License #C1392

Introduction

Contact Information

Downtown Portland
1020 SW Taylor Street, Suite 730 Portland, OR 97205 (503) 452-0240 Click here for a map to this location.

E-Mail	24hr Phone
spaks	(503) 452-0240

Education

Highest Degree Earned: MA
Discipline: Counseling Psychology

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

I have worked in a community mental health and
addictions agency as a Dual Diagnosis Specialist
and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group
skills trainer and coach. I also have experience working as a Crisis Intervention Specialist in a
hospital emergency room.

I am a certified graduate of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program, which promotes the use of positive psychology principles to help people find more pleasure, flow and meaning in their lives.

Before becoming a counselor, I spent 16 years in the field of international education as a teacher, advisor, teacher trainer and intercultural trainer. My studies at the Summer Institute of Intercultural Communication have given me expertise in helping people manage transitions to a new culture. In addition to my private practice, I currently work as a college counselor in a multicultural program.

Professional Focus

I work with people who are experiencing problems such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, transition, relationship problems, questions of
identity, sexuality and addiction disorders.
Addictions: I help people who want to explore their alcohol or drug use, and people in recovery who would like aftercare for relapse prevention support.
I support people in recovery who are ready to create a new life for themselves.

Cross-cultural: I work with individuals who are experiencing problems with cultural adaptation, cross-cultural marriages, and feelings of loss of identity. I offer workshops and groups for people from other cultures who want to improve their lives in the U.S.

For people who would like to experience a greater level of flow, meaning and pleasure in their lives, I can incorporate my training in Authentic Happiness coaching, which helps people recognize and use their personal strengths to attain a higher level of life satisfaction and meaning.

Populations Served: Adults, Elders, Gay, Geriatric, Lesbian

Office Settings: Private Practice (solo)

Specialty Training: Graduate, Authentic Happiness Coaching Program
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Usual and Customary Fee: $100 per 50 minute hour.

Please ask about a discount for payment at the time of service (by cash, check or credit card) with no additional paperwork.

Affiliations:

Professional Affiliations / Activities:
Board of Directors, AMHA-Oregon
American Counseling Association



Oregon Mental Health Counseling Association

NAADAC (Addiction Professionals)