LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST      I am a licensed psychologist with an independent practice Portland, Oregon and Bend, Oregon.  I specialize in integrating psychological and spiritual growth and working with people of all religious and spiritual beliefs (Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern).  My own background is Protestant, Catholic, and Zen Buddhist. 

TRAINING       I received my Master's Degree from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, in 1977 and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the United States International University, San Diego, California in 1980, and I am licensed in three states, California, Oregon, and Washington.  I have had an interest in and studied Zen Buddhism for many years, and I trained with Robert Aitken, Roshi of the Honolulu Diamond Sangha for the last six years before he retired. 

CLINICAL WORK      The focus of my clinical work includes anxiety, depression, identity formation, self-esteem, trauma, loss and grief, creativity, career development, religious, existential and spiritual issues, and meditation. I work sometimes with just a focus on psychological issues. But as therapy progresses, inevitably some spiritual issues come up. Oftentimes, we talk about psychological and religious/spiritual issues with two different people. It is helpful to be able to address both areas with the same professional, and to work with each issue that comes up in an integrated way.  Whether you are working on matters that contribute to anxiety or depression, self-esteem, career development, creativity, or any of the other reasons that you might be coming to therapy, we can address each issue from both perspectives. My clients have very different religious and spiritual perspectives. I work with them within the context that is their framework. 

SPIRITUALITY      As a basis for my writing, I define spirituality according to the phrase quoted of Yasatani Roshi, "The practice of Zen is the perfection of character." Spirituality is not an interest in something, It is not talking about or reading something. Spirituality is actually working towards integrating values and beliefs into one's life. It is being something. When interest, talking, and reading, moves into behavior, begins to be integrated into behavior, that is when the real work begins. I specialize in helping you with this process. I look forward to hearing about the issues that concern you, and to integrating your psychological and spiritual growth. 

If you wish to learn more about integrating psychological and spiritual growth, go to INTEGRATION.  If you would like to contact me, go to CONSULTATION, PSYCHOTHERAPY, or Q&A.  I will look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you on the telephone or online.