About: How I Work

I work in an experiential, relational, collaborative style of therapy. My approach is based on AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and IPNB (Interpersonal Neurobiology). These models are grounded in attachment theory and affective neuroscience. If you'd like to find out more about these models and how they might show up in our work together, please read on.

Experiential

We are wired for healing. In therapy, we provide the corrective emotional experiences that allow the healing system to take root and flourish.

At the heart of this is your Core Self. For most of us, the Core Self went into hiding long ago. When we were young, we automatically shut down feelings or behaviors that were met with disapproval or discomfort from our caregivers. Instead, we learned to present ourselves in ways that would protect us and preserve our relationship with them.  This shaped us: we internalized beliefs about who we were and what to expect from others. As this took hold, our Core Self submerged.

The good news is that brain plasticity allows us to change long-standing entrenched patterns. We also know that the brain lights up for change during experiences - when our core emotions are alive. So experiential therapy gives us an opportunity to rewire our brain and let the wisdom of our innate healing system engage.

So what does this look like in session?

As you share your history or stories from your life, we slow way down and tune into information from the senses: body sensations, gestures, energy, breath, voice, and feelings. These are the gateway to your internal world and your core emotions.  Our core emotions signal to us our needs and act as adaptive guideposts. So the goal is for us to access and feel into those core emotions. We want to make them come alive in the moment because this is what allows the brain to forge new neural pathways. We stay with the wave of the emotion and ride it out. We may work to transform any maladaptive emotions experientially: via parts work, imagery, or utilizing movement. We then put a narrative to the work, to cultivate meaning, and generate integration. This process unfolds in creative ways and provides fertile ground for transformative change. 

Relational

Put simply, we pay attention to our connection as it transpires in the moment.  The relationship between us becomes a primary vehicle for shifting past relational patterns of childhood. My primary goal is to undo unwanted aloneness. I intentionally foster a safe environment by being authentic, transparent, and responsive to you, and to what comes up between us.  You are received with respect, acceptance, and care. This may feel uncomfortable for awhile - it’s often new and different. So we honor what your system tells us; we co-regulate, hold space, and proceed attentively - which allows you to gradually develop trust and a felt sense of safety in our relationship. From this place, you can practice taking risks, allowing your true self to unfold and be received. This process helps you construct an intact sense of self and enriches your capacity to engage in healthy relationships.

Collaborative

My style is warm, genuine, and open - with a touch of humor. My purpose is to truly see you and to be with you where you are. I meet you there and we decide together where to go. You are the expert on you - my job is to stay attuned so we can find our way together.  We rely on a strength based approach and my belief in your innate capacity for wholeness and healing. We enter a respectful balance between me guiding you as the therapist and checking in with you to get tacit agreement as we proceed. I encourage us to be present to what emerges, supporting you gently to reach just beyond the edge of your comfort zone. This allows you to have a new and different experience that promotes growth and invites a corrective emotional response: all the while undoing aloneness, and paving the way for healing. 

If you are curious about embarking on your own journey of self-discovery, give me a call at 503.853.0170, so we can talk about what that might mean for you.

Education

University of California, San Diego, Psychology Major, B.S., 1990

University of Oregon, Counseling Psychology, M.S., 1994

Training

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (https://aedpinstitute.org)

I am a Level III AEDP therapist

Interpersonal Neurobiology:

I have taken workshops and an intensive seminar with Dan Seigel 2007-2009

I have trained with Bonnie Badenoch (Heart of Trauma) in IPNB from 2017-2022

Emotionally Focused Therapy:

• 2006 -- 5 Day EFT Externship Vancouver, BC

• 2010 -- EFT-Couples Training - Jamie Levin Edwards, Portland

• 2011 -- Advanced Seminar EFT-Couples - Les Greenberg, Portland

• 2013 -- EFT-Individual Training - Charles & Jamie Edwards, Portland

• 2011-2016 -- EFT group consultation with Jamie Levin Edwards

Mindful Self Compassion:

• 2015 -- 2 Day MSC Workshop - Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, Portland

• 2016 -- 5 Day MSC Intensive Training - Kirstin Neff and Christopher Germer, Sedona, AZ

Shame and Vulnerability:

• 2015 -- 3 Day Workshop - Hilary Kinavey facilitated Brene Brown's Daring Greatly program, Portland

• 2015 -- Online workshop with Brene Brown

Understanding Shame:

• 2014 -- 2 Day Workshop - Bret Lyons and Sheila Sommers, Portland