Counseling
This page of my website is an explanation about the counseling services that I offer. If you have read through the rest of the site, you will understand that the majority of my work is in the area of spiritual direction. However, I am also available for counseling via telehealth videoconferencing for clients who live in Oregon and Washington. I see a limited number of clients in person. It is very important to remember that spiritual direction and counseling are distinct disciplines. I do not combine them together. My clients either come to see me for spiritual direction or for counseling, but not both.
I possess over 30 years of experience as a counselor and this has led me to utilize an eclectic, integrated approach to counseling, emphasizing client strengths. My approach to counseling involves assisting the client to identify goals, develop tools and implement strategies for change. I have worked in a variety of settings, including private practice in the Columbia Gorge since 1994. In addition, I was employed as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator for 18 years. What I learned about myself and the divine by being present with dying patients and their families, continues to inform my current work. My employment positions with children, teens, adults, couples, families and groups has given me the opportunity to teach clients about effective relationships with themselves and others. I specialize in the areas of grief, life transitions, recovery, anxiety, career development, relationship issues, divorce, and working with terminally ill clients and their families.
A master’s degree in spiritual studies enables me to interact with spiritual issues if the client identifies this as a goal. My training allows me to integrate the client’s spiritual or religious beliefs with traditional counseling principles. Some people and professional organizations refer to this as pastoral counseling.
I am currently focusing on adults and couples. I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington.