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.