Hello and Welcome.
I have been pursuing my fascination of the human body and how it can serve as a vehicle for greater awakening since 1997. It all started with yoga and meditation, then Pilates, massage, women’s health, authentic relating, somatic psychology, and group facilitation. I have a boundless appetite for learning and I especially enjoy the learning and discovery that is available right here, in the present moment, and in relationship, which is a big reason why I have chosen this counseling path.
My life has been radically impacted by learning to relate authentically, meaning that I can both be myself and have deeply meaningful connections with others. My childhood experiences had taught me that I could either be myself and alone, or adapt myself (and therefore abandon myself) to be with others. This created a lot of internalized relational stress and often meant that only a small part of me had permission to exist in the world. Now, I approach myself and relationships from a place of curiosity, rather than self-judgment or shame. I experience more congruency between who I am on the inside versus who I am on the outside, and my relationships are much more satisfying.
Through my lived experience, I know what it is like to face adversity: including a disrupted and chaotic childhood, intense social anxiety and fear of being seen, loss, and loving (& hating) myself through chronic illness. I have lifted myself out of my own perceived limitations - small choice by small choice - to trust myself, open my heart, and not resist this life.
Although there is no final destination, I have proven to myself that am deeply committed to the process. I’m committed to myself, my life, supporting a compassionate and just culture, and being of service to others that are invested in pursuing their wholeness, self-actualization, and purpose (even if they are terrified).
The human experience is a wild one. I’ve sought many helpers along my path and am honored to serve others in this way too.
I use she/her pronouns.
Education & Training
NARM [NeuroAffective Relational Model] - addressing complex & developmental trauma - Level 2 (2021-2022)
PACT [Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy] - Level 2 (2021)
M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, CA (2021)
Internship at The Process Work Institute Counseling Clinic, River’s Way (2020-2021)
Internship at the META [Mindful Experiential Therapy Approaches, now The Hakomi Institute of the Pacific Northwest] Counseling Clinic (2019-2020)
Advanced META Training (2019-2020)
META Primary Experiential Attachment Training (2018)
Relationship Mastery Course [Compassionate Communication] - Love Coach Academy (2017)
Holistic Doula Training with Whapio Diane Bartlett (2016)
Certified Arvigo® Practitioner [Maya Abdominal Therapy] - Level 3 (2015-2017)
Re-Creation of the Self Training [RCS] with Jon Eisman (2015-2019)
META/Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy Comprehensive Training; 2 years as a student, 2 years as a Teaching Assistant (2014-2019)
Solsara Facilitator Training (2014-2016)
Anusara® inspired Yoga Teacher Training with Sarajoy Marsh (2009)
Massage License from Oregon School of Massage with a specialty focus on Thai Massage (2007)
Stott® Pilates Mat and Reformer Instructor Training (2005)
B.A. in Health Arts and Sciences from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT (2002)
India School of Yoga Teacher Training in Varanasi, India (2000)
Licenses
Oregon - Licensed Professional Counselor (C7758), License Massage Therapist (15009)
Washington - Mental Health Counselor Associate (MC61166742)
