Frequently Asked Questions

What is depth psychotherapy and how is it different from other types of therapy?

Depth psychotherapy is an approach rooted in psychodynamic and relational traditions, drawing on the work of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and others who understood the psyche as layered, symbolic, and meaning-making. Rather than focusing primarily on symptom reduction or behavioral change, depth therapy explores the unconscious patterns, dreams, and inner dynamics that shape how we experience ourselves and our lives. It is a longer-term, relational process that aims not just to help you cope, but to help you understand yourself more fully and live with greater authenticity and wholeness.

What issues do you specialize in?

I work with adolescents and adults navigating a wide range of life experiences, including anxiety, depression, burnout, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, identity shifts, and feeling stuck or disconnected. I also have specialized training in supporting people through transformational processes and crisis periods, including what some traditions call spiritual emergence. My approach is particularly well suited for people who feel that something deeper is going on and who are looking for therapy that will meet them there.

What is your therapy approach?

My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and depth-oriented. This means our work is collaborative and attuned to the full complexity of who you are, not just the presenting problem. Depending on what emerges, we may work with dreams, active imagination, somatic awareness, sandplay, or symbolic and creative material. I also draw on DBT and mindfulness-based practices when skills and resourcing are helpful. Every process is shaped around the individual, because no two people's paths to healing look the same.

Do you offer dreamwork in therapy?

Yes. Dreamwork is one of the core tools I use in depth psychotherapy. Dreams offer a direct window into the unconscious, bringing forward emotional truths, unresolved conflicts, and archetypal energies that are often difficult to access through talking alone. Working with dreams in therapy can illuminate patterns, open unexpected directions, and reconnect people with a sense of meaning and aliveness. If you are drawn to dreamwork and have not found a therapist in Portland who works this way, I would be glad to talk with you about what this might look like.

Do you offer sandplay or sandtray therapy?

Yes. Sandplay is a nonverbal, symbolic approach that uses miniatures and sand to externalise the inner world. It is especially useful for people who find it difficult to access emotions through talk alone, and for those who feel creatively blocked or disconnected from their own inner experience. Sandplay is effective for children, adolescents, and adults, and can open doors that traditional talk therapy sometimes cannot.

Do you work with adolescents?

Yes. I work with teenagers and emerging adults, as well as the adults in their lives when appropriate. Adolescence is one of the most significant periods of identity formation, and having a trusted, unbiased space outside of the family can be enormously valuable during this time. My approach with young people is relational and non-pathologizing, honoring their unique experience and inner world.

Where is your office located?

I am located at Portland Therapy Center, 1318 NW 20th Ave., Portland, OR 97209, in the Northwest District. I work primarily in person. If you have questions about telehealth, please reach out and we can discuss what makes sense for your situation.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I am currently in network with Regence BCBS, United Behavioral Health, Moda, First Choice, Providence, and Cigna. I bill insurance as a courtesy, because I want to make therapy as accessible as possible.

That said, being in network with an insurance company does not guarantee that every plan under that provider includes me as a covered therapist. Before our first session, I will seek to verify that your policy is active and, when possible, confirm details like your deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. However, what I am able to see is limited and is not a guarantee of payment. For this reason, I ask that you call your insurance company directly to verify your coverage with me as a provider prior to starting services.

If you are covered by more than one insurance plan, please let me know. You may need to contact both companies to request a coordination of benefits.

If I am out of network for your plan, you may still be able to receive reimbursement through a superbill. Contact your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network benefits and whether a superbill is an option for your plan.

If you prefer to pay out of pocket, please reach out through the contact form or give me a call to discuss fees. I do have a limited number of sliding scale spots that may be available.

How do I know if depth therapy is right for me?

Depth therapy tends to be a good fit for people who sense that something deeper is at play in their struggles, who are curious about their inner life, and who are willing to engage in a sustained, relational process over time. It is not the fastest path to feeling better, but it is often the most lasting. If you are looking for a therapist in Portland who will take your inner life seriously and go the distance with you, I would encourage you to reach out for a consultation.

How do I get started?

The first step is a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is a chance for you to ask questions, share a little about what is bringing you to therapy, and get a sense of whether we might be a good fit. From there, we can schedule an initial session. You can reach me through the contact page on this site, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.