Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence, can happen to anyone. Domestic violence can take many forms including emotional, verbal or physical abuse. An abusive relationship can have a huge impact on your life and may affect your self-esteem, cause depression or anxiety, and trigger feelings of guilt, stress or fear. Although it can be tough to admit that you are in an abusive situation, even to yourself, it’s important to recognize it and get help (if you are in immediate danger, call 911). Domestic abuse often becomes worse over time. A qualified mental health professional can help victims of domestic violence to make a plan to safely end the relationship and recover from the trauma they have experienced.
Local Experts in Domestic Abuse
For the past 5 years, I have worked with domestic violence (DV) survivors and completed trainings focused on the effects of DV, prevention and treatments. I have supported survivors as a hotline operator providing safety planning and crisis management and currently provide individual and group counseling to survivors. I help my clients overcome their daily struggles and the effects of abuse.
I have worked at the Gateway Center for Domestic Violence as a therapist for over two years now. This experience has allowed me to develop the unique ability to be sensitive to the unique needs of survivors of intimate partner violence, something that I am very passionate about. I enjoy helping survivors find their inner strength, and to become empowered to make new choices.
I began working in domestic violence in 1985 with shelter and crisis experience as well as groups for empowerment. Safety planning, exit strategies, and building an understanding of power and control issues is provided as we walk together towards a life of peace.
Domestic violence (DV) is a pattern of abuse from one partner to another and it does not recognize race gender or social status. It happens among heterosexuals same-sex partners. While women are commonly victimized, men are also abused. DV includes name calling, pushing or threatening. You're not alone together we can work this out.
I have experience working with people currently in abusive relationships and people who have ended abusive/unhealthy relationships, and I understand the many complicated feelings that can occur. You deserve a safe, judgement-free place to explore your own feelings.
Domestic abuse is confusing and isolating. Whether you are currently in an abusive relationship or you have gotten out of one, I am here to offer a safe environment in which you can heal and grow.
I spent a number of years volunteering and working with SafePlace, an organization that provides advocacy and services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I love working with survivors no matter what their relationship status is. It is important to me that people know that you don\'t need to be out of an abusive relationship to reach out for support.
I have completed internships with the Domestic Violence Resource Center & Portland Women's Crisis Line. I provided individual counseling and art therapy-based groups to those seeking assistance at the Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services through the City of Portland. I have provided talks and have led a number of workshops regarding the topic to local community & govenmental agencies.
I worked for five years with victims of domestic violence. I have experience working in a shelter for women and children fleeing DV, as well as court advocacy and crisis care immediately following the arrest of a DV abuser.