COUNSELING SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
WHAT IS INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?
At Chiron Counseling, individual counseling is a deeply personalized journey. In our work together, you’ll find a warm, non-judgmental environment where your thoughts and feelings are honored. I believe in creating an inclusive space where all parts of you are welcome—your strengths, your struggles, and everything in between. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I understand that your journey is as unique as you are. My approach is rooted in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for your lived experiences. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering support as you explore, grow, and heal. Whether you’re new to therapy or have years of experience, I aim to make each session a safe haven — a place where you can speak freely, be heard, and feel seen. I am committed to cultural competence and trauma-informed care, ensuring that every part of your identity and experience is seen, respected and honored.
I also want to acknowledge that sometimes things said in therapy may bring up unexpected feelings or hurt. If something I say affects you in a way that feels painful or uncomfortable, and if you feel safe to share, I want to know. Your experience is yours to define, not mine, and I am here to offer care and support as we process it together. We can also explore how others have defined your experiences and the impact that has had on you.
I believe in the power of therapy to transform lives, and I’m committed to providing you with a space that fosters connection, understanding, and personal growth. Together, we’ll work toward ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.
WHY CHOOSE INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?
Choosing individual counseling can be a transformative step toward caring for your mental and emotional well-being. People come to therapy for many reasons, and there is no single 'right' reason to seek support. Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, navigating a major life transition, or simply exploring who you are, therapy offers a space to work through these challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. You don’t always need to have a goal in mind; your reasons are valid, whatever they may be.
Life can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel stuck or uncertain at times. Anxiety, for example, can create a constant sense of worry or fear that affects your daily life. Major life changes—such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or experiencing a loss—can leave you feeling unmoored. Or, you might be in a phase of self-exploration, trying to understand more about your identity, values, or purpose. Whatever brings you to therapy, it’s valid, and it’s worth addressing.
The benefits of therapy are far-reaching. Through our sessions, you’ll find a space for mental rejuvenation—a place to clear your mind, process your emotions, and gain new perspectives. Emotional healing is a central part of this process, allowing you to address past wounds, current challenges, and future anxieties with compassion and care. Personal growth naturally follows, as you begin to understand yourself better and make meaningful changes in your life.
There’s no wrong time or reason to start therapy. Whether you’re looking for relief from distress, seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, or simply needing a safe space to talk, individual counseling can provide the support you need. Together, we’ll work toward creating a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and true to who you are.
“Whatever brings you to therapy, it’s valid and it’s worth addressing.”
WHAT TO EXPECT IN INDIVIDUAL THERAPY SESSIONS
When beginning a therapy session with me, you can expect a space that feels warm, safe, and non-judgmental. My priority is to create an environment where you can be your authentic self, free from the fear of being judged or misunderstood. Whether you’re dealing with something heavy or just need a space to reflect, you’ll find that our sessions are a refuge where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.
Therapy is a journey that balances seriousness with moments of lightness. While we’ll address the important and sometimes difficult issues you’re facing, there’s also room for laughter and moments of levity. I believe that humor, when appropriate, can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. It’s important that our sessions reflect the full spectrum of human experience, acknowledging both the challenges and the joys that come with growth.
Our time together will be built on a foundation of active listening and open conversations. I’m here to truly hear you, to understand your perspective, and to provide insights that can help you navigate your path forward. Therapy is not something I do to you, but rather something we do together. It’s a collaborative process where your voice is central in shaping the direction of our work.
As we move through our sessions, we’ll work together to develop a treatment plan that feels right for you. This plan will evolve as your needs change, ensuring that our work remains aligned with your goals. Whether we’re exploring deep-rooted or multi-generational issues or addressing immediate concerns, you can expect a thoughtful, personalized approach that honors your unique journey. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
THE ROLE OF THE THERAPIST VS. FRIEND
It's common to wonder how the role of a therapist differs from that of a friend, especially since both relationships involve trust, support, and conversation. While there are some similarities, there are also key differences that make the therapeutic relationship unique and especially valuable.
One of the primary differences lies in the boundaries and ethical guidelines that frame our work together. As a therapist, I am trained to provide support in a way that is both professional and focused entirely on your well-being. These boundaries are essential to creating a safe and structured environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without the complications that can sometimes arise in friendships. For example, in therapy, you won’t need to worry about reciprocity—our time together is solely for you, without the expectation that you support me in return.
Therapy also operates within a framework of confidentiality and ethical responsibility. What you share with me stays within the therapeutic space, allowing you to open up about things you might not feel comfortable discussing with others. This confidentiality is a cornerstone of the trust that builds over time in therapy.
That said, therapy can still feel like a close, supportive relationship. My goal is to create a connection where you feel genuinely understood and cared for. While our relationship is professional, it’s also deeply personal. We’ll engage in open conversations, share moments of insight, and work through challenges together. The difference is that, as your therapist, I bring a level of training, objectivity, and focus on your growth that is distinct from the role of a friend.
In many ways, therapy can offer a unique kind of closeness—one that is grounded in your needs and your journey, within a space designed to foster healing, growth, and empowerment.
THE THERAPY PROCESS
Starting therapy is a step toward taking care of your mental and emotional well-being, and it begins with an initial consultation. This first meeting is a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to share what brings you to therapy. During this free consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, what you hope to achieve, and any questions you might have about the process. It’s also an opportunity for you to see if my approach feels like a good fit for you.
Once we’ve established a connection, we’ll move into goal setting. Together, we’ll identify the areas you’d like to focus on. Setting clear goals helps us stay on track and ensures that our work is aligned with your needs and aspirations.
As we continue with ongoing sessions, your involvement in the therapy process remains central. I believe in being transparent about the approaches we use and including you in every step of treatment planning. This collaborative approach means that you’re not just a participant in therapy—you’re an active partner in your own healing journey.
Throughout our work together, I use a variety of techniques tailored to your unique situation. Narrative therapy allows us to explore the stories you tell about yourself (and that others have created that don’t resonate) and your experiences, helping you to reframe and reshape these narratives in a way that empowers you. Attachment-based techniques focus on understanding your relationships and how early experiences influence your current connections. Body-focused approaches, such as mindfulness and somatic awareness, help you reconnect with your physical self and address the ways in which your body holds stress and emotion.
Together, these techniques create a comprehensive and personalized therapy experience that supports your growth, healing, and overall well-being.
CREATING A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE SPACE
Creating a safe and inclusive space is at the heart of my approach to therapy. I’m committed to cultural competence and trauma-informed care, ensuring that every aspect of our work together honors your unique background and experiences. This means that I approach our sessions with an awareness of the diverse factors that shape your life, including your culture, race, gender, sexuality, and personal history. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, respected, and supported, no matter who you are or where you come from.
Intersectionality, anti-colonial framework, and social justice are integral to how I view and practice therapy. I recognize that our identities are complex and often intersect in ways that can impact our mental health. For instance, the way you experience the world may be influenced by a combination of factors, such as race and gender, or socioeconomic status and sexuality. I strive to address these intersections in our work, ensuring that therapy is not just about addressing individual concerns, but also about understanding the broader social contexts that affect your well-being.
Tailoring therapy to your individual experiences and identities is a key part of creating this safe space. I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I take the time to get to know you and understand what matters most to you. This means that whether you’re dealing with the impacts of systemic discrimination, exploring your gender identity, or processing past trauma, our work together will be guided by your unique needs and goals. I’m here to listen, to support, and to walk alongside you as we navigate the complexities of your life.
In this space, you’ll find not only a therapist but an ally committed to helping you heal, grow, and thrive in all aspects of your life.
SPECIALTIES AND AREAS OF FOCUS
In therapy, we often work through a wide range of common issues that many people face, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration. These challenges can impact your daily life, relationships, and overall sense of well-being, and it’s my goal to help you navigate them with understanding and care. Whether you’re dealing with persistent worries, feelings of sadness, the effects of past trauma, or a desire to understand yourself more deeply, therapy provides a space to explore these concerns and find paths toward healing.
MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
My practice also focuses on several specialized areas that reflect my commitment to serving diverse and often underrepresented communities. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals, providing a supportive and affirming environment where you can explore issues related to gender, sexuality, and identity without fear of judgment.
I also work closely with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) clients, understanding the unique challenges that come with navigating a world shaped by systemic racism and cultural biases.
In addition, I offer therapy for those in non-monogamous relationships and individuals involved in kink and BDSM communities. These areas of focus reflect my belief in the importance of recognizing and respecting the full spectrum of human experience, including those that may fall outside of mainstream norms.
I am also passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals, including those who identify as having ADHD, Autism, or being “neurospicy.” I recognize the unique strengths and challenges that come with these ways of experiencing the world, and I strive to create an environment that is compassionate, understanding, and tailored to your needs. Whether you're navigating executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, or other neurodivergent traits, I am here to support your journey in a way that feels authentic to you.
Additionally, I work with individuals who have been diagnosed with personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), offering a non-judgmental space for healing and growth. I am mindful of the stigma that often surrounds these diagnoses and believe in your ability to define your experience on your own terms. For individuals who have experienced abuse, I aim to provide trauma-informed care that honors your resilience while offering gentle, empathetic support as we explore the complexities of your healing process.
INTERSECTIONALITY
It’s also crucial to address the societal influences that impact mental health. Factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural expectations can deeply affect how you experience the world and, in turn, your mental health. By acknowledging and working through these influences in therapy, we can better understand the root causes of your challenges and develop strategies that are not only healing but also empowering.
Together, we’ll explore these issues in a way that honors your identity and experiences, helping you to achieve greater self-awareness and well-being.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with therapy is a straightforward process designed to make you feel comfortable and supported from the very beginning. To book an appointment, simply reach out to me via the contact page. I’m always happy to answer any questions you might have before scheduling your first session.
The process begins with an initial free consultation, which gives us a chance to get to know each other and discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. This consultation is a no-pressure conversation where you can share what’s on your mind, ask questions about my approach, and see if we’re a good fit. From there, we’ll work together to schedule ongoing sessions at a time that works best for you.
I offer telehealth sessions for clients in both Oregon and Washington, providing flexibility and convenience while ensuring that you receive the care you need from the comfort of your own space. Whether you’re new to therapy or have previous experience, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take the next step, or if you just want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you start your journey toward healing and growth.