ABOUT ME

Healing Grove Counseling, LLC began with a belief that people have strength to endure the challenges life brings, especially within the context of supportive relationships. Tree groves have amazing protective factors; with a single root system connecting them they can withstand storms, fires and hold one another up. I believe people are similar in that we can function as stronger individuals when supported by those in our families and communities. Trees also inspire my work around trauma healing. The Giant Sequoia (which also grows in groves!) has a small cone that needs a forest fire to open and release the seeds, which then grow from the burnt bare soil. In the same way, there is hope for people to experience life-giving posttraumatic growth.  

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in the state of Oregon and Massachusetts (LICSW). My style is attachment-focused, collaborative and compassionate, with a sense of humor and creativity. My work history entails over a decade of clinical practice with children/youth, adults and families. In addition, I have worked with the foster care system and in community mental health. I am certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based treatment for trauma, as well as, certified in foster and adoptive family therapy. I have additional training in internal family systems, sensorimotor psychotherapy, sand tray therapy, and collaborative problem solving.

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I have experience working with people on different paths of life and with various struggles (and specialize in those marked with an *), including but not limited to:

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• PTSD or childhood traumatic stress*

• Foster care/adoption*

• Attachment injuries*

• Physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence*

• Generalized anxiety*

• Parenting skills, family roles/boundaries*

• Communication struggles*

• Grief and loss*

• Depression

• ADHD

• Chronic illness

• Social anxiety

• Stress management

• Gender identity exploration

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My office is located in the Hollywood district in Portland, OR where I can meet in person Mondays and Wednesdays. The office is on the 3rd floor of the building accessible by stairs. Lena, my therapy dog, is also usually at the office to provide support. Telehealth is also an option on Tuesdays and Thursdays if this works better for your schedule and for accessibility.