Life is a journey and having the ability to travel without dragging around additional baggage is essential. I work with my clients to help them identify their needs and goals so that they can choose what to pack on their journey through life without the burden of unwanted baggage.

I approach all of my clients from the context they are coming from because one’s biological, cultural, social, and spiritual orientation. One’s environment contributes to one’s overall stress and well-being. Improvement is possible. I believe that counseling should include immediate skills and interventions while providing time to explore the roots of what brings someone to therapy. If it serves the client’s needs, I am also able to integrate my Christian theological and pastoral training into the counseling process.

I have experience in supporting men, women, teens, families, and couples as they deal with a broad spectrum of issues including life transition, grief, depression/ anxiety, marriage, academic challenges and relationship issues, guilt and shame, emotional pain, healing from abuse (spiritual, sexual, physical, mental and emotional), identity issues, spirituality and issues related to church and ministry settings. In addition, I enjoy working with those processing cross-cultural stress and challenges related to the cultural transition to and from the United States.

From a more technical perspective, my primary theoretical approach is called Restoration Therapy. R.T. is a unique approach to well-being that includes the best of attachment theory, emotion-focused theory, and mindfulness. Simply put, a holistic approach toward building one’s mental health. The theories and concepts I borrow from in addition to R.T. include neurobiological, bio-psycho-social, family and internal systems, and the arts.

I am a registered associate in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling (MCFC). I am currently working at Living Well Counseling Center (livingwell-counselingcenter.com) under Justin Little, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon and Washington.

My previous educational experience also includes a Masters in Teaching (M.A.T.) at the middle and high school levels. As well as a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) in Christian theology.