As a counselor I count it a privilege to work with the adults, couples, families and children who have seen me over the past 24 years. I learn from each person who asks me to become a part of his or her story by creating a helpful and empowering therapeutic relationship.  I look forward to meeting new clients, understand their hearts desire as well as their suffering and facilitating progress.  There is so much to learn, and as I learn more the process grows still more profoundly moving, rewarding, awe-inspiring and humbling.  

After earning a AA degree in Math and Science and a BA in Psychology (Biola University, 1987) I worked in an inpatient psychiatric setting in California, helping adolescents and their families survive crisis as well as helping youth with alcohol and drug issues and youth with more sever mental illness.  This was a highly behavioral and humanistic treatment setting and though very challenging, the one-on-ones, family groups and psychodramas became a valuable basis for my further training and personal growth.  Nine years later I completed a doctorate in clinical psychology at George Fox University (1996) in Newberg, after also having learned from work experience in general outpatient clinics, universities, two psychiatric hospitals and a drug and alcohol program.  My degrees provided me with specialized training in psychotherapy as well as the integration of psychology and theology.  My dissertation investigated the effects of father absence and antecedents of nurturant fathering.  As a Psychologist, I have been licensed and practicing privately in Beaverton since completing my residency under the psychodynamic training of Kurt Free, PhD (1998).  I am a member of the Oregon and the American Psychological Associations and I adhere to the ethical principles upheld by these groups.  I maintain affiliations with peers and several professional associations that facilitate my continued education in the theory and practice of psychology.  From time to time I have taught groups of counselors, pastors, medical professionals, graduate students, community groups and parents.

My work is also influenced by my relationship with Jesus Christ and the impact that has had on my understanding of people.  I try to follow the words and actions of Christ and therefore I welcome a diversity of people to my practice from backgrounds and philosophical or religious world views that differ from my own: Christian and non-Christian, young, middle-aged and young at heart, as well as those from differing life styles.  I find that each individual brings his or her own perspective and I ask my clients to educate me on their personal differences that are particularly meaningful to them.