Overcoming Barriers to Change

Sometimes as we look at ourselves and sort through our deeper experiences, we find that we're struggling with feelings of overwhelm and confusion, distraction or loneliness. We might be discouraged and feel helpless, hopeless, or even in despair about some aspect of our lives. Conflict and confusion about what we want can make it difficult to identify and realize our dreams. A sense of being undermined by world events or not being able to "get it together" can make it hard to take actions that we know are necessary for the well-being of ourselves and those around us.

These ongoing, unresolved internal struggles often feel worse when coupled with transitions common in work and family life: divorce, unemployment, burnout and illness, job and life role changes, reentering the workforce and facing questions about who we are and what we want. When these issues are properly addressed, we're able to brilliantly move forward with our lives. But they often go unattended, which can result in an experience of feeling stuck and unclear about what matters most and how to proceed.

Depression can heighten challenges to learning more about your inner self and acting on that knowledge in a positive way. Individual isolation, social anxiety and negative thinking, more common than you think, serve to box us in, when we all want to feel good about ourselves and the lives we live here in Portland.

I provide short-term as well as ongoing counseling and therapy.  I can help you with personal issues like a lack of clarity or confidence about what you want and who you want to be. We can address mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, burnout, grief and loss and trauma. Other areas of clinical interest are spiritual direction, relationship and women's issues, healing from abuse and regaining a positive sense of self.

If learning disabilities like ADD or ADHD have been hampering your progress, I can help you develop accommodations and strategies for better living, including time management, organization and adding structure to your life.

We begin by identifying what brought you in to see a personal and career counselor at this stage of your life and career. We talk about your goals for our work together and a timeline and budget for reaching them.  I encourage people to begin each session with a check-in to ensure we continue to meet your needs as they change and you progress.

Please call or email me to set up a free phone consultation or schedule your first appointment.