Explore the darkness. Inside the dark, there is Light.
I help individuals find their own answers from the truth
that lies within.
Every addiction arises from an unconscious refusal to face and move through your own pain. Every addiction starts with pain and ends with pain. Whatever the substance you are addicted to alcohol, food, legal or illegal drugs, or a person, you are using something or somebody to cover up your pain.” – Eckhart Tolle
As an Addictions Specialist serving the greater Portland area, I offer counseling, guidance, and consulting, to individuals in one to one sessions and small groups if appropriate. I also offer consulting to employers and businesses that are concerned about chemical dependency and other forms of addiction in the workplace.
My services are easy to access, confidential, and affordable. I offer evening and weekend appointments and can easily be reached by phone when not in session.
My practice is based on empathy, respect, compassion, and a strong belief in an individual’s capacity for healing. Recovery is a very personal process, and I have found that many clients have needs that are not adequately addressed in traditional group therapy sessions or 12 step meetings. So, I have developed an individualized approach that looks specifically at the needs of each person. We work together to develop a treatment plan that is designed to meet you specific recovery needs. I don’t ask clients to perform tasks or to do work that are not relevant to their individual experience and I do not use a one size fits all approach. My goal is to create a recovery plan that helps a person take full advantage of all the resources available and helps them begin feeling better quickly.
Addiction is a powerful and often misunderstood disease. Many addicts don't seek help because of shame. At times an addict may live in a state of denial about his or her addiction. The inability to recognize the relationship between addictive behavior and its repercussions sets in motion a vicious cycle of relapse, resentment, obliterated memories and successive relapse. Addiction is a disease and left untreated, addiction has the capacity to destroy the emotional, physical and social well being of the addicted individual and their family. Addiction is a disease which may be multigenerational and often leaves a path of destruction affecting the entire family.
It is my goal as a therapist to help guide individuals to a place of comfort so they can live free from the pain and suffering of addiction. In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy and traditional 12 step work, I use a holistic approach which encourages my clients to express themselves in art, writing, music, or other activities that will enrich their lives. I have been privileged to witness great transformations of the soul and spirit through art therapy, and other forms of self-expression. For some people that work might include meditation and kick boxing, for another it might mean painting and yoga. I encourage my clients to explore alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, herbs, diet, twelve step programs, massage, chiropractic, and sometimes medications if appropriate. Sometimes a referral to another practitioner is appropriate for the treatment of depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, or other ailment at the same time a person works on their recovery. Please see the resources page for more info on alternative treatments.