Menu
Fun Fact: I grew up in the Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona and spent my childhood surrounded by animals – in addition to the frequent visits from local wildlife (javelinas, coyotes, snakes, bobcats, and jackrabbits!), my family served as a foster home for companion parrots in need of rehoming or temporary shelter. At times, we had as many as 15 birds living with us. To this day, I have a soft spot for birds and their intelligence and sensitivity.
Being a human is messy. The weight of life’s challenges and uncertainties can leave us feeling lost, lonely, confused, and overwhelmed. I believe these junctures can actually be life’s richest opportunities – moments when, with support and self-compassion, we can identify what matters most to us and create meaningful shifts in our lives and relationships.
Whatever you are struggling with, I believe dedicating time to better understand yourself is, in itself, an act of healing and transformation. I’m here to weather the storm with you, offering new perspectives, genuine curiosity, and gentle challenges as you take intentional steps toward growth, change, and greater well-being.
What you can expect as my client:
I’ll aim to build with you a relationship of radical acceptance and authenticity – a space where you can bring in every part of yourself, honestly express your emotions, needs, and desires, and generally “think out loud” as we work through what’s troubling you.
I welcome the big feelings (all of them!) as important messengers and a key part of the healing process. You can expect that I’ll really listen – and point out when I notice patterns, themes, or parts of your story that may be getting in the way of living the life you want to be living.
My style is warm and relational, and I strive to lead with curiosity and humility. I am antiracist, LGBTQIA+, poly, and kink-affirming, sex-positive, and body-positive, and I always invite open conversation about how your intersecting identities (and mine) show up in life and in our work together.
Who I am outside of therapy:
When I’m not in the therapy room, I’m often cooking enough to feed a crowd, hosting gatherings with friends, working on a crossword puzzle at a coffee shop, or hanging out with animals (my own, or through my other job as a pet sitter). I’m happiest when I’m in or near water, so in my free time I’m often at the coast, at the river, in a swimming pool, float tank, or bathtub.
How did I become a therapist?
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in a number of roles in veterinary medicine and in the food service industry. I always loved connecting with people through my work, but found myself seeking ways to engage more deeply with life’s big questions and help better the lives of others. I went to therapy for the first time in 2019, and my experience was so positive and impactful that I was called to dedicate myself to a career in mental health. I consider it a great privilege to help people take better care of themselves and each other in a time when our social climate and the stresses of modern life challenge and isolate us.
I am currently working toward a Master’s degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark College. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from Arizona State University.
My education and clinical experience has emphasized an array of therapy approaches for helping those struggling with with depression, anxiety, family-of-origin issues, relationships and attachment, trauma, grief, and life transitions.
Before beginning a career in mental health counseling, I spent almost a decade working in veterinary medicine as a client care advocate and veterinary technician assistant. At the same time, I offered in-home pet care services and worked in a number of food service industry jobs. At the heart of my experiences has always been the desire to build genuine connections and be of compassionate service to others.
I am open to meeting you wherever you are in your process – that said, if you are committed to showing up with an open mind, staying curious about what arises, and can appreciate the role of lightness and humor in therapy, then we’ll work well together! I appreciate when clients are willing to offer honest feedback about what’s working and what isn’t, so we can collaborate and change things up when needed.
I particularly enjoy working with adult individuals and couples on concerns related to relationships and attachment, family-of-origin issues, sexuality & eroticism, life transitions, trauma, grief & loss.
If you are ready to check out available dates and times for a free 15-minute consultation, click the button below.
E: hello@truehearttherapy.com
P: 971-203-2326 F: 971-203-2572
Copyright 2021-2024 by True Heart Therapy