I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years and have been trained in a variety of modalities with an emphasis in depth psychology. I am a certified (Diplomate) Jungian Analyst and trained at the CG Jung Institute/Zurich, Switzerland. The process of becoming a Jungian Analyst involves a rigorous training program of coursework, research and writing, extensive oral and written examinations, supervised case work and the writing of a thesis—alongside my own personal analysis. A core conviction of Analytic training is the idea that no professional can accompany you on your journey if they haven’t embarked upon that journey themselves. I believe we continue to grow and change throughout the lifespan.
About Me
How I Work
I incorporate a developmental approach and work as a relational psychotherapist with attention to attachment theory, relational trauma and issues arising from one’s family of origin. I combine this approach with a consideration of complex theory and how unconscious patterns and beliefs keep people stuck in old stories and behaviors that limit what is possible to experience in terms of core vitality and living authentically. I emphasize the mind/body connection as a core part of healing and have specialized training in trauma and somatic work. As a Jungian Analyst, I approach life from a symbolic attitude and am interested in the making of your personal myth while looking at how dreams and images from the unconscious can help guide and shape your process.
Mostly, I am interested in getting to know you and hearing your story to help you find practical and functional patterns of living that will enrich your life in the ways that matter most to you. This involves understanding how you have made sense of your life experiences, the stories you tell yourself, and how you have been conditioned to adapt to your life situations and traumas. Then we challenge those beliefs and behavioral patterns that are no longer working for you and seek creative ways of change as you forge your individuation path to allow your authentic personality develop and guide your life.
As a relational psychotherapist and a Jungian Analyst, I seek to be attuned and committed to your process and will focus on your strengths in the process of change. Active listening with compassion, care and acceptance are important to your healing, as well as having an open and playful attitude around the areas where you feel stuck and want to see change. Staying attuned to your deep feelings matters, and I will work with you to help you stay linked to what matters most to you as you seek to live by your authentic values. As research shows, change happens best through the strength of a therapeutic relationship, so it matters who you work with.
I offer a 50-minute consultation session for a flat fee of $100 to see if you and I would be a good fit for therapy.
“Change is the essence of life; be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”
EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING & ACCREDITATIONS
Bachelor of Arts, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 1985
I majored in Intellectual History with an emphasis on the development of Western Civilization and Modern European thought, which has been instrumental in shaping the Modern world as we know it today and our Western Cultural perspective.
Master of Arts, Loyola University Chicago, 1993
My Master’s program integrated the disciplines of Theology and Psychology from a depth psychological point of view, and emphasized existential and humanistic psychologies as well as person-centered approaches.
2-year Spiritual Direction Training, Namaste, Portland, OR, 2003
I have been trained as a Spiritual Director and combine mindfulness and contemplative practices in my approach to psychological healing, including some forms of meditation. I have an active yoga practice, and training in breath work and mindfulness to enhance the mind/body connection and general sense of well-being.
3-year BodySoul Rhythms Leadership Training with Jungian Analyst Marion Woodman, 2007
I have an active interest in the relationship between psyche and soma and do not believe we can separate what is happening in our bodies from what is happening in our psyches. In other words, developing a healthy mind/body connection is key to your overall health and well-being. Often repressed feelings and unresolved psychological issues can become somatized, which simply means that our bodies begin to express the psychological conflicts we struggle with through our ailments and physical symptoms. This happens unconsciously, so it’s helpful to consider how your body might be expressing itself psychologically. I have specialized training to help you attune to your feelings and make a more sustained connection to these feelings as you seek to live an embodied life that reflects a resonate mind/body connection.
Diplomate, Certified Jungian Analyst, CGJung Institute/Zurich, Switzerland, 2015-2021
Professional Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
I am a licensed professional counselor and abide by the Code of Ethics as put forth by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. I engage in 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
Professional Affiliations
International Association for Analytical Psychology, IAAP, Member
CG Jung Institute Zurich, Switzerland, Member, accredited Jungian Analyst