About
My Practice
You will be accepted and valued for who you are and where you are in your life. Together, we will work to resolve personal and relationship dilemmas. I will strive to assist you in addressing whatever obstacles may be interfering with what you want for your life.
I am passionate about devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones. Through our work together, you will gain greater self-awareness and self-compassion, and an understanding of how underlying thoughts and feelings are affecting your mood, perspective and relationships.
My relational approach draws upon a blend of psychological theories and methods, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness practice. Our work together will support you in realizing your goals, building upon your unique strengths and inherent wisdom, and living a more authentic life.
My Background
I was born and raised on the East Coast, received my Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College, worked for several years in the nonprofit field and earned a Master of Social Welfare from UC Berkeley in 2005. I received training at governmental and community mental health organizations, have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2010 and am licensed to practice in both California and Oregon.
Before starting my private practice, I worked as a behavioral health consultant in primary care at Praxis Health and provided counseling to patients of all ages presenting with a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, loss, relationship challenges, health issues, among others. Prior to moving to Bend, I counseled diverse populations at Stanford Children's Hospital. I worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and facilitated groups, as well as counseled hospital staff following traumatic medical events.
I spent several years counseling women and their partners in the Perinatal Diagnostic Center, Obstetrics Clinic, Maternity, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and facilitated a support group for NICU parents. I also counseled parents of children facing life-limiting or life-long health concerns involved with various subspecialty clinics. I understand the impact that health concerns have on the individuals involved as well as on the family system. I have an appreciation for and experience with people of ethnic, racial, spiritual and sexual diversity.
As a mother of two, I am intimately aware of the struggles of balancing work, family and personal responsibilities. I have found that humor, exercise, and therapy have helped me to both accept and overcome challenges in life.