​​When my son went off to college, I decided to change direction from my previous careers of teaching and being a stay-at-home mom. Because I’ve benefited throughout my life from mental health counseling, and as a great believer in the value and effectiveness of the unique client-therapist relationship, I chose to go back to school to become a therapist.  I combine warmth, kindness, and humor with practical tools using cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and existential approaches.

 

I earned my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  from the University of Houston in the spring of 2024. During my clinical training I counseled individuals for a wide range of issues, and I co-led men’s and women’s mental health & recovery groups in a county jail. I am now an Oregon Board Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, (license R11302), and as such I abide by the Code of Ethics and practice under ongoing clinical supervision. I meet regularly with my supervisor, Raina McRae, (license #L5457), to discuss my clinical work, ensure quality of care, and support my professional growth.

 

I love the diversity of humanity. That's one reason the concept of spectrums resonates so strongly with me. Whether it be neurodiversity, sexual attraction, gender identity, or any other category, in the end we are all individuals who have our own way of being in the world. At the same time, it's our shared humanity that links us regardless of where we land on any spectrum. 

​

Finally, some of my interests include the NYT crossword and other puzzles, the video games World of Warcraft and Civilization VI, jogging outdoors and doing random 5K runs, the French language, and international travel. I'm currently without a pet, but I love animals!