I received my doctorate from George Fox University in 2013. While there, I had the privilege of studying under many talented and dedicated professors who played a vital role in my development as a clinician. I am fortunate to remain in contact with many of them still today. 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.
My first clinical experience was at the Clark County Juvenile Court 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. Our collaborative efforts to identify challenges and formulate strategies to overcome them were very rewarding.
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 hope to incorporate holistic care in my future 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, training that 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 have returned to my roots in the Pacific Northwest. It is a pleasure to work in private practice in the Portland/Vancouver area.