My Professional Training Journey

Foundations in Psychotherapy
Early Training in Psychodynamic Approaches – British Psychotherapy Foundation

My journey into mental health began with an introductory course in psychodynamic therapy at the British Psychotherapy Foundation (2013). This initial exposure sparked my interest in understanding how early experiences shape our present lives. Following this introduction, I underwent personal psychodynamic therapy (2014-2017), which provided invaluable firsthand experience of the therapeutic process and deepened my understanding of unconscious patterns and relationship dynamics.

Master’s Program – Portland State University Clinical Mental Health Counseling

My pursuit of a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Portland State University marked a significant milestone in my professional development. The program provided comprehensive training in evidence-based therapeutic practices, with core modules including Advanced Clinical Diagnosis, Group Counseling Theory, Human Development Across the Lifespan, and Multicultural Counseling.

Through 700+ hours of supervised practicum and internship work, I gained hands-on experience working with diverse populations and presenting concerns. This intensive training emphasized the integration of theory and practice, strengthening my ability to assess mental health conditions and create effective, person-centered treatment plans.

Advanced Training – Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

My training at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy enhanced my therapeutic toolkit with structured, evidence-based approaches. This intensive program taught me to help clients understand the intricate relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Beyond theoretical understanding, I learned to implement practical interventions including thought record monitoring, behavioral experiments, and the development of personalized coping strategies. This approach proves particularly effective when working with anxiety, depression, and other mood-related concerns.

Immersive Training – Seattle Gestalt Program and European Residency

My Gestalt therapy journey combines ongoing training in Seattle with intensive international experience. For three years, I’ve been enrolled in the Seattle Ongoing Gestalt Therapy Training Program, developing a deep understanding of present-moment awareness and experiential therapeutic techniques. In July 2024, I attended the European Summer Residential in Bulgaria, a program that carries the legacy of GATLA (Gestalt Associates Training Los Angeles). This intensive residential training, which became a cornerstone of the founder’s life work, provided immersive experience in Gestalt methodology. As an active member of the Gestalt community, I regularly engage in peer consultation and experiential learning groups, helping clients discover new ways to move through stuck situations and complete past experiences that influence their present life.

Somatic Psychology Training – SPTI-PNW Advanced Studies

Currently, I’m deepening my practice through a four-year program at the Somatic Psychotherapy Training Institute – PNW under Daniel Schiff, PhD. This comprehensive training integrates character-analytic theories, experiential processes, and insights from affective neuroscience. The program has strengthened my understanding that effective therapy must address both verbal and bodily experiences, leading to more integrated and lasting therapeutic outcomes.

Relationship Therapy Training – Imago and Developmental Models

My relationship counseling expertise has been enriched through completing Level 1, 2, and upcoming Level 3 Training in Imago Relationship Therapy with Imago Relationships North America, which I will complete in June 2025. Imago is a brain-wise, attachment-based, and somatically informed therapeutic model that helps couples create deeper connections and repair through structured dialogue. Grounded in the understanding that romantic partnerships unconsciously recreate early relational dynamics for healing, Imago therapy supports couples in moving from reactivity to receptivity, from rupture to repair.

The model offers practical tools such as the Imago Dialogue—a structured process involving mirroring, validation, and empathy—which fosters safety, differentiation, and emotional attunement. Couples learn to co-regulate through intentional presence and mindful communication, rewiring old neural patterns rooted in childhood wounds. The approach is informed by neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and a deep respect for the innate drive toward growth and relational wholeness. Through this lens, I help partners transform conflict into opportunity and cultivate conscious, compassionate relationships.

Through the Queer Relationship Institute, I’ve gained extensive training in the Developmental Model, pioneered by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Pete Pearson. This sophisticated approach recognizes that relationships evolve through distinct developmental stages, each requiring specific skills and understanding. The model emphasizes that differences between partners are not just inevitable but can be catalysts for growth. For LGBTQIA2S+ couples, this framework is particularly valuable as it honors their unique relationship dynamics while providing clear pathways for development. The model explores how couples move through stages of differentiation, practicing, rapprochement, and synergy, with each stage building upon the last to create stronger, more resilient relationships.