About Us

As a therapist I am trained to provide brief, specific, and solution-focused services to individuals, couples, and families. I try to help clients achieve their goals quickly and efficiently. I enjoy getting to know clients individually and want to help clients feel better about themselves and their relationship with others. You can learn more about marriage and family therapy here. Overall, my basic goal is to help my clients feel like therapy was a successful experience.

Quick Facts:

• Fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and Oregon
• License No. 166.000892 (IL) & T1160 (OR)
• AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor
• Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples (http://www.iceeft.com/)
• Experience as visiting faculty at Wheaton College in the Clinical Psychology program (2016) and as full-time faculty at Northern Illinois University in the Specialization of Marriage and Family Therapy program (2012-2015)

I have 28 years experience working with children, families, adults, and couples of most every "variety". My current focus is individuals who have managed to survive all those earlier journeys and now find themselves navigating new territory (retirement, changing work environment, "empty nest", declining health, care giving, grief and new opportunities). My goal is to help you recognize the wisdom, strength and determination you've already developed in order to live your best and most meaningful life in the present.

This work usually involves understanding how lifetime triumphs, "mistakes", losses and traumas have shaped and enhanced who we are in our older years. Appreciating our resilience and nurturing our health, positive connections and potential for lifelong growth help inoculate us from the hazards of ageism, loneliness and depression.

I will listen to you, respect you, and respect your experiences. I will help you find and appreciate those unique treasures hidden within you. We can explore options and possibilities. You will decide how and if you want to use them.

I would be honored to be your therapist and help you and family obtain the support and hope you deserve. I particularly specialize in child and family relationships. Does your child have behavioral, social, or emotional challenges? Does your child not listen, whine and nag, act defiant, tantrum, and have anger or aggression? I’m fluent in the languages of parenthood and childhood. I work with many mothers who desire a caring and safe male role model for their child. I offer play therapies, where children can express thoughts and emotions through the language of playfulness. This type of treatment can help with communication, emotional expression, emotional regulation, problem solving, and processing events, crises, and traumas.

Quick Facts:

• In addition to English, I speak both Spanish and Portuguese.
• Advanced training and certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (pcit.ucdavis.edu).
• Professional member of IAMFC.
• I am currently finishing my Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from Virginia Tech.

I am here to help you get started at Coastal Center for Collaborative Health. I am also here to answer any questions you may have and to help you check in for your appointments. I look forward to meeting you!