In my practice as a counselor, my hope is to bring emotional understanding, knowledge, skills, and radical survival for those who are experiencing distress as a result of inequality- whether that be systemic racism, sexism, discrimination and repression of sexual & gender identities, classism, and/or ableism. As a human in this world, I am deeply committed to our land, our communities, and our shared future, as I am acutely aware of the crises facing both our climate and society. The main foundation of my work is to help build strength and resilience in the face of uncertainty & oppression, and to hold space for trauma in a collaborative counseling relationship. My goal is to help process pain while promoting strategies for coping, engaging in community, strengthening values, and advocating for oneself & others. As a white cis female counselor, I am aware of the power I hold in my cultural privilege, the hierarchy of a therapeutic relationship, and society at large. I come to this work from a place of learning and to harness my rage in breaking down systems of oppression and invite open critique, feedback, and accountability from all clients and colleagues.
I use an integrated, client-centered approach to counseling which is rooted in Feminism, Multiculturalism, Existentialism, and Humanism. As a Certified Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor, I incorporate a disability lens focused on disability justice and workers rights.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, and I abide by its Code of Ethics. I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), specializing in working with individuals with disabilities, specifically related to career exploration, vocational support, and providing adjunctive support to individuals engaged with Vocational Rehabilitation Services. I hold a Master's of Science (MA) degree in Counseling from Portland State University with a specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. I also hold a Bachelor's of Arts (BA) degree in Art History from Reed College. My course of study for my Master's program at Portland State University included internship, practicum, human development, diagnosis, multicultural counseling, grief & loss, psychosocial aspects of disability, medical aspects of disability, theories, and human sexuality. I have over 2.5 years of experience as a crisis counselor and have extensive training in suicide prevention and hold an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) certification.
