I have been a psychotherapist for over twenty years, and for fifteen of those, I’ve worked exclusively with mothers..

My early career focused on child psychology, providing play therapy for children who’d experienced early-life traumas. I researched the mother-infant dyad at Oregon Health Sciences University. Then, in the field, I worked in several community mental health settings and had the opportunity to serve a diverse set of people experiencing chronic mental health challenges.

Throughout these experiences, though, I was always surprised to find that mental health support specifically for mothers was limited, and that most of the resources available viewed motherhood through a pediatric lens. So I began to study more about the nuanced care needed in maternal mental health, found some wonderful experts to consult with, and opened a private practice serving mothers. The very specific mental health support needed during motherhood has been my professional focus ever since. 

Along the way, I’ve organized and facilitated support groups for pregnant and postpartum people. The groups thrived, and I learned that community and connection is also a vital part of mental health and childrearing.

Of course, my own experience raising five children has greatly influenced my orientation as a psychotherapist. The ups, downs, and sideways of parenting have been humbling, joyous, and full of change and growth. I am also a widow, and understand the challenges of working through grief and continuing to parent when one parent is gone.

As a therapist, my style is warm, welcoming, and curious. I won’t give you worksheets to fix yourself, or tell you that the emotions of parenting can be completely hacked with a technique. But I will support you, listen, and share resources and wisdom from vetted research, as well as life experience.

I fully believe you are the best person to raise your child. Sometimes support along the way can make all the difference.

I welcome you and your story, wherever you find yourself right now.