Therapists for college students near Portland State University
It is my belief that deeply understanding yourself and being deeply understood go hand-in-hand with healing. In our work together, I will support you in exploring your inner world, your relationships, and your history. I am guided by psychodynamic theory, while also being relational in my approach. This means that I aim to be spacious enough for you to vulnerably and bravely explore, and relational enough for you to feel safe to do-so. The people I work with often struggle with self-esteem, relationships, identity, communication, depression, and anxiety. No matter the concern you bring, we will work together to make sense of what is going on for you, and move you toward feeling better. I am able to work with you via Telehealth in Oregon and Washington, and in-person at my office on NE Alberta in Portland.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself or others? We’re here to help. We offer warm, trauma-informed therapy for to help you navigate anxiety, stress, emotional ups and downs, identity questions, or the impact of past experiences. Our work focuses on helping you better understand what’s happening in your body and emotions, build coping skills that actually work, and feel more confident in relationships and everyday life. We believe healing happens through connection. Therapy with us is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in helping you feel safe, supported, and understood — not judged or “fixed.” Whether you’re feeling burnt out, reactive, numb, or unsure of what you need, we’ll meet you where you are and move at your pace. We offer telehealth services in Oregon and in-person sessions in Portland.
The bulk of my practice is working with OCD, general anxiety, and grief/loss. I particularly enjoy working with young adults.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience treating adolescents and adults. My approach to psychotherapy is warm, empathic, and compassionate. I treat each individual professionally and with respect. I appreciate the uniqueness of each patient and emphasize listening closely and thoughtfully, as we all possess the ability to tell our story regarding our strengths and our challenges, even when we sometimes do not realize it. I strive to create a safe environment where you can feel open to express and explore your feelings and experiences, without judgment or emphasis on what is “right” or “wrong.” I believe that therapy is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and to express our feelings freely, in an effort to learn new methods of dealing with problems, being in relationships, and pursuing our dreams. My private practice is largely informed by modern psychoanalytic theory. I provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy. I integrate themes of social justice throughout my practice, and am particularly thoughtful about the role that various cultural identifications, and their intersection, play in mental health and treatment. I also provide education, consultation, and training to professionals and students. A central aspect of my clinical thinking focuses on the role of power, privilege, and cultural dominance. Knowledge, concepts, and meaning are not developed on a solely individual basis, but rather are created through coordination and communication with others. Language is fundamentally important – it is the most essential way in which we construct reality. Our psychological experiences, including emotions, thoughts, somatic/bodily sensations, are subsequently developed within this context. I view problems in living, therefore, as relational, contextual, interpretive, and situated within the dominant discourse, expression, response, and cultural norms.
I see our work together as a team that balances putting in the hard work while understanding you have to have some laughs along the way! We collaborate to create your goals and methods to achieve those goals that play into your strengths. Above all modalities, the therapeutic relationship is what I value most in our work together. I primarily use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Art Therapy. Despite my degree in art therapy, my dual license allows me to provide more traditional talk therapy, too. There are many ways we can integrate art therapy to fit you, no matter experience or skill. Including the creative process can give you a more experiential approach that feels safer and more accurate than relying only on words. Art therapy can be a more effective alternative for those who have tried traditional talk therapy and found it unsuccessful.