My Approach to Helping
NOTE: LISA IS CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
I want to help you feel better. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or painful relationships, I bring a deep commitment to helping you find new ways of moving forward in your life with greater awareness, compassion, and connectedness. My approach is influenced by a belief that conscious and healthy choices are developed partially through the perspective gained from deep awareness. While cognitive understanding of the causes of suffering is useful, opportunities for change increase with expanded awareness. This includes learning how your body holds subconscious material that contributes to troublesome beliefs and actions. Once subconscious material is uncovered we work together to develop new ways of responding, helping you and your relationships to feel more secure and invigorated.
I am at ease working with people whose lives have been strengthened and challenged by a broad range of factors including cultural, spiritual, political, and socioeconomic influences, intergenerational mental illness or family strife, and people with difficulties unique to gender and sexual minorities.
More Info About My Practice
I've been in private practice since 2009. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) registered with the state of Oregon.
I am not on any insurance panels, but can provide statements which you may be able to submit for reimbursement if your insurance covers out-of network providers. My fee is $120 for a 50-minute session. I offer a discount if you do not use my book keeping services and have a small number of openings at a reduced fee for people paying out of pocket.
Because the way I work intentionally leans into our therapeutic relationship to facilitate change, I encourage you to take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation session to help you decide if we are a good fit.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
My professional experiences have taken me on a circuitous route to becoming a therapist. My career began as an artist and Professor at Oregon College of Art & Craft where I taught for 10 years. Then, in 2000 I went to work as an apparel Colorist for Nike, Inc. Eventually, I realized I needed to re-engage with people in a meaning-making capacity and returned to school for my Masters degree in Counseling in 2006.
In addition to my professional journey I have learned a great deal from the challenges and joys of being in a 20+ year relationship. While the marriage has ended, our relationship continues as a warm, parenting partnership focused on supporting the interests of our college aged daughter. When I'm not working I like spending time with our gardening, hiking, cross-country skiing, making things with my hands, and traveling.
Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work
I am energized and inspired by the therapeutic models of Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Complex Integration of Multiple Brain Systems Therapy (CIMBS) and happily pursue advanced training in both. I participate in other complimentary trainings that incorporate the latest findings in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and the mindful, experiential approaches taught at the M.E.T.A. training center in Portland, Oregon.
