Hi, I’m Grace.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been working as a mental health therapist since 2019.
I find it an honor to sit with people in their places of pain.
I first sought my own therapy at the student counseling center of my university during a time I felt extremely overwhelmed and couldn’t understand why it was so hard for me to relax. It was transformative to process my experiences with a professional who could put language to what I was thinking and feeling, and offer tools to help me move forward. This was one of the major reasons I decided to pursue my own career as a therapist.
One common thread I have found after working with clients from all walks of life over the years is that being a person is hard. And, it has its own unique challenges when you are fearful, easily overstimulated, absorb the emotions of those around you, or feel on edge most of the time.
Areas of Focus
I am passionate about supporting adults aged 18-35 who struggle with anxiety, phobias, and single-incident traumas—particularly those who are highly sensitive.
There are many benefits to being a Highly Sensitive Person (—hi! I’m an HSP too) and yet much of the world wasn’t set up for people with this trait.
While chronic anxiety, specific fears, and the effects of trauma can impact anyone, highly sensitive people often feel these experiences more intensely, which can make daily life feel especially overwhelming.
Common struggles of the clients I work with:
Certain phobias such as fear of driving, flying, or dogs
Feeling unable to “shut your brain off” due to anxiety
Feeling nervous in social settings and worrying about how others perceive you
Being impacted by a recent traumatic event such as a car accident or assault
Becoming easily overwhelmed by crowds, loud environments, and the emotions of others
My Approach
I love using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to facilitate healing from the impacts of past experiences and old narratives that continue to show up in the present. I have found it to be an incredibly effective tool for many clients.
In addition to EMDR, I value the art of talk therapy. There is something so profound about 1) holding hope while allowing for a client-led process to solutions, and 2) also being able to offer alternative perspectives and therapeutic tools to reduce suffering and increase alignment with one’s values.
My work is grounded in Person Centered Therapy, and I primarily draw on EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Polyvagal Theory. I am trauma-informed, practice from the biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective, and bring an intersectional and culturally sensitive lens as a social worker.
I am also happy to integrate faith from a shared perspective as a Christian for those who are seeking this upon request. I respect that spirituality can vary widely from different types of religions to simply where you find meaning and purpose in life.
Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable and it often takes time to build trust. Whatever your story is, my goal is to create a safe and compassionate space to facilitate healing, reflection, and growth.
If any of this resonates with you, please reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit.
Credentials & Education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon
Master of Social Work - George Fox University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Whitworth University
EMDR Therapy Trained - EMDR Institute
As a Licensee of the state of Oregon, I abide by its Code of Ethics. To maintain my license, I am required to participate in continuing education, taking classes dealing with subjects relevant to this profession, including courses in Ethics and Cultural Competency.