Took Smoot
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”. – Maya Angelou
My personal approach to counseling is based on my belief of the inherent worth of every human being. I believe deeply in the need for human beings to connect with one another. I believe that people are resilient, and the human spirit prevails over and over again. I have experience in working with complex trauma, grief, childhood abuse, family dynamics, couples’ therapy. I have completed training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Couples, EMDR, and Life Span Integration.
Honesty and transparency also are cornerstones to being able to authentic and vulnerable in your relationships. You cannot be authentic and vulnerable in your relationships if you cannot be honest with yourself and transparent with others. Being honest and transparent allows for trust to be fostered and relationships to flourish. Living a life that affirms your beliefs allows you to live your healthiest and functional life psychologically.
Life is hard for human beings. There is suffering and brokenness at every turn it seems like and yet time and time again, the human spirit prevails and gets back up again. I love the ancient art of “Kintsugi”, which uses gold or silver to repair cracks and breaks in pottery. The cracks and breaks are filled mending the breaks and cracks, which then become a part of the pottery. Adding to the richness and beauty of the piece. The repair and the mending are part of the piece much like the challenges and traumas we face as human beings become scored on our hearts. When we heal, the ruptures and repairs become a part of the beauty and refrain of our life stories.
Utilizing a holistic and an integrative approach to counseling I strive to hold a therapeutic space for you that is warm, accepting, honest, and affirming as you face the concerns and challenges of your life. I believe we are relational beings that have a right to the eight dimensions of wellness that include physical, social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial wellness.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Family Consumer Studies from the University of Utah. I completed my Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling from George Fox University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the State of Oregon.
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