Art Therapy in Talent, OR

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 25 years and have worked in the mental health field for over 35 years. In my private practice, I specialize in Trauma Play Therapy with children 2 yrs-10 yrs, EMDR, Ego State Therapy/Structural Dissociation, high conflict custody cases, and foster/adoption cases. I am a Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapist, Register Play Therapist, Certified Experiential Play Therapist, Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Therapist, and Ego State Therapy . I also have extensive training in Art and Sand Tray Therapy, Yoga Therapy, and Pet Assisted Therapy.

I am passionate about being there for others helping them discover their strengths, build their resilience and increase their joy. My approach is client-centered and focuses on empathy, compassion, and being there for others so they feel truly seen. My hope is to meet clients where they are in each moment and help them find their inner strength to be their truest self. I am a wife, mother, and survivor of infertility that can relate to the struggles and joys of parenting and navigating relationships. I love to support parents, children, women and couples as they try to find their way during challenging times.

I earned my Master's degree from a holistically oriented clinical mental health counseling program at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts - one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind. Since earning my degree I have provided counseling across a variety of settings including non-profit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, hospitals, employee assistance and now in private practice. Locally here in the Rogue Valley I have worked for both Asante and Jackson County Mental Health. At the latter location I trained the RN staff in counseling skills and fellow counselors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

I have been working with children, teens, families and couples for almost 33 years. I provide a safe environment, creating a space for you to feel heard, work on issues brought to the session and manage whatever life lessons need to be learned. I work with clients who have experienced physical & sexual abuse ,grief, loss, separation & divorce, reunification, parenting issues, anger, PTSD, self injurious behaviors, ADHD, domestic violence, depression, critical incidence response, suicide and veterans issues.

As a Board Certified Art Therapist I give my clients a safe space where expression without judgment is supported. I work with adolescents and adults in both brief and long-term art psychotherapy. I work with people to transform trauma and anxiety, as well as those questioning sexuality and gender identity. The modality and practice of art psychotherapy combined with my background in depth psychology create a therapeutic experience that supports your own internal wisdom in the process. I am also practical and provide immediate skills to my clients for managing stress, changing detrimental thought patterns and behaviors, and gaining insight.

My hope is to support clients in developing a stronger and healthier sense of self while increasing access and understanding to their feelings. Sometimes life becomes too difficult to manage and we need a little support to get us back to where we feel good again. By reframing our experience and learning new ways of thinking about it, we are able to gain insight and meaning. Using a humanistic approach and positive psychology, the focus is on helping clients reach their goals, highlight their strengths, and honor their experience.

I strongly believe that we can all benefit from spending time and energy on attending to what we need to heal past hurts, understand unhelpful patterns, and ultimately move forward. I view my role as an ally and witness to your journey. I will contribute my expertise and support, offer techniques, add insight, and help hold space for strong emotions but I will respect that you are the expert of your story. I frequently work with individuals or families dealing with difficult transitions or relational issues. It is my goal to help you, your child, and/or your family function to your highest potential and live your happiest lives.

I help adults and youth through challenging times. Together, we will break down unhelpful patterns and old fears in order for you to make meaningful changes and increase your wellness. I tailor my counseling "toolkit" toward your individual values and health goals and I strive to create safety at all times; giving you options and empowering your healing. I especially appreciate accessing depth work with motivated clients to investigate the root causes of unhappiness. As a graduate of the respected counseling program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, my foundation is research-driven, while also mind-body and holistically aware.

Do you need guidance navigating difficult emotions, past trauma, family and life transitions. Are you someone who struggles with depression or anxiety, connection to others, or could use a neutral perspective and someone to talk to? Everyone wants to feel safe and supported while going through challenges. I work with a range of age groups, from teens, to emerging adults and older, and help clients to explore different ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving to increase self-awareness and improve functioning.