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I am a Licensed  Professional  Counselor and Registered Art Therapist.  I graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001.  I have worked in Portland, Oregon since 2001 as a child and family art therapist.  I have 21 years of experience working with children, teens and families, including adults.

I enjoy working with clients who are motivated, ready, open to growing and willing to explore their minds, hearts, feelings, and thoughts in collaborative approach.  In this collaboration we work to resolve conflicts, habit patterns, and places that you feel stuck or scared.

I learned so much in graduate school about theories and approaches,  they have given me  a firm foundation that has guided my work with clients.   However,  In my years of practicing therapy what I have come to realize is  this:  The most important aspect in finding a good therapist is “how you feel in their presence” and how being seen and  heard, understood and validated with heart, warmth and trust,  is the most essential part of healing.

I incorporate a variety of approaches, such as: Art therapy, attachment therapies, family systems perspectives, positive parenting,  play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and existential, because we are all trying to make meaning out of the hard times in life.

 I am experienced in treating issues related to trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, existential and identity concerns, relationship and family, work, school, life changes or transition distress and parenting.

The great Sufi mystic and poet Rumi wrote:

You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and truth. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. You were born with wings. You were not meant for crawling so don’t! You were born with wings learn to use them and fly!