Empower Counseling, PLLC
Individual Counseling Services
Empower Counseling, PLLC
Individual Counseling Services
Welcome
All are welcome here! Allow Empower Counseling to support you through life's challenges!
I will create a safe therapeutic environment for you, free of judgement. Somewhere you can be heard, feel understood and we will work together towards your positive growth. I will be transparent and authentic in working with you and I approach counseling from a client-driven and strengths-based perspective. I believe that every person is a unique individual with different experiences, values and goals. As your counselor, I will advocate for you and we will use a collaborative approach in order to reach your therapeutic goals based on your individual needs. You will learn and practice practical tools to enhance your life that you can continue to utilize on your own to decrease and manage your symptoms.
This is your therapy, your time and your life. You are the expert on yourself!
Services & Specialties
My Approach
I have an eclectic approach to therapy, infusing elements of Trauma Informed Care, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
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Using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach incorporates psychoeducation, bibliotherapy and learning skills to interrupt the interconnected patterns of maladaptive thoughts, feelings & behaviors. Exploring and processing where these stem from is also integrated.
Mindfulness and Acceptance based approaches to counseling are also effective. I infuse these elements into my practice, including relaxation training, breathing exercises, visualization, and accepting or acknowledging the difficult aspects of our lives without judgement. With Mindfulness you can learn to pay attention to your experience with acceptance/acknowledgement and non-judgement.
I also use a Trauma Informed Care approach by understanding the impact of your traumatic experiences, providing psychological safety and helping you to rebuild a sense of control. With support and empowerment, I can help you shift from a victim to a survivor stance and together we will improve your symptoms in a way that is not re-traumatizing.
My Expertise
Working with individuals experiencing different types of anxiety (social, generalized, situational, etc.) is my specialty. I am also experienced in supporting individuals recovering from trauma, supporting people with ADHD, helping people build self-esteem, creating healthy boundaries, and cope with stress and life transitions.
I really enjoy working with and empowering women. Women face many unique challenges in a patriarchal society and our experiences in this world are colored by our culture and our roles.
Whether dealing with general life stressors, discrimination, women's rights, balancing work/home life, parenting, divorce/uncoupling, navigating relationships, etc.
I believe a feminist and equality lens is beneficial for everyone.
I have expertise in supporting individuals whose partners are exhibiting manipulative and controlling behaviors. I have extensive history in supporting survivors of abusive relationships and domestic violence including financial, verbal, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
With 18 years of experience in the counseling field, I have had the opportunity to work in mental health crisis centers, outreach programs, domestic violence programs, residential treatment facilities, psychiatric hospital settings, private practice, etc.
Qualifications
- Years in Practice: 18 Years
- Education: Pacific University, Oregon;
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon (LPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington (LMHC)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCI)