Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Vancouver, WA

My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.

I am accepting new patients, adults and teenagers, for online Telehealth Therapy. In my practice I believe each patient is unique, and I tailor my therapy sessions to meet the needs of each individual. I feel that specific goals and measurable progress are important in my practice, along with compassion. I create a warm and comfortable environment that allows patients to feel safe, open, and ready to change. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with Acceptance and Commitment therapy during each session and weave in other techniques and theories such as Internal Family Systems, and more as needed.

I help big-feeling high achievers resolve emotional overwhelm, so they can accomplish their ambitious goals with confidence and ease. Despite being eager about their growth, empathetic, and having a dry (alright, dark) sense of humor, when my clients come to me, they're stuck. While therapy has helped, there's a missing piece. The insights they gained in therapy aren’t translating to their real-life problems. They aren’t the confident person they want to be. They're insecure in their relationships. They’re missing out on professional opportunities.

Are you struggling with a challenging life transition or going through a particularly difficult time in the journey of your life? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the aging process - your own or that of someone you care for? Would you benefit from talking with a compassionate therapist to help you get unstuck, expand your repertoire, and find the courage to make healthy changes?

Words can be hard! Finding the "right" ones or knowing where to start can be a struggle. My goal is to provide a therapeutic experience that goes beyond words. My approach to therapy is grounded in meeting people where they are, without judgment or preconceptions. I understand that every client is unique, with their own set of experiences, challenges, and strengths. I prioritize tailoring counseling sessions to meet my clients' developmental, emotional, and communication needs. Incorporating playful and creative activities into therapy can enhance the therapeutic experience and offer new avenues for self-expression and growth.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". With over 18 years in the field, I am an experienced clinician. Challenges in your relationship as a couple, dealing with an explosive child or teenager, depression, anxiety, trauma, and struggling to have a healthier, happier relationship as a couple, family or individual? Here's where you can take your first step. There is hope and things can change. I am a down-to-earth therapist with a warm and caring nature. I provide an empathetic and safe place where you can be yourself without fear of judgment.

There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to therapy. In my practice, I tailor therapy to each individual’s needs by integrating relevant elements of evidence based approaches. I will be there to support and empower you as overcome you challenges and fulfill significant life goals. Seeing my clients overcome personal challenges is one of the most rewarding feeling I’ve known.

Life can become overwhelming at times, and seeking help can be the first courageous act in achieving a higher quality of living. I enjoy working with a wide variety of populations dealing with multiple issues. I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population and individuals struggling with relationship issues and/or anxiety. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is central to client growth. Creating a space of safety, trust and comfort for the client guides all my interactions and interventions.

My belief is that counseling is a journey we travel together. Our first step is to define where you want to go - discovering the reasons that you have chosen to meet with me at this point in your life. We will also identify your strengths, what's working well in your life, and the things that can be changed to get you to your destination. My ultimate goal is to work myself out of a job as you develop the skills and tools that you can use in the present and the future to have the life that you desire.

Welcome to a therapeutic space where healing is holistic, and the mind-body connection is at the core of transformation. My practice is a sanctuary for those navigating the complexities of life, offering support for a range of challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, psychosis and existential crisis. In our collaborative journey, I see myself as a partner and guide, empowering you to explore the depths of your own potential for healing. My practice is rooted in the belief that each individual possesses innate ability to heal themselves. Together, we navigate the path towards unlocking the transformative power within

I strive to put clients at ease with a warm, casual, down-to-earth style. I am passionate about fat liberation, Health at Every Size (HAES), anti-racism, and queer liberation. Clients with panic attacks, worries, and social anxiety will especially feel at peace. Many people who come to see me also struggle with depression, infertility, and disordered eating. My style of therapy is supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental. Together, we'll develop practical tools to manage anxiety and cultivate emotional resilience. My style of therapy is supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental.

I have deep respect for all of my patients. Therapy involves change, openness, and willingness, and is a personal investment. For these reasons, I believe that the treatment you receive should be effective, and I use a blend of established research and your personal goals to ensure that it is.

When experiences are too much, too fast, too soon, or should never have happened, it often leaves behind pain that requires attention and nurturing. Sometimes we need someone to provide that for us before we feel ready to give it to ourselves. Therapy at Portal is co-created, meaning we consider and honor your individuality, your story, the wellbeing of your mind/body, and your goals for the future. Facilitating a safe enough space is prioritized, so that you can continue to experiment with new ways of being, loving, processing, and feeling. The goal is to integrate what works for you into the story you are telling with your life.

If you feel blocked in traditional therapy, suffered a trauma such as an accident, physical or sexual abuse, child abuse, the death of a loved one, a pattern of unsuccessful relationships, if you suffer from anxiety, depression, brooding or worry, addiction, or a phobia then I believe that we can find you the power to heal through the use of EMDR and other therapeutic practices.

Therapy is a space meant to be collaborative. Throughout your commitment to the therapeutic process, I'll invite you to take on the role of “co-expert." My focus is meeting you however, you are showing up and making sure you feel empowered and informed with your experiences. By living meaningfully in the present you can learn to break free from past experiences, trauma, and concerns for the future. Living with intention encourages you to act with purpose and passion for your benefit and the benefit of society.

I believe therapy that combines emotional processing, skill development, and a strong therapeutic relationship can give way to a process that can be transformational for both client and therapist. When engaged in therapy, I see the potential for every person to experience newfound motivation and profound insights that lead to acknowledging new possibilities and taking action. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds including the LGBTQ+ community, the BIPOC community, individuals who struggle with substances/addictive behaviors, and individuals from various economic backgrounds.

Sometimes we need help managing life. Sometimes emotions become so intense that they're difficult to manage, sometimes difficult things come our way and we need extra support, and sometimes our brains are wired differently than most people's and it can be tricky to navigate living in a neurotypical world. Skills training and coaching can help navigate the process of figuring out what your goals are in life - whether that's big feelings or better friendships - and implementing specific strategies for getting to where you want to be.

I work with people to learn skills to manage stress, anxiety, panic, depressive, and trauma symptoms and to explore difficult past experiences that may be impacting them, so that they can be more present in their lives, act in ways that match what is important to them, and to start building the life they want to live for themselves.

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns in our mind, body, behavior or relationships. Other times we experience significant loss or an unexpected change in life. We can start to feel distant from ourselves, values and passions that get lost along the way. This can leave us feeling anxious, uninspired, disconnected, depressed or stuck. If you made the decision to reach out, you may have tried to make changes or cope on your own, but are struggling to achieve the peace or growth you seek. Therapy offers the comfort of navigating these challenges within the context of a private, safe and trusting relationship.