Therapists for college students near Portland State University
As both a licensed professional counselor and a licensed massage therapist, I deeply value the strength of a holistic approach to healing that incorporates the mind, the body, and the spirit. I am interested in the meaning we make about our experiences, how these beliefs crystalize into our physical form, and the divinity in all of us that transcends our personalities. I have seen time and time again that the deepest pain can be transformed into the compost of our most profound joys and spiritual awakenings. I offer individual sessions that include both counseling and embodiment practices to address developmental trauma, PTSD, stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, chronic pain/auto-immune disorders, and spiritual/energetic issues. My approach uses somatic (body-centered) awareness and mindfulness as a way to enhance traditional talk therapy and draws from the wisdom traditions of yoga and Buddhism, the biodynamic field of the human energy system, and somatic psychotherapy. I have worked in the mental health field since 2001 in a variety of settings, including psychiatric, drug treatment, and youth corrections. It was disheartening at the time to see in many ways how these facilities and institutions provided an environment that kept people in traumatic stress, and not necessarily the safety and connection that allowed for deeper healing to take place—there had to be another way. I had a passionate drive to follow the path of yoga, spirituality, touch, and the possibilities of being fully human. After attending massage therapy school to pursue a career in the healing arts, I realized how powerful both mind and body therapies are for holistic healing. I am a fervent learner and have specialized training in somatic psychotherapy and craniosacral therapy, as well as an extensive yoga and meditation practice which greatly influences my work. I look forward to accompanying you on a journey of healing and transformation.
I, along with my dog, specialize in working with men aged 18 to mid-30s with an ADHD diagnosis, navigating a world built for "neurotypical" people and experiencing the frustrations, uncertainty, and confusion that comes with it. I frequently work with men to address issues related to stress, worry, emotional sensitivity and reactivity, anger, irritability, rejection and self-doubt, motivation, and relationships. I emphasize the mind-body connection, mindfulness, lifestyle design, healthy communication with self and others, and understanding your story - what makes you you, and why. My sincere hope is to help you find ways to heal and learn from the past, find peace and contentment in the present, and embrace the future with optimism. I grew up in the Midwest, earned my masters at Columbia University in New York, and found a home in Portland. Among other things, I am a father, a step-father, a son, a step-son, a husband, a brother, a step-brother, a grandson, an uncle, a friend, and a client (I have a therapist, too!). Along with my formal education and professional experience, these roles and relationships shape my practice more than I can possibly imagine. Go Blazers!
Pacific Northwest Psychiatry Associates is a group of psychiatric mental health practitioners serving the entire state of Oregon. We work in collaboration with children, families, and individuals to provide evidence-based individualized care to attain mental wellness and improve the quality of life. It is our belief that mental wellness or illness is a dynamic interplay between environmental, physical, psychological, and social factors with the individual or family at the center of the healing process.
I help people access greater psychological and emotional wellness by working through trauma, unhealthy relational patterns, and old beliefs. If you find that family or romantic relationships are difficult, you are socially isolated, your career or school performance is suffering, or you struggle with anxiety, depression or loss, therapy can help. Our work together can allow you to cultivate deeper self-understanding and acceptance, which are the stepping-stones to a more vital, engaged, and fulfilling life. I am experienced working with depression, anxiety, and other mental health diagnoses, but I never see my clients as simply a diagnosis. I see race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and age as relevant to your experience and to therapy.
Are you struggling with communication in your intimate relationships, feeling isolated, coping with a difficult breakup, transitioning majors or phases of life, or experiencing grief from a loss? As a licensed psychologist, I work with students, focusing on the "here-and-now" to help clients make build more effective and rewarding relationships, develop insight, and break through internal and external barriers. I aim for an environment of support, compassion, and challenge. I specialize in processing grief and loss, men’s issues and masculinities, relationship distress, immigration/minority stress, building self-compassion, and transitions (e.g., questions about a major and career change) through collaborative approaches. I predominantly use interpersonal, relational, and dynamic therapies to help clients reach their goals.
Welcome! I specialize in working with adult women aged 18+. I love working with college students. I offer both telehealth and in-person appointments in my office in Lake Oswego. Please check out my website for more information!