About
I am a doctor of clinical psychology, licensed in Oregon since 2007. I work with adults, age 18 and older, facing a broad spectrum of emotional and behavioral issues. My work is sourced from three broad areas of research: attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and the biology of trauma. In therapy, my hope is that we create a collaborative relationship with space for humor and honest engagement as a basis for the rest of our work.
For some issues, and especially those related to trauma, I use specific modalities of treatment that may vary somewhat from typical "talk therapy". I have completed intensive post-doctoral training in these methods of treatment. The first is called Internal Family Systems (IFS). This modality of treatment helps to see emotional or behavioral problems as adaptive responses to difficult circumstances, and to bring an experience of healing to parts of the self that may continually be defended against traumatic, difficult, or painful outcomes. https://ifs-institute.com/resources/articles/evolution-internal-family-systems-model-dr-richard-schwartz-ph-d
The second modality for treating trauma or unresolved experiences is called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an empirically-validated modality which can help to bridge the gap between what you know and what you feel. It can be beneficial in shifting deeply held beliefs about worthiness, responsibility, and safety. A relatively simple description of EMDR is available here: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/EMDR.pdf
The third modality is called sensorimotor psychotherapy, that involves more emphasis on your physical and sensory experience, versus focus on thinking and cognition. This shift in focus is based in research related to trauma which suggests that the legacy of traumatic experiences is most profoundly housed in the body, rather than in the "story" that surrounds it. Our work may involve some movement, such as standing, walking, or setting physical boundaries, which can facilitate how the brain processes past traumatic experiences. http://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/
Your sense of safety and comfort with these approaches is key to their efficacy, and we will work collaboratively to ensure that you understand why and how we are working with these interventions before we move forward with them.
I have a number of other sub-specialites, listed on this webpage in other sections. See those pages for further details. .
Experience and Training:
- Bachelor's of Arts in European History and Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz
- Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at George Fox University
- Pre-doctoral internship: Cornerstone Behavioral Health, treating severely mentally ill and developmentally disabled adults
- Post-doctoral fellowship: Chief Post-doctoral Fellow in Clinical Psychology for Oregon Kaiser Permanente
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Level I training for Affect Dysregulation, Survival Defenses, and Traumatic Memory
- EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training, Level I and II
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Advanced DBT Training and Adaptations
- IFS Online Circle, 2019-2020 Level I Training
Subsequent work affiliations:
- Portland DBT Program; supervisor and manager of the eating disorders team
- Insight Psychological Services: Comprehensive psychological assessment for disability, ADHD, and learning disabilities
- Portland State University Center for Student Health and Counseling: Staff psychologist
- Lewis and Clark College, Master's of Counseling Program: Adjunct Professor
- Legacy Weight and Diabetes Institute: Pre- and post- bariatric assessment and support, staff psychologist
- Oregon Reproductive Medicine: Evaluation and support for individuals with specialized family building needs, IVF, surrogacy, egg donors
- Oregon Health and Science University Medical School, guest lecturer on psychological trauma
- IMPACT work with a non-profit to complete psychological evaluations for individuals seeking asylum or refugee status, or to otherwise normalize their immigration status in the US.
Professional Affiliations:
Board Member: Columbia River Eating Disorders Network, 2007-2012, co-chair 2015-2017
Oregon Psychological Association
Founded and run the Facebook community "GFU Alumni in Support of Equal Rights for the LGBTQ+ Community"
