I received my doctorate from George Fox University in 2013. While there, I had the privilege of studying under many talented and dedicated professors and supervisors who played a vital role in my development as a clinician. In addition, my education at GFU included several excellent clinical training opportunities. These experiences were varied and diverse, affording me the opportunity to work with a wide array of clients in a variety of settings.
My first clinical experience was at the Clark County Juvenile Court in Vancouver, Washington where I worked with young people struggling to overcome the consequences of poor choices and difficult circumstances. There, I learned the importance of looking beyond external anger and bitterness to discover the wounded and frightened individual within.
I spent the next year performing ADHD and learning disability assessments at the Student Health and Counseling Center at Portland State University. This experience gave me important insight into how these disabilities complicate an already rigorous task of pursuing higher education. I felt great admiration for my clients’ persistence and determination, and it was rewarding to work collaboratively with them to identify challenges and then formulate strategies to overcome them.
OHSU’s Family Medicine Clinic in Scappoose, Oregon was the setting for my third clinical training experience. This was a wonderful opportunity to work with and learn from primary care providers. Our collaborative efforts to address all aspects of our clients’ care proved very beneficial, and I quickly came to value this model. I continue to incorporate holistic care in my work.
I completed my pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency at Central Washington University’s Student Medical and Counseling Clinic. I again worked with individuals facing personal struggles in the midst of the rigors of a university setting. This was also a second opportunity to work in an integrated setting with primary care providers. While at CWU, I received training in biofeedback therapy, components of which I currently use with clients struggling to overcome anxiety and panic. My clients represented various forms of diversity, including age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. This exposure developed my ability to approach differences with respect and sensitivity while also recognizing the many ways in which we were similar. Once again, I learned a great deal from my clients and appreciated their determination in the midst of challenging circumstances.
With my formal training complete, I returned to my roots in the Pacific Northwest. I have been in private practice in the Vancouver/Portland area since 2014.