Sexual Addiction Therapists in Portland, OR

The therapeutic relationship is crucial to the healing process, whether the problem is with external relationships, traumatic experience, or one's relationship with the self. I use psychoanalytic principles and relational dynamics to explore the internal conflicts and patterns that are at the root of emotional, psychological and relational problems. I am also sensitive to spirituality and the existential problems inherent in being human, and how these affect us all. I have a special interest in the psychology of twins and intersubjective relating in general.

Everyone needs support and encouragement, and though our friends and family play an integral role in our lives, they often struggle with finding the words to say when we face truly troubling experiences. As a trained counselor, my goal is to skillfully and empathetically help you navigate your challenges by working together to develop greater insight into your experience, foster an honest and compassionate stance towards your previous efforts, and develop more adaptive skills and perspectives to aid you moving forward.

Hello! I specialize in couples/sex, addictions, and trauma/anxiety. I take Cigna, Aetna and Optum insurance. I have been helping adults and couples reach their goals for 19 years. I'm here for those that want to free themselves from old patterns, be they traumatic events, anxiety attacks, destructive patterns, infidelity, issues with sex, or unhelpful styles of communication. I'm known for being an active participant, open-minded and direct. I also love using my great sense of humor, when appropriate. I'm casual. Cussing in sessions welcome!

I strive to provide a safety net in therapy, free from judgment and shame, so that my clients feel safe to explore their relational and erotic desires, practice articulating their needs and boundaries in relationships, and touch on any shadowy parts that need attention and grace. As well as being able to provide general individual and couples support in therapy, I have specialized education and training in working with sexual concerns related to sexual dysfunctions, painful sex, shame or anxiety around sex, and improvement in pleasure. I bring a calm, knowledgeable, and sex positive presence to our exploration of sexual intimacy.

Beginning therapy can often feel like a daunting process. It is a courageous choice that requires vulnerability and curiosity. Great job on taking the first step! I utilize warmth, compassion, curiosity, and a holistic lens to create a safe, authentic therapeutic space. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship and see my role as a collaborator helping to co-author the stories of our lives. I support clients in creating more self-compassion and allowing space to navigate and overcome life's challenges, transitions, and stressors.

My approach to treatment includes a combination of both Cognitive-Behavioral and Narrative theories. These two approaches aim to look at how thoughts and ideas influence emotions and effect behaviors and decisions. In addition, this approach attempts to separate the problem from the individual and often uses homework assignments, journaling, and mindfulness exercises as therapeutic interventions. I believe that the counseling experience is a sacred one. You, as the client, have the power to make healthy and helpful choices in your life. It is my role to assist you in this journey.

Most of our struggles are relational in nature. As a relationship expert, I will guide you toward healing your relational wounds; to step into the self-actualized, meaningful, joyful life you dream of. We all sustain traumas which shape our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. When we understand our protective strategies we can then update our narratives, unburden our traumatized parts, heal attachment wounds, and make room to relate through our highest self. We can learn new skills in communication, somatic regulation, mindfulness, self-awareness, and more fully build the life which best serves our continual growth.

I believe in a practical, researched, but empathetic and compassionate approached to therapy that helps patients gain greater awareness of themselves and their relationships, in addition to finding meaning and purpose in life. Together we will examine your options, expand your perspective, and arrive at solutions that are in your best interest.

Over time, we all develop stories and ideas about ourselves, others, or the world. For some of us, these ideas may be born from experiences of marginalization and harm based on who we are; maybe we begin to believe we’re not good enough, not worthy of love, or there’s something wrong with us. Even if these stories were meant to, and probably did, protect us at some time, they're still exhausting to deal with and can lead to lots of worrying and stress, avoidance, numbing, or difficulty in our relationships. You've likely been trying your best to manage it all and are ready try something different.

I pull largely from my experiences with Buddhist Meditation and Psychodynamic Therapy. I typically begin by helping people with anxiety, depression and/or compulsive behaviors. As these begin to improve, some people want to move further into unconscious material related to attachment, trauma and shadow work. I also lead psychotherapy groups for those wanting to engage in emotional work with other growth-minded individuals (See below).

We all have our own story, the things that make us unique in the tapestry of human experiences. What motivates me in counseling people is how we cope with trauma, overcome adversity, and our resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Finding a way to create meaning, and live a full authentic life is central to my goals in supporting clients. I focus on existential and feminist frameworks to support clients in developing their sense of worth and purpose in life. Working with me we will address attachment and relational dynamics, boundaries and the patterns present in your life that may be keeping you “stuck.”

Overcoming Anxiety & Trauma: Heal Your Relationship, Heal Yourself. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or haunted by past trauma? Struggling to connect with your partner? It's not what problems you have but how you handle them. Deepen your connection and understanding in your relationship. I specialize in helping couples and individuals: heal from trauma in a safe, compassionate space. Strengthen relationships by learning effective communication skills and conflict resolution strategies. Build emotional intelligence, understanding of each other. You can feel truly seen and truly heard. You can heal through your relationship.

Feeling disconnected from yourself, friends, family? Experiencing a life transition? Wondering if you can improve sexual intimacy or sexual function? Struggling with depression or anxiety? Have questions about your alcohol or drug use? I can help. Life can be difficult and sometimes we need help sorting out the challenges we face. We all need support and encouragement. In my approach to therapy, I encourage you to think about how you are strong, have dealt with past challenges, and support you in developing new skills and strategies. I believe you hold the wisdom and knowledge to manifest a healthier, more fulfilling life.

I have a passion for human growth processes. Throughout my thirty years of practice I have appreciated the opportunity to be a resource for those seeking a shift in their lives towards greater health, resolution of trauma and better functioning in the adventure of close relationships. I work with individuals, couples and families collaboratively to find their path towards fuller experiences of self hood and relatedness. I approach human challenges from an integrated framework of family/attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology and optimal brain functioning. Through research based approaches to greater self regulation clients expand their capacity for health

Seeking the assistance of a professional counselor is an important decision. Reaching out for help can be difficult, but once the decision has been made, most people, in my experience, find the outcome to be extremely rewarding. Stress, relationship difficulties, and career disenchantment are just a few of the normal issues that anyone may encounter over the course of one's life. Seeking an experienced and skilled counselor to help deal with any of these concerns is a demonstration of personal strength and healthy coping.

I strive to work with folks who do not feel like they fit the typical mold of society. So many of us have experienced othering or felt judgment for our unique qualities. It is a pleasure to aid folks in reframing those differences as strengths and assets. Whether a client feels different due to identity, or sexual orientation, or just thinks differently I hope to help these clients find a sense of peace within themselves.

I provide therapy for men and women around life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, marriage and relationship issues, guilt and shame, recovering from physical or sexual abuse, sexuality, identity and self image, spiritual development, spiritual abuse, church and ministry. 35 years of pastoral ministry has given me great exposure to issues across an adult life span including singleness, finding life direction, finding a life partner, empty-nest, mid-life crisis, retirement and finding fulfillment when life and health is diminished by age.

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.

Tired of looping through "coping skills," and ready to heal? If you (or a loved one) continues to struggle with anxiety, depression, dissociation, grief, parenting, relationships, trauma, or other stressful life transitions, it may be time to talk. Clients who often do well in this type of work have already worked on stability (ie safe housing, distress tolerance, "coping skills"), so a consistent focus on mental health can be a priority for the next step. Everyone is unique, but with right brained protocols and EMDR, we often see significant results in a shorter time period than talk therapy alone. Consistency is key.