I grew up on a small farm in very rural Minnesota, the land of the cold and 10,000 lakes. I have a very large family that consists of 7 brothers and sisters. I was raised Catholic but an no longer practicing that faith. When I turned 17, I moved to Montana where I fell in love with the outdoors. I continued to feel inspired and driven to explore the wild places in the west as I attended the University of Montana. While attending college I worked with youth and adults in mental health settings, proving direct support work. The connection I have with nature and my love for working with others lead me down the counseling path. The two worlds fused through the field of Ecopsychology, which inspired me to pursue my MA in Portland, Oregon. It has always been a life goal of mine to never work in an office that was inside. Now, that goal has come to fruition and we can connect together under the blue skies.
I provide in person services through community outdoor spaces such as city parks. I believe that you, me, and every human on this planet is relational. The way we relate to ourselves, others, and our environment creates meaning in our lives. Often, there are patterns across these different ways of relating. Grasping and understanding of these patterns can be therapeutic and provide insight. Through counseling we will work in a collaborative way to address your personal struggles and life challenges and identify these patterns. Each one of us needs help from others, and reaching out is the first step, so congratulations! Therapy is a process and at times it may be uncomfortable, but I do my best to provide a safe, respectful, and meaningful space where we can work towards your goals and desires.
Since January 2022 I have been licensed (LPC) with the State of Oregon. I received a MA in 2019 for Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark College. In 2014 I received a B.A. in Psychology, from University of Montana. In 2020 I received a certificate in Ecopsychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
I currently have my own Private Practice that started in Fall 2021. In 2019-2022, I worked at The Center for Heron Hill in Oregon, which provided outpatient support for children and adults through an outdoor based setting. I have also worked at the Lewis & Clark Clinic during my internship, providing services to Adults with a variety of mental health struggles.
While living in Montana I lead several wilderness trips and held a Wilderness First Responder certificate. In addition, I have 8 years of direct support experience with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings.
I continue to look at getting continuing education credits in a variety of fields. Such as PolyVagal Theory, CBT, RCT, Ecopsychology, Ethic courses, and others.
I typically work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and who may be plagued by isolation due to technology. I often work with adult individuals who have a hard time connecting with others and have anxiety or depression symptoms. Also, I work with adolescents who are having a difficult time transitioning from high school into adulthood.