Why might I consider counseling for a loved one or myself?

Many people are searching for help, desperately needing peace and hope in these confusing and often lonely times. We need to be heard, understood, and connected with those who care.

More people are reaching out due to increasingly heavy feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, anger, frustration, parenting challenges, grief, feelings of hopelessness or because their jobs or relationships are struggling.

The *secret* is that we heal together, not alone. Our neurobiology is in fact, wired for our connection with others, and this can begin in therapy! Counseling is a unique opportunity to heal and grow in a caring, supportive environment to address your challenges, learn healthier options during times of stress, and align personal values with your goals.

Lifespan Counseling from preschool through adult. I employ multiple different evidence-based treatments including emotion-focuced marital counseling, and indivualized treatments. Fun options are play therapy and sand tray for children, individuals and families!

This can be an exciting, inspiring, and challenging time. I encourage you to adopt patience with yourself and those around you. Joyce Meyer reminds us, “Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” Sometimes even the smallest of adjustments create positive, impactful growth in our lives.

Progress also requires realistic expectations, and open, honest communication. As a Faith-Based counselor, I believe that each of us has God given talents, strengths and gifts which can bring great joy to our lives. My role is to create a welcoming, compassionate and safe place to journey together through the challenging passageway of change toward a happier, healthier, more rewarding life.

Helping create healthier, happier individuals and families is an honor, and my passion. With today's rising challenges, we are bombarded with greater pressure to do more with less resources. Oftentimes, families and friends are far away and what we really need is connection, togetherness, understanding and a sense of belonging.

Offering services throughout the lifespan for children, adolescence, adults and couples providing multiple modes of therapy to fit your life, stage and needs.

I feel privileged to share in your life's journey through challenges and triumphs.

In addition to my practice I have four wonderful sons, a house full of animals, and I love our beautiful PNW and Oregon Coast.

Formal Education and Training:

I hold a Masters Degree from George Fox University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Play Therapy. My undergraduate degree is from Oregon State University in Liberal Arts and Sociology. Major Coursework included Human Growth and Development, Psychopathology, Neurobiology/Pharmacology, Personality & Counseling Theories, Addiction, Play Therapy, Child Development, Couples Therapy, Human Sexuality, Spirituality, and Emotion-Focused Counseling.

Additional Training:

• Emotion-Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson

• Art Therapy with Dr. Eliana Gil

• Internal Family Systems with Richard Schwartz, PhD and Dr. Frank Anderson

Professional Affiliations:

I am a member of the following association(s) and abide by it's code of ethics:

• Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists

• Association for Play Therapy

Contact Information

1297 Wallace Rd NW Suite B

Salem, OR 97304

(971) 719-8864

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/454465