Counseling Process

I consider myself an expert conversationalist. That means I utilize therapeutic conversation in sessions with clients. I have been trained to be able to listen effectively, ask appropriate questions, and provide valuable feedback in a counseling session. I will approach each therapeutic conversation with the highest ethical standards.

Marriage and Family Therapy

I specialize in working with troubled relationships, and assist couples to navigate through difficult relationship issues. I commonly see couples dealing with issues of infidelity, financial struggles, communication breakdowns, conflict and other relationship issues. I work with couples to develop their skills in order to be able to handle some of the most difficult situations in a relationship.

Together, we work through the stresses facing the relationship and utilize the difficulties as a doorway to a stronger, deeper connection. My expertise is to create a partnership with you in order to help find your unique strengths and learn skills that give you a greater chance for a more rewarding relationship with your loved one.

Employee Assistance Counseling

Many clients that I serve come from the Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as a benefit for employees to reduce life stressors. I have been working with EAP’s since 2001, when I was first licensed.  EAP involves short term counseling and assessment/referral services. A client typically gets 1-12 sessions per calendar year based on the benefit that the employer purchased. I tend to use a Solution Focused approach in EAP sessions since it is one of the most effective approaches in short term counseling. We focus on building solutions during the sessions. I utilize two different options if the situation is not resolved in the sessions allotted. 1) I will refer you to the most appropriate resources to further give you the assistance you need. 2) I will self-refer when it is appropriate and we will utilize your insurance for further sessions. We will collaborate with each other regarding which option will be best for your situation.

Behavioral Health Insurance

I have two years of experience as a behavioral health care manager for a fortune 500 insurance company. Therefore, I have an inside knowledge about what is needed for your insurance to pay for a good portion of your sessions. Before your first session, I will need to get the name of your insurance company, identification number, and date of birth. Then I will be able to get a quote on your benefits. You may have to pay a deductible or a co-pay. I am in network on several insurance panels. I can provide services at a slightly higher rate as an out-of- network provider with most insurance plans. During our first session, I will need to do a comprehensive behavioral health evaluation to see if you meet medical necessity for the insurance to pay a portion of your sessions. Then we will construct a treatment plan to make sure we stay on track with quality outcomes to treatment.

Professional Qualifications

I am licensed in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy in the states of Washington (since 2001) and Oregon (since 2005) respectively. A license assures people that the clinician has the appropriate training and knowledge to be effective. A clinician must have greater than 1,500 client contact hours with over 100 hours of supervision after graduating with a master’s degree plus pass a written examination to obtain a license. I take 40 hours of continuing education courses every two years to continue licensure.

I am qualified to supervise other counselors towards their licensure in the State of Oregon. 

I have created an online textbook for counselors. The text covers the approaches that I utilize in treatment and is used by some graduate schools to learn about the different approaches to counseling.


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