
My Approach
Everyone deserves a space to express themselves authentically and be accepted for who they truly are. I seek to see my clients fully, guiding them in a process of exploration and reflection, and leading them to deeper trust and understanding of themselves. I believe that healing and growth occur through experiencing safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship, and through this experience, my clients develop new ways of interacting with themselves and others. I bring a grounded presence, compassion, curiosity, and gentle guidance to the therapy room.
Through our work together, you will become more able to express your emotions, needs, boundaries and desires. I will support you in uncovering and re-storying narratives or beliefs about yourself that no longer fit, and changing patterns that are no longer serving you. Together, we will explore your past, present and future, examining how emotions and past experiences impact your interactions with others and your perception of yourself. I will help you find comfort, connection, and belonging both inside and outside of the therapy room.
Therapeutic Orientation
I work from a trauma-informed, feminist, systemic lens, using emotionally-focused therapy, mindful self-compassion, and narrative therapy. Social justice is foundational to my work. I strive to create a non-judgmental and welcoming space for all. I am honored to work with clients of any sexual orientation, gender, race, size, age, culture, religion and disability.
I am based in Portland, OR, and I grew up in Grinnell, IA. I am licensed in Oregon, Washington and Iowa.
Professional Trainings & Certifications
Licensure
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, supervised by Carly Rubin, LMFT
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in English, Grinnell College
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy with specialization in Sex Therapy – Lewis & Clark College
Professional Work Experience
My clinical training included a year-long internship at Peace Health Medical Center and Lewis & Clark Counseling Center, where I gained experience working with people in outpatient community health and integrative primary care settings
From 2021-2023, I worked at The Center for Couples and Sex Therapy, focusing on helping couples and individuals navigate conflict and feel empowered in their sexual experiences
Other past work experience that has contributed to my knowledge of working relationally as a therapist includes working as a postpartum doula, a preschool teacher, and nanny
Advanced Trainings
The Dilemmas of Divorce: New Approaches for Helping Couples on the Brink
Janina Fisher’s Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training: Working With the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma
Labor and Postpartum Doula Program, Birthingway College of Midwifery
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT): Attachment-based Interventions to Treat Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy – ICEEFT Externship
Infusing Your Practice with a Trauma-informed Lens
Non-monogamy, BDSM and Kink
Sessions Live: Inside the Office of Esther Perel
Dr. Bonnie Badenoch’s Trauma and the Embodied Brain