My Approach to Helping
Do you wish you had a life free of pain and violence?
Are you tired of hoping that your partner will change?
Do you struggle with fear of rejection and insecurities?
Do you feel lonely inside your marriage?
Are you tired of pleasing everyone?
Are you lying awake at night worrying about your ever increasing weight?
Do you suspect there is something behind your overeating?
You deserve the kind of life you dreamed about. It is never too late to change. Please contact me today to talk about the things that are hurting you or holding you back. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, or even better, come to my office and we can have a 15-minute face to face talk. .A strong connection with your counselor is very important on your journey to healing, so I understand if you want to make sure that you and I are a good fit.
I work with individuals, couples, and families and I am trained to meet the unique needs of clients who are survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, as well as those who struggle with relationships, addiction, trauma, abuse, mood disorders, eating disorders, culture shock, and domestic violence. Let me help you to improve your quality of living, by inviting change and joy into your life. I use kindness, empathy, and humor to create a safe space where clients can heal.
More Info About My Practice
Are you interested in groups instead?
We offer the following MORNING AND EVENING GROUPS at our location in downtown Beaverton:
Parents or Caregivers of Children With Mental Disorders
There is not a lot of support out there for parents of children with mental health disorders. Families who have sick children usually receive support from the community, but in the case of a mental disorder, people shy away. It is mostly due to a great deal of ignorance in our society regarding the brain and it’s diseases, so these families are left with only a handful of support people if they’re lucky. Come talk candidly with other parents who faced similar challenges. You will find NO judgment, just a deep empathy, and understanding of the toll mental disorders can take on the whole family.
Survivors of Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic or intimate partner violence consists of a never-ending cycle of verbal, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse, alternated by times of short-lived calm or peace. It is not easy to accept that the person you love may never stop hurting you, regardless of the promises heshe is making. It is even harder to leave, especially if you have nobody to support you. You will receive information, support, and resources in this group. Come to find out what you can do to break free from the cycle of abuse. If you are in danger call 911 or the Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 503-469-8620. You can also find FREE services resources at the DVRC: 503-640-5352
Parents and Caregivers of LGBTQ Children
It is difficult for some parents to cope with the news that their child has a different sexuality or orientation than theirs. As a result, many families are torn apart and children are deeply wounded. Families of faith-based backgrounds find this transition especially difficult and painful. Please know that you are not alone. Come to get some information and talk with other parents who walked the same road as you. It is possible to maintain or even deepen the relationship with your LGBTQ child.
Healthy Boundaries in All Relationships
Do you often try to help or save others? Are you often drawn into their drama or problems? Maybe you find it difficult to say no, or feel guilty when you do? You are not alone, this is a big problem for many people. In this group you will learn what healthy boundaries look like. You will also practice how to be assertive, stand up for yourself, say no, and teach others to respect your boundaries.
Love Addiction & Fear Of Rejection
Do you feel that you are nothing, or simply cannot survive, without your partner? You may be staying with an abusive partner because you can not bear to be alone. You may even be in a happy relationship but live in constant dread that you may lose the affection or company of your partner. You are not alone. Many people live under the fear of not wanting to be alone, so they settle.. They will do anything to please and appease their partners. What they perceive to be love is really a deep-seated fear of rejection.
Food Addiction & Eating Disorders
Are you struggling with food addiction, binge eating disorder, or compulsive overeating? This group will help you understand what you are dealing with in a holistic way, not focusing exclusively on weight loss. You are not alone. Find out more about food addiction and other eating disorders, and also meet other people who are dealing with the same issues. Come take a look at various treatment options and plans, as well as statistics and interesting case studies related to food addiction and eating disorders.
IMPORTANT: All groups are facilitated by Heleen Woest, a qualified mental health professional. Everyone is welcome to register regardless of gender, age, sexuality, disability, faith, race, ethnicity, or culture. However, groups may not be a safe or appropriate method of treatment for certain individuals. The group counselor reserves the right to present such individuals with other options of treatment.
ALL GROUPS RUN FOR 8 WEEKS DURING FALL AND SPRING. WE HAVE GROUPS IN THE MORNING AND EVENING.
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR GROUPS at https:lifesolutions.iogroups
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Domestic Violence
Trauma and Abuse
Addiction
Food Addiction
Eating Disorders
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.