I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to treat trauma disorders and anxiety related to traumatic events. CPT is a modern trauma treatment that evolved out of decades of research on CBT. CPT is a 15-18 week structured treatment approach that helps clarify the connection between our traumatic experiences, our views of ourselves, our views of others, and our active symptoms. 

In keeping with the research protocol of CPT, my goal is to keep you focused on the therapeutic process, help point out the areas where you may be stuck, and challenge you to value and trust yourself enough to do the work. There are assignments between each session to help deepen the insights and understandings that we uncover during the sessions. 

Who is helped by CPT and how does it work?

CPT works well with people who have active symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and/or depression that are related to a traumatic event and have an identifiable memory from that experience that they are able to describe or discuss. This memory forms the basis for the therapeutic work of the treatment sessions. The goal of treatment is to understand the ways that traumatic experiences have created patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are no longer serving your life and to begin to change those patterns. Each session builds on prior sessions and the self-reflection, writing, and homework that is done in between sessions. With that in mind, it is important for clients to begin treatment at a time when they can commit to their appointments and the time for the between-session homework. 

For more information on CPT:

Watch:

What is CPT? (from the VA)

CPT for PTSD (from the VA)

Here. Is. Better. A documentary on veterans and PTSD

Read:

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

Listen:

This American Life: Ten Sessions

My clients want to stop thinking about all their decisions, behaviors, and words so much. They want to stop comparing themselves to others and spending the day overanalyzing every action. Breaking free from the cycle of self-doubt is liberating. You will feel grounded in the decisions you make. Instead of looking for constant reassurance and ruminating about your decisions or past events, you are able to relax and be present with yourself and others. You would be able to own your life, take reasonable risks, and know that your self-worth isn’t up for negotiation. Clients who are most successful achieving this are the ones ready to work and willing to show up over and over again to face fears and find out if the safety measures they have in place are actually necessary.

I am energetic, passionate, straightforward, and don’t skirt around issues or avoid addressing what’s needed. Most of my clients are skilled at talking about their problems but need help thinking about their problems differently. Years of crisis work have made me comfortable with holding you accountable to the work. I genuinely want you to feel better. We will find some humor and develop good metaphors along the way as the journey to healing is hard and painful work, but you don’t have to suffer getting there.

Other:

Education:

2002 Master's in Social Work

Portland State University Portland, OR 

Licensure

Oregon License # L4641

Washington License # LW61202409