My Background, Experience and Philosophy
Though I was born and raised in and near Phoenix, AZ, I have lived in the Pacific NW since 1987.
My experience in the mental health field began at the Oregon State Hospital in 1989 working in the maximum security forensics unit. It was this first experience in the field that exposed me to the stark contrast between the therapeutic and the punitive.
I have since worked with MRDD populations and my most recent clinical experience has been working for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare and the OHSU Behavioral Health Clinic, each with a strong dual-diagnosis orientations. Much of my work has been done in residential settings with adjudicated populations.
My private and clinical outpatient experience has been exceptionally varied to include counseling and case management services for marginalized individuals suffering with mental health and addictions issues, mental health and addictions services for adjudicated groups and individuals, and mental health and addictions services for a broad variety of those choosing to refer themselves to treatment.
I am a Qualified Mental Health Professional, as defined by the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR’s), I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Lewis & Clark College and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling.
Work toward each of these degrees has given me the opportunity to focus on both the therapeutic and research sides of the study of psychology. I believe strongly that a balanced background in each of these areas is critical to the ability to interpret the research that is eventually added to the store of what we’ve come to call evidence-based practices.
I believe that this balance must extend into areas outside of the study of psychology, such as philosophy, religion and spirituality, literature and the sciences. In addition to these, much of my specific academic work has been oriented toward the study of ethics from philosophical, biomedical and religious perspectives. Through this broad base of perspectives I believe that I can help you come to a balanced and flexible approach to those tasks that you have decided to put your time and energy into.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Psychological Association
- Member, American Counseling Association
- Member, Association for Specialists in Group Work
- Member, American Pain Society.
- Member, National Federation of the Blind
Subscriber, Oregon DHS – Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS)
