FAQs

What is your training?

I received my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University. My coursework covered various counseling topics with a focus on trauma. I completed a certificate program for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children. I have had additional clinical training in Collaborative Problem Solving and am working towards my certification for Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). As a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Oregon Board, I participate in continuing education as well as clinical consultation with other professionals in the field.

What is Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a short-term, specialized behavior management treatment that has been shown to reduce children’s disruptive behavior and improve the parent child relationship in children ages 2-7. Parents and children go through a series of sessions with a qualified therapist who helps the parent reinforce positive behaviors in their child while the parent and child are engaged in play.  PCIT works with the child and parent together to improve overall behavior and to reduce parenting stress. 

Goals of PCIT include: 

• Improve the parent-child relationship.

• Improve your child’s minding and listening.

• Increase your child’s ability to manage frustration and anger.

• Increase your child’s appropriate social skills.

• Improve your child’s attention skills.

• Build your child’s self-esteem.

• Build parent’s self-confidence.

What is your experience with children and teens?

My experience with youth started when I was in high school when tutoring and volunteering in youth programs. I continued to work with families and youth as a Behavioral Support Specialist at a nonprofit providing mentoring for youth with mental health needs as well as working with foster children and their families. My current focus is working with children ages 2-12 years and their caregivers.

What ages do you work with?

I have experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults as well as providing parent coaching. I am currently pursuing a focus on work with younger children and providing live caregiver coaching and tools to support children in their care.

What can I expect if I come to see you?

My approach to therapy is child/family-centered with continual collaboration between the child, the family, and myself. Throughout the therapeutic process, I utilize play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapies, and Collaborative Problem Solving  to support children and their families to navigate life’s challenges. For younger children, my recommendation is that caregivers be active participants at every appointment. With children under the age of 6 years, I find Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to be extremely beneficial. For teens, sessions involve more talk therapies but can also include interactive activities to aid the therapeutic process.What are therapy appointments like? What will we do?