Services
- Individual
- Adolescent/Teen
About My Clients
My ideal client is someone who is looking to adjust to a major life transition at any phase of life. I’m especially interested in working with chronically ill folks and cancer survivors, people who are neurodivergent, members of the LGBTQ community, clients who practice polyamory/ENM, and Jewish clients. I have a special place in my heart for nerds and artists.
My Background and Approach
I have a background in art therapy as well as counseling, and I take a warm, compassionate approach to therapy. I’m genuinely fascinated by people, and I like to lead with my curiosity, both in getting to know clients and in helping to understand what they’re going through. Research has shown that what makes therapy work is the therapeutic relationship, so I focus on cultivating that with every client I work with. I think every behavior has a reason behind it. We don’t make ourselves miserable because we want to! However, the coping mechanisms that fit one circumstance don’t always transfer well to the rest of our lives. By figuring out why we do the things we do and what we can do instead, we can start to shift our way of being in the world. A large part of my work is helping clients learn how to process difficult feelings about these changes. Therapy is hard work, but with creativity and humor, we can make real, lasting changes to our lives and relationships.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
As an existential therapist, I think everyone has both the right and the responsibility to figure out what brings meaning to their life and do it on purpose. I strongly believe in the power of personal narrative. I've noticed that many people who come to therapy need help rewriting the stories they tell themselves about who they are and where their lives can go. Fortunately, we all have creative potential that we can harness to revise our personal stories and attack our problems instead of ourselves. As a nerd, I appreciate that it’s possible to think very hard about our feelings without actually feeling them. Unfortunately, the feeling part isn’t really optional - if you decide not to feel your feelings, your body will eventually feel them for you. Our society doesn't usually give us the time or tools to do this, but therapy can! When I'm not therapizing, I spend my time playing TTRPGs, drawing comics, and enjoying Portland's beautiful outdoors.