“The way you live today is the way you live your life.”
Tara Brach
Why “Today Counseling” for a name? I connected with this quote from Tara Brach which landed like a hammer the first time I heard it. My life, as I imagined it, existed somewhere in the future, a future when things seemed to have improved financially, physically, mentally; when I envisioned my life, that’s what I thought of, not the present. Tara Brach’s quote sliced into that misconception with surgical precision and made me recognize, “oh wait, this is my life.” Recognizing the present moment is all we actually have allows for greater engagement with important values and leads to a more easeful life. My clinical approach is informed by several types of therapy as well specifically trained protocols. Over the course of my career I’ve recognized that some type of mindfulness practice has an enormously positive effect regardless of the specific modality. Before I say more about the specific therapies I use, I want to share what sessions with me actually look like. The most important part of my job is to create an environment in session that feels collaborative and supports building your trust in me. My approach is conversational; I enjoy letting discussions unfold naturally. One former client said, “therapy with you doesn’t feel like therapy,” which he clarified was a compliment.
I was raised in a small town in Eastern Oregon on the Snake River. I’ve lived in Portland since 1998 and raised my family in North Portland. My kids are grown and out of the house, leaving my wife and our two cats, who dominate about 91% of our lives.
I’m greatly influenced by Carl Rogers, who created Client-centered Therapy which is rooted in the importance of a therapist having “unconditional positive regard” for the client. In my mind, a lack of unconditional positive regard is incongruent with therapeutic alliance. I’ve be trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT). While at times a client and I might do a specific therapy, such as 12 sessions of CPT for trauma or 3 sessions of MI for substance abuse, I use complimentary aspects of all of these modalities in every session.
About Me
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Oregon L10202
Masters of Social Worker
- Portland State University 2017
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure for Primary Care
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression
Services
My rate is $150 per 50 minute session. There is no charge for the initial phone consultation. Payment is due at the time of services. All credit card payments are accepted through a HIPAA-compliant and secure client portal.
I currently do not accept insurance directly, which means that I am considered an “Out of Network” provider for all insurance companies. However, I can provide you with a “superbill” to submit to your insurance provider for receiving “Out of Network” benefits. This does not guarantee reimbursement from your insurance for my services. Please verify with your insurance provider if “Out of Network” benefits are an option.
Please reach out if you’d like to set up a 15 minute phone consultation. There’s no cost for this initial conversation. I’m happy to answer any questions and help determine if we would be a good fit to work together. I try to help connect people with colleagues or resources if I’m not able to provide the services you’re looking for. I look forward to meeting you.
