​

503-370-8050 x211

bens@salempastoralcounseling.org

I view therapy as a journey towards health and healing, and my role as your therapist is to join alongside you as a partner in this journey. I do not presume to be the expert on your life but instead seek to get to know you and understand what you are going through as we move forward together.
Although I may offer guidance or insight at times, my main role is supportive rather than authoritative. While everyone’s goals for therapy vary, I always strive to help clients foster greater personal self-awareness. I have a very eclectic orientation to counseling, coming from a Trauma Informed approach utilizing Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Existential Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Family Systems Theory among other modalities. I also believe that our past experiences and family history play a big role in our mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and take these into account during the work we do together. I know that each client is a unique individual and I value getting to know your story and meeting you in your context.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University and a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministries from Barclay College. I have 8 years of pastoral ministry experience and worked for two years as a pastoral counselor. I gave special attention in my learning towards trauma and trauma therapy, as well as spiritual integration. I have worked with a range of different clients with various challenges, but I particularly enjoy working with adults with past trauma, clients with ADHD, anxiety, sexual/pornography addiction, and providing spiritual integration for clients. I am currently under direct supervision and am overseen in all my duties until I obtain full licensure in the state of Oregon.