I graduated from Portland State University in 1987 with a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW). I was licensed in 1989 and received my ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers) in that year as well. Having completed an internship at an agency, I was subsequently hired and worked for several years seeing individuals, couples and families. While at the agency, I trained as a supervisor so I could supervise interns and clinicians working toward licensure. In 1993, I went into private practice. I added business coaching to my practice in 1994.
I have always been influenced by an experiential and systems approach to my work with a focus on attachment needs. Whether I am working with an individual, couple, or family, I believe that we are moving from an information age to a relationship age. No matter what the context, we all must focus on our relationships. Learning how to regulate our emotions and how to respond to those around us is the crux of success.
I live in Portland with my husband of over 50 years and my three dogs. I have two grown children and one granddaughter. I love the Oregon coast and spend as much time there as I can.
I am an ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellent in Emotionally Focused Therapy) Certified EFT Therapist and specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
To become an ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist, candidates must meet various pre-requisites and complete several EFT training and supervision requirements including an intensive 4-day basic EFT Externship, Advanced training course(s), consultation / supervision by a Certified EFT Supervisor and review by a Certified EFT Trainer at ICEEFT of 2 different video excerpts demonstrating the therapist’s grasp of the model.
I am a Level One trained IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapist.
To become a level one trained IFS therapist candidates must complete 80 hours of training with the IFS Institute. There are three Levels of training and I plan to complete the other two over the next few years. IFS is based on a belief that we all have a grounded center which we can tap into anytime for comfort, clarity, stability and security. We also have many parts which we developed to protect and rescue us when we were growing up. Often these parts are stuck in their past form and they need to be discovered and updated in order for us to feel secure. I am able to facilitate people in their effort to heal.
