About me:
Education /Training:
I studied psychology at Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University in Frankfurt (Germany), at Eastern Washington University, and at George Fox University where I completed my doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
My graduate research involved various projects examining the effects of gratitude on wellbeing. I received clinical training in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, primary care, community mental health, and university counseling centers. I completed my doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Idaho Counseling and Testing Center.
Therapy approach:
In my work as a therapist, I am rooted in relational psychodynamic therapy, which means that I see the ongoing process of cultivating a safe, open, and collaborative working relationship with my patient as the primary means to promote healing and personal growth. Within this relational space, the actual work of therapy can take different forms. Depending on my patient’s age, particular needs, and goals it may at times be educational and solution-focused, at other times more explorational and insight-oriented. In some cases, the therapeutic dialogue will focus primarily (or even exclusively) on coping with present life stressors. In other cases, substantial time will be spent coming to terms with painful relationships and life experiences.
To help facilitate steps toward growth, I also draw from a variety of therapy approaches, such as existential therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral or dialectical behavior therapy interventions, family therapy, and other approaches. Where this is relevant to my patients, I will also seek to sensitively and appropriately integrate their religious/spiritual beliefs into therapy.
Outside my work, I enjoy horse-back riding, gardening, photography, carpentry, and sharing everyday life adventures in our multigenerational family home setting.
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
— Joseph Campbell