Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Multnomah County, OR

Navigating life's transitions can be profoundly disorienting, especially when trauma is part of your story. You might feel stuck, as if you're walking through fog, unable to see the path ahead. These moments of change—whether chosen or unexpected—can stir up past hurts, making the future seem daunting. If you're searching for guidance to help clear the haze, to find healing and direction, you're in the right place. Together, we'll work to understand your experiences, empowering you to move forward with clarity and resilience.

I have had the privilege of witnessing people undergo the slow, extremely subtle and remarkable journey of healing and self-transformation. This process of psychological growth is astoundingly complex, multilayered, circular and even mysteriously numinous in its unfolding. My philosophy as a therapist is primarily on core transformation rather than merely symptom management and needless to say, I strongly believe in the centrality of the therapeutic relationship as a significant healing agent. Moving towards our wholeness necessitates the courage to first move into the wounded parts that we all have as members of the human species.

Are you wrestling with trauma, anxiety, or depression? Perhaps you’re navigating the complexities of neurodiversity, such as ADD/ADHD or autism. Whatever your unique challenges, I’m here to guide you toward healing and self-discovery.

I utilize a modern relational and collaborative approach along with psychodynamic theory, CBT-based skills, and a host of trauma-informed/trauma-specific practices. My theory is that a combination of a deeper understanding of self, coupled with practical skills, can lead to sustained self-discovery and curiosity, desired personality changes, and relief. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle to regulate emotions and mood, are working through the impacts of childhood trauma in adulthood/young adulthood, are experiencing interpersonal issues, existential dread, anxiety, depression, and/or chronic suicidality.

I have had a great deal of experience working with very different people from very different backgrounds, and I truly enjoy getting to know and work with people of all types. I currently work with adults suffering from mental illness, and I am very comfortable helping others through their unique symptoms of Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder (I & II), as well as other conditions. However, I also have extensive experience assisting people in simply moving towards their goals, improving their responses to (internal and external) conflict and building self-esteem to move forward in life.

I draw from psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches in my practice. We work together to try and gain a deep understanding of the way your mind works. This can help you discover obstacles and possibly hidden patterns that are preventing you from getting more joy and fulfillment from life. Our work together is done in a safe, and compassionate atmosphere. I can help you improve relationships, increase self-esteem, find relief from depression and anxiety.

"When you come into therapy it is a time to expand the sense of yourself. Our job is to get familiar with the values that have helped you get through difficult situations and use them now. You may be a combat veteran, mental health or law enforcement worker having family or relationship problems. You need clear and practical strategies for replacing automatic reactions with mindful responses. Feeling understood by another human being is useful for flexible problem solving and clarifying your values. The majority of my experience is working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD will definitely get better with knowledgeable treatment."

My therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centered, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual I serve. My nature is warm, caring, and empathic, and I hold the belief that although I may possess clinical expertise, you are the expert on your life. I provide therapeutic services to adults with various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and trauma stemming from intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA). By offering respect and unconditional positive regard to my clients, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for all.

Our group practice was founded with shared passion for helping folks who have experienced trauma and/or difficult childhood experiences to heal, reconnect to a sense of safety within themselves, and find the freedom to pursue a meaningful life without being stuck in the past. We are also interested and passionate about helping folks navigate trauma, OCD, anxiety disorders, and attachment difficulties that often show up in our closest relationships.

I work with a variety of issues- trauma, attachment issues, sexual challenges, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, LGBTQ+, and more. I work with couples and have done training in Emotional Focused Therapy for Couples. I am currently doing trainings in ISTDP for Couples, ATSIP (sex therapy), and in the Developmental Model. With individuals, I draw primarily on Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)- a powerful psychodynamic approach designed to create lasting change. I am actively receiving training in ISTDP, along with consultations in order to provide high quality therapy to all my clients.

Helping others discover peace, connection, and confidence in the face of turmoil has long been a passion of mine. I believe everyone is capable of growth and healing if they are provided sufficient encouragement, support, and effective strategies. My therapeutic style is conversational and relaxed. I encourage clients to identify and communicate their unique needs and concerns in order to improve interpersonal relationships, manage bothersome emotions or behaviors, and develop healthier family connections. No matter their goal, I strongly believe in the client’s right to decide the focus of therapy.

Perhaps you are realizing that compassionate, supportive, non-judgmental support is what will brace you for the next steps in your personal journey. I am here. My collaborative therapeutic approach is rooted in mindful awareness and acceptance, informed by relational and attachment models, and guided by an appreciation of each person’s unique existential search for meaning. I aim to foster a space where you can engage in your present experience, show up as you are, and find awareness, choice, and support in the life that awaits you.

At Connections First we have faith in the power of connection: with your inner life and to the outer world through meaningful relationships. We believe that mental health is an effect of feeling more deeply connected to ourselves and to others through the safety of transparent, emotionally honest relationships. How we communicate with ourselves and those we care about determines whether we possess integrity and feel empowered to express ourselves as human beings. Much of our symptoms are the effects of emotional, psychological, and physical isolation and self-alienation which can even happen when we are surrounded by other people.

We treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, insomnia, ADHD, PTSD; addictions to opiates, stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, nicotine, etc. We treat overweight in the context of other mental health issues.

Empowerment comes from being open to exploring your inner strength as a means of gaining insight and knowledge. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate space for self-discovery. Through the Empowerment Model I use an eclectic, client centered, and strength based approach to finding healing and growth in the midst of challenges. By exploring the origin of symptoms and how they influence thoughts and behaviors we can overcome obstacles to feeling genuine health and wellness.

I offer psychotherapy to individuals and couples who reside in California or Oregon. I offer clinical supervision to associates residing and working in the state of California. As a psychotherapist, I am flexible and tailor my approach to the need of each client. I have been trained in many modalities that offer various benefits, depending on your needs and preferences (EMDR, AEDP, Sensorimotor, Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic, Somatic). As a clinical supervisor, I supervise from a primarily psychodynamic orientation. My practice is anti oppression and trauma informed.

(Please note that I am currently located in Illinois and can only offer video or phone sessions). It was Irvin Yalom who said something to the effect that "psychotherapy is like a dress rehearsal for life". With this said, it is my intention to not only offer you support in therapy but to also help you generalize the skills you learn in therapy and apply them in your outside life and relationships. I specialize in anger and anxiety management for adults and adolescents. I also work with highly intelligent adults and teens who have a difficult time adjusting and adapting socially and work with high functioning autistic individuals.

I have worked in the field of psychotherapy for over 20 years. I love supporting people in their journey of self-exploration. We all have so many aspects of ourselves and helping others to unearth these aspects, reflect upon them, and make positive changes gives me great joy. This may include working on family of origin dynamics to mental health symptoms to wanting to make changes with your relationship to substances. So many aspects to explore individually and in relationship to each other. Check out my website for more information about specialities and how I work!

I've helped many people find the clarity and courage to confront the issues holding them back, allowing them to be at peace with themselves and stand up for their needs. I am non-judgmental, direct, and empathic, engaging with clients genuinely and responsively. I delve deep into the root causes of struggles, healing wounds that deserve long-overdue attention. I believe in a trustworthy therapeutic relationship, as a strong therapeutic alliance is what makes therapy truly effective. Let's connect and talk to see if we might be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!