Individual Therapy

Topics & Specialties

  • Mood Regulation/ Depression/ Anxiety/ Stress

  • Complex & Relational Trauma

  • Sexual Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Chronic Illness & Medical Trauma

  • Veterans, First Responders, & Family

  • Lifestyle Improvements

  • Grief & Loss

  • Spirituality

  • Perfectionism & Self Esteem

  • Body Image

  • Disordered Eating

Main Modalities

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

    This is a somatic (body-based) talk therapy that aims to heal painful symptoms of traumatic events. We will become curious about exploring what your body is telling you through imagery, movements and postures, thought patterns, and sensations. You will build resources to support yourself during times of distress, heal attachment wounding and traumatic memory, and rewrite limiting beliefs to ones that are empowered. Our work aims to help your mind, body, and spirit feel more regulated so you can find greater fulfillment and connection in life.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    ACT is an action-oriented approach that is based on working toward the life you want through becoming clear on your values, committed action, and mindfulness. Rather than argue with your thoughts, we instead look at whether your thoughts and actions are bringing you closer or farther from your values and goals. In this way, there is no need to prove if your thoughts and feelings are valid. We will help you find ways to change how you react to your daily experience and become more flexible.

  • Parts Work

    Parts work is a type of therapy that is great for individuals who feel in conflict with themselves. Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, it’s wrong? Maybe you say ‘yes’ when you really want to say ‘no’, but saying ‘no’ creates too much anxiety. Sometimes we push parts of ourselves away as a way to cope with shame or to try to create change. Parts work can help you make sense of inner conflict and befriend parts of yourself that you don’t quite get along with, with the aim of feeling wholeness and peace. My parts work is influenced by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Schema Therapy, and Carl Jung.

  • Walk & Talk Therapy

    "Walk and talk therapy" is a form of psychotherapy where we process your concerns while walking outdoors, essentially combining physical activity with traditional therapy conversation in a natural setting. It can enhance relaxation and openness during therapy sessions. Movement can help you connect more deeply with emotions, as walking often encourages mindfulness and presence in the moment.

In addition to the approaches mentioned above, I also incorporate aspects of Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Transpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Somatic therapy for PTSD in Oregon

FAQs

  • This depends on many things, like what has previously worked or not worked in therapy, the way your traumas are affecting you, and your preferences.

    If you find that simply having a supportive place to talk about your experiences is helpful, I am happy to support you in that while helping you build resources along the way. If talking about your experiences doesn’t feel helpful, we will focus more on experiential exercises to process traumatic memory.

    We might discuss your values when making important decisions, lean into parts work, where you will role play a younger part of you expressing hurt that was never expressed, or focus on skills to help manage symptoms.

    I will regularly check in with you to see how you are feeling about our therapy work, and what might need to be adjusted.

  • Somatic therapy can look different for everyone. Some people want to do mostly body-based and experiential exercises. For others, somatic therapy can be as simple as noticing physical sensations that go with emotions while we verbally process. Even if you find relief from verbally processing, I like to find ways to connect your past experiences to how it's affecting you in session, which helps foster lasting change. We will find an approach that works for you.

  • Definitely not. I have worked with clients who've ranged from experienced yogis to those intimidated by the word 'meditation.' We will incorporate mindfulness and body-based exercises at your own pace.

  • Working with a trauma-competent therapist means your symptoms and experiences are understood from a non-pathologizing lens. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic, ect. are seen as expressions of a dysregulated nervous system, which we can find ways to soothe and support. Unhelpful behaviors like addiction are seen as adaptive, meaning that they were the best possible coping method available at that time.

    As a relational therapist, I also understand that not every client feels comfortable disagreeing with me. I also understand that you may not even have access to your true feelings about something in the presence of another. As a trauma-competent therapist, I do not assume you will always be able to communicate what you need to, and strive to pause and check in to support this.

  • For many people, virtual therapy is even better than in person! Even somatic therapy can be done online. Read more about this on my Somatic Telehealth page.

  • It can be a great option for those who find it difficult to sit for long periods or those who prefer a more active or informal setting. It can also support feeling safer with your therapist if eye contact is uncomfortable. Sometimes clients do not feel as comfortable processing deep traumas if others are walking by. I am happy to discuss what’s best for you.

Ready for therapy?

Schedule a free 20 minute consultation.