Mission
Life Encounter Counseling Services intends to foster a helpful
and encouraging environment for personal growth through a measured
and safe encounter with the realities of life.
My view of counseling considers the client(s) innate tendency to
desire to thrive and live life well. Therefore I focus on helping
the client(s) realize their strengths as they process the context/content
of life that they are struggling with. I believe that change occurs
within the context of the therapeutic relationship through increased
awareness and acceptance of cognitive, emotional and spiritual conflicts
and realities. I see myself as a mirror that reflects the beliefs
and attitudes of the client(s) appropriately for the client(s) to
see and take in. The therapist client(s) relationship is key to
healing. I seek to encourage the client. I view the client(s) as
equal to myself and consider it an honor to be with them in the
midst of their stress. Furthermore, because of the professional
nature of therapeutic relationships if I were to see a client(s)
outside of therapy, such as at a mall or grocery store, I would
not initiate conversation nor would I expect the client to do so.
This is only out of respect for the ethical bond of confidentiality
that exists professionally for the clients’ safety.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon.
I hold a bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Biblical Theology and
Education (Multnomah Bible College) and a Master’s Degree
(M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy (George Fox University). Major
areas of course work include in-depth study of all books of the
Bible including both biblical and systematic theologies as well
as educational theories and practices and other various philosophies.
Other Major areas of course work include psychological theory, mood
and anxiety disorders, developmental psychology, grief, divorce
recovery, depression, parenting, play therapy, sex therapy, group
therapy, individual psychology, relational psychology, family psychology,
and psychopharmacology.
I work out of a satellite office on the east side on Mondays at
Montavilla Baptist Church (many thanks to their gracious heart) the
rest of my time is spent at my own office in Lake Oswego Tuesday through
Thursday (directions on the contacts page). In all of this I am passionate
to help folk encounter their perceived beliefs by the way they use their
beliefs in everyday life simply to live. I believe that the vulnerability
people experience at the core of who they are is truly a matter of spiritual,
emotional, physical and perceptual integration. There truly is a designed
wholeness to who we are!
Payment for Services: $100 per session I do accept all major credit
cards. However, I do offer a cash discount of $5 thereby moving the
fee to $95 per session. The sliding scale reflects only cash discount as
if the client were going to pay by cash. To answer: "what's considered cash?"
It is simply check or cash. All fees will be payable at the
beginning of each session. No exceptions unless they are agreed upon in advance.
A 24 hour notice must be given for cancellation of any appointment
made, otherwise the client will be responsible for payment in full.
In case of emergencies or illness exceptions can be made. Although
I am rarely available for crisis counseling; if the occaision presents itself
in which I am able and called upon to intervene in crisis with you, the cost is
$160 per hour which will be billed by the minute. Thereby
60 minutes will equal $160(assuming cash discount). If a client’s payment by check is returned
due to insufficient funds, the client will be charged for all NSF charges and
penalty fees. Clients may be asked to undergo testing. The cost of the assessment
will be discussed ahead of time. I administer some tests and other testing
may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
About Me
I grew up in the Southern Oregon town of Medford.
My dad a truck driver for the county and my mom a homemaker I still
feel a connection to what appeared to be simple life as I grew up.
Looking back I can see my mom and dad struggling to pay the bills
sometimes with my mom babysitting as much as she could and my dad
taking overtime when he could simply because they both wanted the
best for my younger brother and I. I look up to my parents now as
I see that life back then was not simple as it never is; and I admire
them for their success. My mom now has her master’s degree
in teaching and my dad is staring down retirement. My brother is
married and in the Air Force moving quickly through ranks and he
and his wife recently had their first baby.
I have always been one of those folks who is analytical
and concerned for how my friends were “really” doing
as I grew up and that seed has obviously grown to my vocational
life. I truly have felt a “call” into this profession.
Before a directional shift to counseling did occur I was working
as a college pastor and children’s education director during
which I learned that my passion to help people was real and significant.
It was at this point that I encountered the reality that unless
I worked more formally with the natural gifts that God had given
me I might not ever experience what I believed to be the deeper
part of people. I found myself still analytical and wondering about
the “why’s” of people’s behavior and wondering
too that if I did know the “why” what would
I do about it? I became enthralled with immersing myself in understanding
the cavernous aspects of us and then understanding how I could help.
I am passionate about helping people…Well, you’ve read
about me, give me a call I would be truly honored be with you during
any aspect of your journey through. We were designed on purpose
to NOT be alone in the tough times that is why we struggle when
we are inside ourselves by ourselves.
One thing you need to know about me too is that I
do NOT proselytize. Your religious beliefs are your beliefs. It
is of absolute importance that you and I have a truly authentic
relational experience together, which means that although I may
challenge you I will not judge you.
