What modalities do you use for therapy?

I am a person-centered therapist who seeks to empower and motivate my clients by using an eclectic approach with multiple modalities that are catered to each client's needs, which may include strengths-based techniques, CBT, DBT (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness), positive psychology, virtual reality therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, play therapy, and geek/gamer therapy.

What is therapy like?

Each person comes to therapy with different goals and issues that they hope to work on, so therapy will be a little bit different for everyone. For the most part, you can expect to discuss current events that are happening in your life as well as personal history that may be relevant to issues that you are experiencing. Therapy is also a time to discuss progress you are making since our previous sessions or reflect on new insights that you are discovering. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term or long-term.

One of the goals of therapy is to help you to integrate skills that you learn during therapeutic sessions into your daily life. The more you participate and implement the strategies we discuss, the more results you are likely to see. Because of this, I will commonly suggest activities that you can do outside of therapy sessions to strengthen that progress. This might include activities like reading, journaling, creating art, practicing breathing techniques, and working on mindfulness exercises. The more you put into the process, the more likely you are to see progress.

How can black sheep (and unicorns) benefit from therapy?

I understand what it’s like to feel like a black sheep myself and while it’s true that there might be challenges when you march to the beat of your own drum, the benefits of being unique can be powerful too. I understand the commitment it takes to live outside the box and find that oftentimes the very traits that help a person to thrive in the creative world can also contribute to (and exacerbate) anxiety, stress, exhaustion, and isolation. I like to work collaboratively with my clients to help them to explore, reflect, and acknowledge aspects of life that may be hindering progress. Gaining deeper insight and becoming aware of the strengths that one already has can be a powerful catalyst for change.

How much does therapy cost?

My standard fee for a 50-minute therapy individual session is $250. 

Lane County residents (and other parts of Oregon, outside of Coos County): I accept cash payments (or check, Venmo, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal). I do not accept insurance at this time for Lane County clients. If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to receive a full or partial reimbursement from your insurance company. Please contact your insurance company directly to verify your mental health benefits.

Coos County residents: I accept OHP through Advanced Health, as well as cash payments.

How do I hire you as an educational speaker?

I have developed and presented educational seminars for artists and creatives at conventions around the country, with a focus on mental health wellness. These training events focus on issues like creative anxiety, depression, creative block/burnout, self-esteem, flow, self-talk, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, self-confidence, social comparison, self-care, and motivation. My most recent seminar was entitled, “Mental Health Strategies for Artists: Strengthening Your Wellness Toolbox.”

I have also presented on issues involving tattoos and mental health, social media, social comparison, and bullying in the educational setting. I have provided self-esteem and motivational groups for teenagers and created educational material on mental health issues for teachers. I am available as a motivational speaker and/or writer for projects involving any of these topics. Please use the “Contact Me” form for more information.