About Me

I began as a medical social worker at Kaiser Permanente's Los Angeles Medical Center in 1992, with assignments in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Ambulatory Surgery, and Infectious Disease. I worked for 10 years on the Behavioral Health Helpline, a telephonic mental health crisis support service available to Kaiser Permanente members and their families. In 2009 I returned to my home state of Oregon to work at the Skyline Mental Health Clinic in Salem.

About my practice

I believe we are all here on Earth to learn and grow, but sometimes this process can involve challenging lessons. All people have the innate capacity to heal themselves. As a partner in the healing process, I like to help members identify and work with their strengths. Sometimes people decide to make changes in the way they relate to themselves and others, and sometimes they choose just to accept themselves as they are. Good mental health therapy can be supportive of either approach. My particular areas of interest are trauma resolution, energy psychology, complementary medicine, and healthy aging.

How I thrive

I live well when I take good care of my body and my energy systems. I do this by stretching, moving, drinking plenty of water, eating my fruit and vegetables, getting good sleep, laughing with friends, working in the garden, keeping bees, and enjoying nature and wildlife around my little farm. I have a fierce little Jack Russell Terrier who loves to run, chase, and play, and who also knows when it's time to settle down for a long nap in the sun. She's a live-in coach who helps me remember the importance of radiance, enthusiasm, and delight in everyday life.