Taking the first step towards therapy can be daunting. I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of emotional and relational challenges. I’m also the only Certified Gottman Therapist in the Eugene/Springfield area, and one of only a dozen in the entire state.
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Are You Currently Accepting New Clients?
Yes, I am currently accepting new clients for therapy appointments.
My practice is open to both individuals and couples who are 18 years and older. I’m committed to providing a supportive and transformative space for all my clients, helping them navigate their unique journeys with empathy and expertise.
Do You Provide In-Person Appointments?
Yes, I have an office at 2440 Willamette Street in Eugene, Oregon.
In-person therapy sessions offer distinct benefits. They foster a unique therapeutic dynamic through physical presence, enhancing connection and understanding. Face-to-face interactions allow for more nuanced communication, particularly through non-verbal cues. In an era where virtual sessions are common, providing in-person therapy addresses the diverse preferences of clients who may not feel as comfortable or engaged online. Offering this option is a crucial part of my commitment to meet the varied needs of all clients.
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for in-person sessions, I strictly adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols, including HEPA filtration and fresh air.
Do You Offer Virtual Appointments?
Yes, I can meet with you via telehealth (Zoom).
Telehealth (virtual) sessions offer the same level of effectiveness as in-person consultations. These sessions have been a preferred choice for many of my clients, both locally and from various locations across the globe. This option caters to a diverse range of needs, offering convenience, time-saving benefits, and the flexibility to accommodate different schedules and locations. Whether you’re nearby or in a different time zone, my virtual appointments ensure that quality therapy is accessible to you.
Can My Partner and I Be in Different Locations for Telehealth?
Yes, telehealth allows you and your partner to be in different physical places during your appointment.
Yes! Thanks to the advancements in telehealth technology, it’s entirely possible and effective for you and your partner to attend couples therapy sessions from different locations. This flexibility ensures that both of you can participate in the sessions, regardless of your physical whereabouts, making therapy more accessible and convenient for your unique circumstances.
What Are Your Qualifications and Experience?
I’m a Gottman Certified Therapist with over 20 years of experience.
My background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker includes working extensively with relationship issues for both individuals and couples. This includes couples in marital or relationship distress, those dealing with recovery from emotional and verbal abuse, and those struggling with dysfunctional family dynamics.
Do You Accept Insurance?
I accept PacificSource Health Plans and provide reimbursement statements for all other insurances.
While the majority of my clients are private pay, I am an in-network and a “Preferred Provider” for PacificSource Health Plans (commercial). For all other insurance plans, I can provide a specialized billing statement that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement using your out-of-network benefits.
Please note that insurance generally does not cover couples therapy. I’m happy to provide a statement for you to submit to your insurance to see if this cost can be offset.
What Therapeutic Approaches Do You Use?
I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors. It’s like a toolkit for changing negative thought patterns to improve your mood and actions. CBT is practical and solution-focused, making it effective for a wide range of issues.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy: This method is specially designed for couples. It’s like a relationship roadmap, focusing on improving communication, building trust, and deepening intimacy. Based on extensive research, this therapy helps couples understand each other better and grow together.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Imagine your mind as a family, with different parts that sometimes conflict. IFS helps you get to know these parts, understand their roles, and learn how to manage them better. This method is great for finding harmony within yourself and addressing internal struggles.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
On average, clients attend therapy for about 8-12 sessions.
The duration of therapy varies as it is highly personalized to each individual’s or couple’s unique challenges and goals. My approach is focused on facilitating meaningful progress efficiently and effectively. However, the length can vary: some may find that a shorter period meets their needs, while others might benefit from a longer duration, especially in more complex situations.
What Can I Expect in the First Session?
This is where we make sure that we’re a good fit for each other.
The initial evaluation session is a crucial first step to help tailor an approach to provide the most impactful and meaningful support for you and your situation. Together, we’ll explore your goals, background, and what you hope to achieve through therapy, setting the stage for our work together. I prioritize creating a comfortable and safe environment from the start, ensuring you feel at ease to share and engage in the therapy process.
What Services Do You Offer?
Individual Therapy
Embark on a journey to become your ‘Best Self’ with sessions designed for personal growth and self-discovery. Leveraging Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we will work together to develop new skills and overcome obstacles that may be hindering your progress. This is more than therapy; it’s a unique opportunity to deeply explore and understand your inner world, leading to meaningful and lasting change.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, based on over 50 years of research is designed to help couples improve their relationships. Here are some key points that make the Gottman Method different from other couples therapy approaches:
- Research-Based Approach: The Gottman Method is grounded in extensive research on what makes relationships succeed or fail. This means the techniques and principles used are not just theories but are supported by empirical data.
- Focus on Communication: One of the core aspects of the Gottman Method is enhancing communication between partners. The therapy aims to teach couples how to effectively express their needs and listen to each other, which is crucial for a healthy relationship.
- Conflict Management: The Gottman Method provides strategies for managing conflict in a constructive manner. Rather than avoiding disagreements, couples learn how to navigate them in a way that strengthens their relationship.
- Building Connection: This approach also emphasizes building intimacy and connection. It involves exercises and discussions that help reignite friendship and deepen the emotional bond between partners.
- Comprehensive Assessment: The process typically starts with a thorough assessment of the relationship to tailor the therapy to the specific needs of the couple.
- Professional Training:
What is a Gottman Certified Therapist?
Working with a Gottman Certified Therapist means engaging with a professional who is not only trained in general therapy skills but also has specific expertise in a method proven to enhance and repair relationships. Gottman Certified Therapists have undergone extensive training and certification process. This ensures they are well-equipped to apply the Gottman principles effectively in therapy.
Currently, I am one of eleven Gottman Certified Therapists in Oregon, and the only Gottman Certified Therapist in Eugene.
What is the Difference Between Therapy and Life Coaching?
The feedback I’ve received from my clients is that, by far, they prefer coaching over therapy. As a result, I offer both.
The big difference between therapy and coaching is in how we approach problems. In therapy, we might deal with a fear of being judged by others by examining what led you to that point, discussing your underlying hidden feelings and attempt to change how you view this fear. With coaching, we would tackle the fear of being judged by looking at how your fear of being judged is impacting your life, identifying what meaningful change would look actually like, and developing specific strategies to tackle and overcome this fear.