Exclusively Couples
I believe that the best way to grow is through an intimate relationship with someone else. I've seen that in my own relationships and in my clients.
My focus is couples and my training and commitment is to couples work. There is a ripple effect: by strengthening the couple, you strengthen all parts of your life from your family to your work to your friendships to how you feel about yourself.
This is the best work we can do on
this planet. Everything else springs from that fierce connection.Outside the Box
It takes all kinds of couples to make a world and I welcome them all. I am experienced in working with the following couples/relationships:
lesbian
gay
transgender
pre-maritalpolyamorous
bi-culturalparenting couples
spiritually diverse
racially diverse
open relationships
age difference
long-distancesexual differences
I honor the diversity of your culture, your religious beliefs, your gender and/or your sexuality/sexual orientation.
My Approach
I see problem patterns, not problem people. I work with couples to help them understand and shift those patterns, while respecting who they are and how they live their lives. I work best with clients who want a therapist who is direct, transparent, funny, flexible, moves quickly and is not afraid to tell them the truth.
Like all humans, I have blind spots and I make mistakes; I work to own those and welcome my clients challenging me.
I have experience
working with couples struggling with sexual and desire difference issues, infidelity, addictions, gender issues/ transitioning, cultural disconnect, childhood trauma/abuse, parenthood,
prejudice/social disenfranchisement and depression/anxiety.Who I Am
I became a couples counselor because I believe that we all long to connect to others emotionally, physically, sexually, spiritually--and I wanted to help others achieve that connection.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon with a private practice in Kenton/North Portland. I have a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Portland State University (2011).
I am certified in Relational Life Therapy with Terry Real (www.terryreal.com) and have additional training in Susan Johnson's EFT-C (Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples), Bessel van der Kolk (trauma, Dan Wile's Collaborative Couples Therapy, Esther Perel (sexuality and infidelity) and Martha Kauppi (sex, sexual desire).
I work from a family systems perspective (we are all connected in a system and making one shift can shift everything else in that system) and attachment theory (how we bonded as infants affects how we bond to our adult partners).
Before becoming a therapist, I was a journalist, editor, writing instructor, worked in midwifery, led parenting classes and groups for incarcerated teen girls. Most of my early life was spent living outside the United States. I speak conversational German and Italian and am tackling Turkish.
What I Charge
I am committed to providing affordable therapy for couples.
I charge $100 for a 75-minute session/$120 for 90 minutes and offer several spots at a generous sliding scale for couples dealing with financial hardship/crisis. Please don't hesitate to ask me about this. I can also point you towards low-cost counseling resources.
I also offer a free 20-minute consultation on the phone. I do not take insurance. I donate 10% of my pre-tax earnings to several domestic and international non-profit organizations that advocate social, racial and economic justice, gender equality, peacemaking and disarmament and ending hunger.
If my schedule is full and I cannot fit you in, please see my list of referrals (below), or email me and I will do my best to help you.
My office is in Kenton/North Portland at 2125 N. Willis next to Kenton Park.
Most of us aren't taught the basic skills that are at the heart of successful relationships so these skills can seem mysterious and complex. Through skill-building exercises and the interactive group experience, this group will provide you with what's been missing.
Couples Workshop Series -- September 22 & October 13, 2019
Join Katrina Gould and Sarah Pattee for two couples workshops that will improve
your communication skills and deepen your couples' connection. Each workshop can be taken as a stand alone, but we strongly encourage couples to take both, as they build on each other. Cost for workshops is per couple. You may sign up below to hold your spot. Refund policy: if you sign up and find that you cannot attend, we will credit your payment towards a future workshop.
Couples Workshop Parts 1 & 2235.00Quantity
Couples Workshop Part 2 -- Boundaries150.00--Develop and set healthy boundaries
--Notice what gets you triggered, and learn ways to manage your emotions
Sunday, Oct. 13, 1-5 pm
Workshops are held at 8125 SE Pine St, in Montavilla.
Price is per couple.Quantity
Couples Workshop Part 1 -- Communication125.00--Identify winning/losing communication
strategies
--Learn deep listening skills to be a better
partner.
Sunday, Sept 22, 1-4:30 pm.
Workshops are held at 8125 SE Pine St, in Montavilla.
Price is per couple.Quantity
