My Approach to Helping

I help clients who are suffering from anxiety, depression or trauma, going through a difficult transition, struggling in relationship, or looking to reconnect with meaning. I specialize in working with highly sensitive, creative, and spiritually oriented people.

Here's some reviews I've received from former clients on Yelp:

"Before seeing Lee, I had tried a number of different approaches to therapy--none of which were particularly helpful. Looking for a different direction, I found Lee by accident on the internet. His website was insightful and made me curious about this therapeutic approach. I sent an inquiry about the trauma I had recently experienced and within a day received a very thorough and thoughtful reply. I scheduled an appointment shortly thereafter.

I walked away from every appointment with some new awakening or self-revelation. I kept a journal in my car so I could write down as much as I could after every session. Having never meditated prior to this, I found it to be a very insightful way to feel things that were otherwise locked away. Lee has a unique talent to offer the therapy world. I walked in apprehensive that a meditative approach could actually work. Now I actively tell others about my experiences.

I pick up my journal a lot and read back on the things I learned and I feel forever grateful for the experiences Lee introduced me to, the encouragement he offered, and compassion he had towards all my experiences. Non-judgmental, patient, understanding, and open-minded. A truly great human-being and even better therapist."

-Former client, Portland, OR

"Lee saw me through a failing marraige and helped me to find sound footing post-divorce. Lee's therapeutic approach is different than I have experience in the past. He provided a safe environment to navigate my own path while offering supportive re-direction and tools to create the present and future that I desired. I am most grateful for his gentle yet effective approach through non-violent communication practices which encourage self love and personal growth. I would highly recommend Lee to anyone looking for support and the opportunity for growth in a wide variety of life's challenges." -Former client, Happy Valley, OR

Other appreciations from clients:

"Thank you so much for all your guidance... You have helped me listen to the most important voice of all, my Self."

"...it was your kindness that has made an infinite difference in my life and has allowed me not only to return to my industry... in a position of leadership, but to also begin to like myself and see the possibility of things I didn't see as possible before. Lee, thank you."

"I've come a long way from where I was when I began meeting with you. I'm a lot more comfortable with who I am now...less willing to put up with bad treatment from anyone..."

"I appreciate that you're willing to offer homework and things to try, instead of just listening all the time and not having much of a response... "

"You truly were a blessing during my time of need."

I offer a free 30 min. consultation, so you can meet me in person, talk about the life challenges your experiencing, and get an experience of how therapy can help. If you'd like to meet, please give me a call and leave a message letting me know some days/times you're available. If you'd like to learn more about my practice first, please visit my website.

More Info About My Practice

I am an Oregon licensed professional counselor, with a masters degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy.I employ the following approaches in my work: Somatic (Body Awareness) Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapy, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Jungian psychology. I am also a certified meditation instructor and Buddhist teacher.

As a Contemplative Psychotherapist I believe that:

-Even when you are experiencing distressing symptoms, you remain fundamentally sane and are always the best expert on your own experience.

-A therapeutic relationship characterized by: unconditional acceptance, respect appreciation, empathy, curiosity and honesty can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth.

--Psychotherapy should be about caring for and honoring yourself, not fixing yourself.

As human beings, we are simultaneously biological, social/emotional, intellectual, and spiritual beings. All of these dimensions of our experience are genuine and deserve attention and care.

-There is no one version of mental health which individuals need to find or conform to. My most important job as a therapist is to be a mirror in which you can appreciate the unique, deeply valuable person you are.

I am friendly to people of all faiths, sexual and gender orientations, and racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. My fee is $105 per hr session. If you would like to come to therapy weekly on a regular basis, and your financial means are limited, I may be able to offer you a flexible fee.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Bipolar, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, childhood trauma, relational trauma, major life transitions, dark nights of the soul, divorce, midlife transitions, loss, anger, spiritual issues, highly sensitive people, creativity, dreamwork and shadow work, Buddhism and meditation practice, issues around spiritual community, independent spiritual growth

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Here's a little bit about how psychotherapy can help you work with some major life challenges:

Navigating a major loss or transition

Have you ever felt as if the ground was giving way under your feet? Major losses and life transitions can feel painful, disorienting and overwhelming. It's important that you give yourself time to grieve the old life that?s dissolving, adjust to the new realities you're facing, and decide what you really want as you move forward. I can provide you with support and guidance in this process.

Healing from trauma

Trauma causes fragmentation in the psyche. It can leave you feeling confused, isolated, overwhelmed, and cut off from your felt experience and other important parts of yourself. Healing trauma involves:
Reestablishing a coherent, positive sense of self; Reestablishing bonds of trust with other people; Reconnecting with your body and feelings; Reestablishing a coherent sense of your past, present & future.
When the trauma you experienced happened in relationship, learning to trust again can be difficult. But it IS possible to trust, to mend, and to feel whole again. I can help, no matter where you are in the process.