I became a counselor after a varied career path that always led back to a concern for people and their problems. Probably the best preparation for being a therapist was being a newspaper reporter and magazine writer. I learned to ask questions, listen, and try to figure out what was behind the answers. I also learned how to be with people when they are in crisis, and understand the vital importance of providing confidentiality.

In 1991, I decided to do pursue helping individuals more personally and enrolled in Lewis & Clark’s Masters in Counseling Psychology program.  Graduating in 1993, I worked for a dozen years in community behavioral health care, working with people who had been through trauma, and those struggling with anxiety, depression and substance abuse. I rose to a director level position, developing the largest non-academic clinical training program in the region. In May 2000 I earned certification as an addictions professional.

In 2005, I went to work for Portland DBT, helping people with overwhelming emotions, problematic impulsivity, and self destructive behaviors. At various times I was in charge of training, managed the substance abuse program and later the trauma program.

In 2015, I joined Pacific Premier Group, a multidisciplinary group of clinicians with a national practice and a strong dual diagnosis focus.

I am also licensed as a mental health counselor in New York, and have a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.