I help across the spectrum of perinatal issues and have particular interest and experience with postpartum depression, anxiety and trauma. Utilizing mindfulness-based therapies (Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) I bring compassion and humor to the treatment of perinatal issues. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and will often use this in treating perinatal trauma including loss, labor and delivery and other challenges. Infants and toddlers are welcome and I offer walk and talk therapy for moms who prefer to be active or able to stroll/wear their infant/toddler.
I have extensive experience in helping people improve their relationship with food. Whether you are bingeing, restricting, compulsively exercising, or engaging in some other behavior, you will find me to be knowledgeable, compassionate and respectful. Our work will help you decrease shame, increase awareness, and implement practical tools for change. We will work collaboratively to identify what is happening, why and to explore ways to move forward, often utilizing intuitive and mindful approaches. I am a member of the Columbia River Eating Disorder Network and work hard to stay current and provide evidence-based treatments. Please note, due to my limited practice hours, I am unable to accept clients who are experiencing moderate to severe eating disorder symptoms and/or medical compromise.
Walk and Talk therapy is very similar to a traditional counseling session. What is unique is that we will be moving and in nature. As we walk side by side, you may find it easier to to deepen your thinking on various issues. Literal movement may also help you to get unstuck from old patterns and emotions. I also incorporate various mindfulness activities into walk and talk sessions. We will decide together the best way to approach your walk and talk session and will also closely monitor its effectiveness.
Walk and Talk therapy may also be a practical solution for parents bringing infants or toddlers to session. You may find carrying or strolling your child leads to a more relaxed meeting.
Please note that Walk and Talk therapy sessions are contingent upon weather conditions.
Helping you find a path toward more peace with your body is one of my passions. I am a Health At Every Size practitioner which means that I support people of all sizes in finding compassionate ways to take care of themselves on their terms. I am a Size Diversity advocate concerned with your size experience in the world. Often body image work begins with analysis of your unique history in the context of oppressive systems and hierarchies. This may also include an exploration of the ways in which your body image and sexuality intersect. Wherever you are on your journey toward living whole, I will try to meet you and help you move toward greater freedom.
"The most beautiful people in this world are made of the ugliest moments of their lives." -A. D. Woods
Anxiety is a necessary and useful tool that is often at the heart of much suffering. I help people along the continuum of anxiety issues. In our work, you will experience a very holistic approach, as we look at everything from sleeping and eating, to perfectionism and trauma, all in an effort to understand the physiological and psychological underpinnings of your unique struggle. As you get to know your anxiety, you will feel more empowered to both accept and reduce it. In great part, this occurs naturally as you begin to better identify, accept and manage your emotions. In our work, we will likely be utilizing a blend of mindfulness-based therapies including but not limited to Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I am a trauma-informed therapist, which means I am trained to understand, recognize and respond to all types of trauma. I work hard to be transparent and to help create a safe atmosphere in which clients feel empowered to heal. While I have studied various trauma treatments, I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma processing. EMDR is a psychotherapy that helps clients heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. For more information about EMDR go to http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/