my website: www.heartmind.com.

You may not know it but you are already whole. However, for most of us, our whole, authentic self has been lost or covered over by life's trials, traumas, & family/societal demands. We build up complex defenses. Then we develop an inauthentic self to get by in a complex and confusing world. In our work together we will uncover and rediscover your wholeness, authenticity, and radiance. Clients who would most benefit may have had some past therapy. My clients are typically midlife or older (but not always) and may be experiencing a challenging life transition, or simply want a fuller, richer life.

My clients find themselves caught in stuck places and repeating patterns. Even though they are smart and capable, they find themselves getting lost in a complex internal world with excessive thinking, overwhelming anxiety or depression, chronic feelings of insecurity, and unsatisfying relational patterns. My clients are looking for more freedom in their hearts and minds for deep and lasting transformation. My clients are ready to release the repeating internal narratives that prevent them from engaging with their life in a dynamic manner from a place of deep wholeness and authenticity.

In my 30 years of personal and professional development, I have created a unique approach to bring hope and strength, healing and transformation to those who are ready. It is my honor and joy to provide and hold space for you as I offer assistance with your empowerment, acceptance, trust, forgiveness and gratitude. My philosophy is based on healing relationship within Self, with others and with the world. Our time together is precious and I will share with you mindful and compassionate practices and share the value of authenticity, and presence.

Have you ever felt like you didn't fit in? Maybe you've spent your life pursuing interests and passions that others didn't understand or appreciate. As a specialist, I work with individuals who embrace their uniqueness, whether they're gamers, bookworms, metaphysical enthusiasts, geeks, artists, or creatives. Moreover, I provide support for those in the LGBT, poly, and kink communities. Together, we'll create an affirming space to explore your identity and find acceptance

It goes without saying these past few years have been an uphill battle. With the stress of a pandemic, the economic hardships facing many, and political divides deepening: it's no wonder anxiety is high. Or depression feels magnified. Or you find yourself falling back into bad habits.  But you don't have to struggle through this time alone. Empathic Counseling can help you cope during this difficult time and empower you to thrive. I work closely with clients across Oregon to help them find freedom from Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Trauma, or that harsh voice inside you that tells you you're not enough.

I offer you my kindness, respect and years of my own dedicated self work. Listening, presence and experience is a big part of what I bring to our sessions. A lot of pain and trauma becomes unconscious. I work with you to understand the sources of the problem. We aim to understand the different parts of your self. We work to activate your highest or most authentic self. I also aim to heal the trauma in the body. I am Jungian based, using EMDR, mindfulness psychology, and somatic approaches, all to deepen your relationship to yourself.

Life's difficulties provide us with an opportunity for healing and personal growth. My counseling practice helps people take advantage of these opportunities by encouraging self-knowledge and understanding. Whether you are struggling with new, unexpected pain or you want to work on a long-standing issue, I can provide you with the professional guidance to help you through grief and loss, anxiety and worry, depression, destructive anger patterns, addictive behaviors, relationship problems, family of origin issues, childhood sexual abuse, sexual identity issues, recovery from harmful religious indoctrination, and spiritual struggles.

Are you seeking ways to enhance your emotional stability and experience a greater sense of focus and awareness? Is exploring and addressing past trauma, grief, and unwanted personal patterns important to you? Would you like guidance in understanding how your emotions are connected to physical symptoms and learning effective management techniques? Are you interested in learning ways to regulate your nervous system and relieve the fight, flight, or freeze response? Have you considered yourself to be highly sensitive or empathic, and want support in managing hypervigilance or neurodivergence? For any of your concerns I'm here to help.

People come to me usually for one of two reasons: (1) things are going well but they want to grow and evolve, (2) things are hard because of a past traumatic experience or a current situation, and healing and change is needed. Symptoms often include anxiety, depression, issues related to trauma, anger, grief and relationship issues. I work from a depth psychological perspective which means that I address the cause of symptoms as much as the symptoms themselves.

For over 30 years, I've had the honor of assisting couples, families, and individuals of all ages, as they identify, clarify and find constructive coping strategies to deal with issues relating to anxiety, depression, grief, anger and relationships. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I especially enjoy working on issues such as affair recovery, attachment disorders and phase-of-life challenges. Whether you are struggling with a relationship in your life, overwhelming anxiety, or some other problem, I would be honored to work with you. I prefer to work with those who have clear goal goals, and who are solution-focused.