Introduction

I have a strong interest in helping others think for themselves, believe in themselves, feel for themselves, and make choices comfortably within relationships. I encourage people to reconsider their belief systems and to challenge the belief systems of others, including the prevailing beliefs and values of our society. I treat people who are smart, not-so-smart, discouraged, weary, withdrawn, powerful, brave, angry, shocked, sad, creative, excentric, ordinary, confused, indecisive, addicted, disgusted, stuck, and afraid. In the language of conventional psychiatry, I treat a full range of disorders related to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, addiction, and personality disorders. I have long included Buddhist Psychology and Zen techniques in my work and believe that it has contributed to the success of my clients. 

Contact Information

Downtown Portland
820 NW 21st Avenue, Suite B Portland, OR 97209 (503) 381-2032 Click here for a map to this location.

E-Mail	Fax	24hr Phone	Pager
DeftEars	(By) request-	(503) 381-2032	(503) 381-2032

Education

Highest Degree Earned: MA
Discipline: Clinical Psychology: Serving Adults, Older Adolescents & Couples

I graduated from Washburn University in 1993 with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. I am a member of Psi Chi and Phi Kappa Phi academic honor societies. My Master's thesis on client satisfaction and symptom change was published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice in 1996 and has been cited in several professional journals in several countries. In 1997, it was cited in the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Annual Report to Congress.

I have over 22 years of experience providing psychologically related services to a variety of settings which range from psychiatric hospitals to community mental health centers and private practice. This includes 15 years of post-masters experience in the provision of psychotherapy and counseling services.

Professional Focus

My practice has changed over the years and I have switched from specialization to a general practice. This is based upon the fact that labels of disorders and names of specific approaches to treatment are often misleading. I believe by approaching therapy in a broader manner, I am able to help my patients address a fuller range of difficulties in the way that they, as unique individuals are experiencing them. My treatment tends to be cognitive-behavioral and insight oriented with a special focus on the development of the ability to pay close and gentle attention to life experiences as they are actually happening. I find that this empowers people, develops confidence, and helps people to feel more at ease. This forms an essential foundation for facing troubles in life with effectiveness and a greater sense of satisfaction. For the most part, I believe this is what we are all looking for.

In the language of conventional psychiatry, I treat a full range of disorders related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis, and addiction. I work well with those with Personality Disorders - deep seated and long-standing difficulties which include, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, and Obsessive compulsive Personality Disorder. A former specialty, I now provide consultation to other therapists working with patients diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Current other projects include, The Quietude Project, "Just Once" (a career exploration and life enhancement program), "Mind Your Manners" (a mindfulness based approach to re-establishing the practice of common courtesy in the community), and Elemental (a psychotherapy with a school format emphasizing liberal arts, discovery, invention, and a reclamation of one's original state of grace).

Populations Served: Adults, Couples

Office Settings: Private Practice (solo)

Usual and Customary Fee: $125 per 50 minute hour.

Along with other matters, methods of payment should be discussed up front before treatment begins. Discounts of up to 20% may available to those without insurance or for those who choose not to use their insurance. I am a preferred provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I also take ODS, Aetna, MHN, and LifeWise. Use of other insurance may be discussed. All deductibles and co-payments are due at the time of service. Payment is by cash or check.

Affiliations:

Hospital and/or Teaching Affiliations:
I have considerable experience working in psychiatric hospitals and with hospital staff. I can facilitate hospitalization when appropriate and necessary and I can communicate with hospital staff when a hospitalization has occured.


Professional Affiliations / Activities:
The American Mental Health Alliance of Oregon, formerly a member of the Board of Directors; The International Society of Political Psychology; Psychologists for Social Responsibility; Formerly a member of the American Pychological Association (APA); Formerly a supervisor of volunteers with The Oregon Office of the Long-term Care Ombudsman; Psi Chi (an academic honor society in psychology); Phi Kappa Phi (another academic honor society in general academics). Periodic supervision of counseling interns and residents; consultation to businesses and clinical consultation to mental health practitioners.

I have a number of other psychologically related projects which can be found under Professional Focus.