I knew from a young age that I wanted to play an active role in people’s lives. I discovered that becoming a therapist was the perfect fit for me as it offered a special kind of relationship that allowed for deep, challenging conversations that resulted in personal change. I chose to study Marriage and Family Therapy as it fit perfectly with my belief that we are all affected by the different roles and relationships we have in our lives.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University and my Bachelors of Psychology from York College. I am a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I have primarily practiced in the Portland/Vancouver metro area for the past 8 years.
I specialize in helping couples of all types, from those who are trying to recover from an affair, those who are frequently fighting to those who are just needing some touch up in feeling connected again.
I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling relationally. This may include a marriage, boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, friend and/or yourself. I help you Identify who you want to be and who you want in your life by creating healthy boundaries and aligning your personal values with your choices. Common feelings may be depression, anxiety, loneliness, anger and resentment.
I come to Refresh Therapy after working for over three years as a counselor in private practice. I got my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Portland State University. I have been married for 38 years learning much during the ups and downs of building a successful relationship. I have six grown daughters. My family experiences have increased my empathy and understanding of family and couple relations, which aids my therapy with the many couples I counsel.
I have been a group leader for addiction recovery groups, worked as a House Manager at Lifeline, LLC an addiction recovery agency and have counseled many suffering from substance and process addictions in private practice. I enjoy nature, sports, movies and my family. I have been volunteering and helping with youth groups for many years.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always known I wanted to help others. I truly believe that people have the ability to make positive changes in their life, and I enjoy being able to be a part of that process. My job as your therapist is to help you gain insight and make positive changes in your life. I approach therapy in a non-judgmental way, with open communication, insight and humor. I believe that one of the most important parts of therapy is the therapeutic relationship, so I do my best to create a safe, welcoming space for you. I feel that therapy should be both helpful and enjoyable.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Washington. I received my Masters degree in Marriage, Couples and Family therapy from Lewis and Clark Graduate School, in 2012. I also have a Bachelors of Science from The University of Toledo.
When I’m not seeing clients I enjoy spending time in nature, playing games with my family, listening to music, being crafty, and exploring new places. I am engaged with two soon-to-be step-boys.
In literary terms, the character that comes along side of the main character to offer help and support on the journey is known as the deuteragonist. Using a person-centered approach in counseling, I provide a safe place for clients to unload all that needs to be worked through, acting as a deuteragonist on the journey to healing and restoration.
My ideal clients are those who may be a little nervous but are ready to offer themselves the help of counseling. Come if you feel stuck in life or need to work through more serious issues of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, etc. I have experience in a wide array of issues people face.
I specialize in grief and trauma counseling having interned at the in-patient trauma unit of Timberlawn Hospital and then spent years coordinating a family grief support program in Dallas. I also volunteered four years as the clinical director for Camp Erin Dallas/Ft. Worth, a national bereavement camp for kids 6-17.
I really enjoy counseling couples who are looking to enrich or overhaul their relationships. Using a lot of John Gottman’s material, I have seen couples make great strides in connecting and understanding each other, and moving forward in their relationships with hope and admiration for one another.
Counseling is a process that can be awkward at first, but I am very good at helping people settle in and feel comfortable.
Throughout my life I have lived all over the country and even spent some time in the Middle East. I married a man from Texas and we now have two boys who keep me on my toes. Being surrounded by boys is new as I grew up with four sisters and one brother. I love it! We spend a lot of time outdoors getting dirty and exploring. I enjoy running, hiking, dancing, conversing with friends face to face, food, dates with my husband, learning new things . . . the list goes on and on. I don’t like sleepless nights, spiders, grocery shopping with my children screaming, and being so cold my toes go numb.
Eli Galvan, LMHC, CDPt
First of all let me commend you for seeking counseling. Learning how to be vulnerable and be ok with discomfort is an important piece of how we live a happier more fulfilling life. Another important factor is the development of the 4 “self’s”, self-awareness, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and self-motivation. Each one of these influences the other. This cycle can be one of stagnation, due to perfectly normal cognitive processes, or one of growth, which required commitment and effort. Even though effort is the key to change it may seem like too much discomfort. This is because our brain will get comfortable in the most vicious of cycles and the thought of putting effort into getting out of that cycle seems too uncomfortable/vulnerable and should be avoided. Avoidance is the theft of growth. Conversely, discomfort is an indicator of growth.
How will we build healthier, more reality-based versions of the 4 “self’s”? The approaches we will work thorough are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Research has shown that the mind naturally perseverates off itself. Getting stuck in this “auto-pilot” does not mean there is something wrong with us. These mindfulness based approaches will provide the frame work for recognizing the “auto-pilot”, then initiating the skills learned in therapy.
I knew I wanted to be a counselor when I was 12 years old. Thankfully I feel like I am effective in building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. We are social creatures and building human connections is vital to getting out of the self-destructive “auto-pilot”. I hope I can be the connection to spark the fire.
Specialties and areas of focus
Madeline Bales, LMHC, CMHS
As a therapist, my mission is to help individuals find the strength and resources within themselves to improve their emotional well-being, enhance their interpersonal relationships, and regain control of their lives. An important part of my job is to earn your trust. I do this by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where you feel accepted unconditionally. My greatest hope is that, through working together, you will feel seen, accepted, and empowered to create the world you want to live in. My professional and educational background has afforded me the opportunity to help individuals with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. My experiences vary from counseling adults with trauma and relationship difficulties to working with children and their families around challenging behaviors. My approach reflects my personality of lightheartedness, humor, and authenticity.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, discovering new Thai restaurants, and going to the movies. I recently moved to the Portland area with my husband and dog, Kirby.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Play Therapy
- Children/Teens
- Families
- Trauma
- Relationship Issues
- Anxiety/Stress
- Grief/Loss
- Low Self-esteem
- Depression
- Life Transitions
Jenna Starr, LMHC
I have always held a deep interest in learning about people through their stories. I believe our relationships create much of our experience in the world. Sometimes we find ourselves out of balance, struggling with a relationship, self-doubt, communication troubles, trauma, or adjustments brought on by new life phases. I seek to help clients access their own strengths and capabilities while increasing coping skills that promote and sustain wellness. My approach includes focusing on emotions, communication, thought and behavior patterns, self-compassion, and coping strategies. I enjoy working with couples who feel stuck in recurring themes and patterns, who are looking for a shift so that their relationship may return to a calmer state or include more openness, connection, and trust.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, running, yoga, and spending time with my husband and family. I love traveling and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Specialties and areas of focus
Catherine Stuart, LMHC, NCC
There are many reasons to seek counseling. It may be a struggle from the past or a single incident that is causing pain and concern. Whatever the reason may be, I am dedicated to joining with you to understand how these struggles are impacting your life and supporting you towards your own personal goals.
I believe that all people deserve a safe and non-judgmental place to work through obstacles that are in their lives. It is my passion to help people explore their inner strength and together work towards personal growth and meaningful connection with others. I realize that conflict in relationships, transitions in life, the pain in loss, and experiencing depression and anxiety are only a few of the struggles that counseling can support in a way that feels right to each individual.
Our therapeutic relationship is the foundation to creating that change. My warm, genuine, and welcoming approach is the basis for our work together. I strive to foster safety, trust and a collaborative space that adapts to age, issue, and the uniqueness of who you are.
My counseling education and experience has been a long journey that started in Victoria, BC, Canada then to the east coast in Boston, MA and has now found a home in Camas, WA. I hold a Master of Science degree in Counseling with a specialization in Couple, Marriage, and Family Counseling from Portland State University. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). My previous years in early childhood education, grief work with children and families, trauma research with adolescence, and specialized training in couples counseling has also contributed to my approach.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I am also a mother, a wife, a friend and an adventurer! Aside from counseling, my other passions include: camping, running, kayaking, reading a good book, puzzles, and balancing my own personal time with my family and friends.
Specialties and areas of focus
Kimberlee Carlson, LMHC, NCC
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons – painful conflict patterns in close relationships, fears about life transition, grief after a difficult loss, overpowering feelings of sadness or hopelessness, difficulty regulating strong emotions, seeking healing after trauma… the list goes on! Whatever pain or struggle is prompting you to seek help right now, I would be honored to hear your story and work alongside you as you envision and labor toward a healthy, thriving future that allows you to flourish.
As a counselor, I work with some broad therapeutic goals in mind: I offer a supportive and safe environment so that we can openly explore a problem situation together. I facilitate open, curious conversations that build awareness of patterns contributing to your current distress, whether those patterns are relational, cognitive, behavioral, physical, spiritual, or emotional. I explore and encourage your innate strengths and existing skills, and brainstorm ways to apply them so that you can live a more fulfilling life. At times, I will offer challenges or and specific skills training to help you move toward your goals. Whether you are seeking practical solutions or deep personal transformation, my hope is that our counseling sessions will inspire and empower you to take practical, hopeful steps toward positive change.
I believe that relationships are fundamental to shaping our human experience. Relationships can be the source of our happiest moments, our deepest hurts, our greatest struggles, and also our most profound healing and transformation. It is my hope that our counseling relationship will promote personal healing and hope, and foster a thoughtful awareness of how important relationships have influenced your sense of identity, your core beliefs, and your patterns of behavior.
In my work with clients, I tend to be future-focused and growth-oriented. I believe that the things we think and talk most about are the things we reinforce, so I like to focus on goals, health, and solutions as well as addressing painful problem areas. Talking about the past or focusing on a problem area is important, especially as a tool to understand how you would like to live differently in the future.
My therapeutic approach is influenced by trainings in narrative therapy, attachment theory, positive psychology, and solution-focused therapy. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Seminary. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. I am currently pursuing training in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and backpacking, cross-country skiing, reading and writing poetry, practicing yoga, cooking and savoring wholesome food, knitting, and spending quiet mornings drinking coffee and snuggling with my cat. I cherish my relationships with my sisters, and my friends. I am an adventurer, an artist, and a lover of beauty in all its myriad forms.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Family of origin concerns
- Grief/Loss
- Identity concerns
- Life transitions
- Relationship issues
- Spiritual concerns
- Women’s issues
Alyssia Haymond, LMHC
It takes courage to give yourself permission to seek help. It can get better and you are worthy of better. Bravo for taking this step!
I invite you to show up as you are, regardless of how “unworthy” or “damaged” you may feel. During our work together, I will advocate for self-compassion as a mechanism by which to improve the relationship you hold with yourself. I will sit with you in your pain and make space for your vulnerability. The healing process is not always easy. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you through it.
To give you a better idea about my approach, I consider myself a person-centered, existential therapist, meaning I will work with you to develop a meaning for your story that serves you. I deeply value the relationships I build with my clients. It is a privilege for me to learn another person’s story and I try to never lose sight of that. It can be difficult to trust a new person and I will work to ensure that I am someone you feel safe with. As appropriate, I will utilize humor and authenticity in session for purposes of building our relationship together.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington and I received my graduate training from Indiana State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I draw from several approaches to support my clients, such as feminist theories, strengths-based approaches, CBT interventions, relational-cultural theory, and narrative therapy practices. I utilize trauma-informed approaches and work diligently to remain up-to-date on current, evidence-based practices. Much of my experience to date has been working with individuals who have experienced trauma, including sexual assault and dating violence.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and my pets (one cat, one dog, and so many plants!), drinking coffee, going to thrift stores, listening to podcasts, watching live music, and being outdoors.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Trauma
- Sexual Assault
- Women’s Issues
- LGBTQI
- Identity Concerns
- Multicultural Concerns
- Body-Image
- Anxiety/Stress
- Depression
- Couples
Jeri Ichikawa, LMHC/LMFTA
People seek therapy for many reasons. Sometimes we feel badly because we are having conflict with people we care about, we are experiencing a challenging situation, or we may be feeling the effects of unwanted thoughts and feelings that we have had for as long as we can remember.
When we are feeling frustrated, angry, hurt or suffering with negative thoughts about ourselves or our lives, one of the greatest sources of relief and biggest steps to healing is the ability to share our feelings and thoughts with someone we know is truly listening and hearing what we are saying.
When we feel heard and understood, we can develop a sense of safety that provides the opportunity for us to see beyond the surface feelings and thoughts to the underlying habitual patterns and beliefs that are our automatic responses in our interactions with people and situations in our lives. This self-awareness is the key to reclaiming our personal power.
I have a holistic approach in the therapeutic process. It has been my experience that our emotions, thoughts, and physical experiences are intertwined, and it is important to address the influences each has on the other. My approach is eclectic, drawing on attachment theory, internal family systems, and cognitive-behavioral theories. I am licensed in Washington State as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
I was born with a passion for horses, and I am an avid animal lover and animal advocate. My free time is spent with my 3 horses teaching them and learning with them. Every horse I have has over the past 40 years has been a rescue. I also love yoga, lifting weights, walking with my dogs, creating art and writing. I love being a therapist because I learn and grow as much as clients, and that is a great gift!
Specialties and areas of focus
- Couples
- Families
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Self-esteem
- Relationship issues
- Women
- Teens
- Children
Kimberly Cavallo, LMFTA
Although every human being is unique, with a different story to tell, one thing we all have in common is the longing for connection. It is the thread that runs through our life stages. From the moment we are born we are trying to connect.It is my firm belief that all people desire to be cherished, acknowledged, validated, and affirmed. We are biological, social and spiritual beings, and these all affect how we move through the world. When these connections are not what we hoped they cause us pain. When we come to the realization that all of our effort to fix what is causing us pain has not had the desired result, we are motivated to reach out for help.
Whether you are coming to therapy over strained relationships, grief, anxiety, or feeling out of sorts over big life changes, by seeking therapy you’ve made the courageous first step towards healing. My philosophy of therapy centers around building a strong relationship between myself and my client. This, in turn, creates an environment for change, helping clients share their inner thoughts and feelings that might be preventing them from feeling successful in their relationships and their lives. This can be done by building a mutual and collaborative alliance.
I received my Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy at Lewis and Clark College Graduate School of Education & Counseling in Portland, Oregon. I currently hold a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate License from the State of Washington. My therapeutic approach is influenced by training in relational psychotherapy and attachment theory. As a systems therapist, I also view therapy through a lens of the biopsychosocial model which is the relationship between psychology and biology. Whether I am seeing an individual, a couple or a family, my approach is the same. We are the product of the systems we reside in.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I love gardening, reading books and socializing with friends. I also enjoy exploring Oregon and Washington and the diversity they offer geographically.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Couples
- Families
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Grief/Loss
- Parents or caregivers of people on the Autism spectrum
- People on the Autism spectrum
Amanda Ewing, LICSWA
I am guided by the belief that those who want to experience healing and are willing to do the work will reap the rewards. The healing journey is an intentional one, and one that can’t be undervalued. Out of our own cups we pour into others and how can we accomplish this when ours is depleted? Taking time for ourselves is not selfish, it is a way to give back to our loved ones and community through a secure sense of self and well-being. I know that as a mom and wife, I cannot give to my family what I don’t have and finding a balance of self-care while caring for others is a challenge worth accepting.
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work Associate, I specialize in counseling those who want to learn positive coping and growth strategies for life changes, anxiety, self-esteem and pre/postpartum stages of life. I work with a variety of techniques and center my approach around what the client is hoping to gain from therapy.
I have received extensive training in perinatal mental health and working with moms in a huge passion of mine. As a mom of two, I know how it feels to be exhausted, overwhelmed and wondering what I had gotten myself into. I enjoy walking with moms on the incredible journey of becoming a mother and finding yourself within that.
When I am not at work I love spending time with my family, my great group of girlfriends, gardening and being outside in the sun and water as often as possible.
I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you!
Researched modalities I use: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Art Therapy, Play Therapy and Solution-Focused
Specialties and areas of focus
- Perinatal Mental Health (Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders)
- Coping with Physical and Mental Health Challenges
- Birth Trauma Recovery
- Healing from Divorce
- Children/Teens/Adults
- Parenting/Bonding
- Relationship Issues
- Anxiety/Stress
- Grief/Loss
- Low Self-esteem
- Depression
- Life Transitions
Bob Lindberg, LICSWI began my professional career as a Social Worker after receiving my MSW degree from Florida State University in 1984. After a year spent establishing myself in my chosen field at a hospital in Florida, I started working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 1985. This afforded me an opportunity to learn from a variety of other professionals as part of numerous multidisciplinary teams. While employed by the VA, I began my career as a medical Social Worker but due to the sheer size and scope of the VA, was able to work in settings as varied as mental health and substance abuse. Additionally, I worked at five different VA facilities across the country. My last posting was to the VA here in Vancouver and I ended my Federal career there in 2016 after almost 31 years of service. I spent approximately one year after retirement trying to figure out my next career path and ultimately spent the next two and one-half years at the CBOC (Community-Based Outpatient Clinic) in Chehalis once again working with a veteran population. Much of this time was spent focused specifically on veterans dealing with chronic medical conditions and chronic mental health issues, especially PTSD due primarily to combat exposure in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
I have lived in Vancouver since 2006 with my wife and our three children. We very much enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and what it has to offer. I use my free time to pursue activities which I find fulfilling to me including hiking, reading, gardening, and listening to music. Additionally, I strive to begin each day doing tai chi, qigong, yoga, or some form of practice to prepare myself for whatever challenges the day brings. For me, it sets a positive tone for the day and helps me maintain perspective on my life.
Specialties and areas of focus
Madison Rubin, LMHCAThe pleasures in life are unfortunately coupled with pains and struggles that each person faces. However, each person’s struggles are unique and deserve to be attended to with care and compassion. Throughout therapy there may be painful moments and uncomfortable challenges and it is my goal to be a support, offer skills and interventions, and encourage continued growth.
I work to build a therapeutic relationship that is trusting and transparent. I welcome questions, concerns and ideas in sessions and encourage feedback throughout the therapeutic process. Utilizing a person-centered approach, goals are centered on your identified concerns and session is structured in the way you find most beneficial.
I provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental space to explore challenges, identify strengths and helping you achieve the balance in life that you are striving for. I want to join with you to discover barriers, work to create solutions and celebrate successes.
I received my Master’s Degree from Lewis and Clark College which is accredited through CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs). My degree is in professional mental health counseling with a specialization in addictions. I have additional education and training in substance abuse, eating disorders, and trauma work. I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) by the EMDR Institute and utilize this treatment to reduce or eliminate trauma related symptoms.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, puzzles, games, reading, cuddling up with my cat, and watching a good movie.
Specialties and areas of focus
Tara Bartel, LICSWA
Relationships are everywhere and vary in their type of attachment. Relationships are not perfect, they are mother/father to a child, sibling to a sibling, partner to partner, teacher to student, they are adopted, they are borrowed, they are gone, they are missed, they come from our place of work, the place we live, they come in the form of a cashier who treated us nicely when we get our daily coffee …often these relationships come with fears, pressure, sadness, and anger. These relationships can be misunderstood, confusing, and hard to validate their importance. Relationships, however, is a necessary part of our daily lives and they need to be supported and this can come with having a safe environment to talk about any relationship, learn about how to support them, learn how to be part of them, and learn which ones help make you your best self.
I use a unique modern-day approach to work with and support individuals and families through a direct style to help clients make forward progress. I will work with you and your family to help explore where you are now and help to create and meet future goals. I am compassionate and resourceful and will always provide effective tools and strategies to help tackle various everyday obstacles in life, from crisis intervention to support after a long week. I strive to be a great listener that values personal relationships and strives to be unbiased and non-judgmental. I also enjoy working with children and teens to engage in activities such as coaching, modeling, limit-setting, and reinforcing interaction to support healthy futures. I look forward to supporting you and your family’s needs.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my children. We explore whimsical places, vacations and sometimes just a movie or bowling…as long as it is with my family.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Families/family conflict
- Couples
- Individuals
- Children (5+)
- Teens
- Self-esteem
- Support for families with children with special needs
- Depression/anxiety/stress/coping skills
- Anger management
- Women’s issues such as Menopause, aging, mid-life crisis
- Grief
- Chronic illness
- Spiritual concerns
Leslie Collord, LMHC
I believe that while relationships can be the source of pain and suffering, it is through relationships that we are offered the opportunity to recover and heal.
I consider being a therapist to be a privilege and an honor. Making a decision to reach out, to be vulnerable, to risk honesty and openness can take courage. In my work with clients, I aim to create a welcoming, accepting, genuine, and nonjudgmental space to facilitate exploration and change. I appreciate the opportunities and challenges that come with having difficult conversations on your path to living a more genuine, fulfilled life.
My therapeutic approach is influenced by trainings in relational psychotherapy, attachment theory, neurobiology, and trauma-informed care. I received my Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the Pacific Northwest, especially in rain and fog. I also love to connect with family and friends and spend my weekends reading, baking, and getting out of my comfort zone.
Specialties and areas of focus
We feel that life always has potential and we want to help you discover the best version of yourself that you can possibly be today. We believe in a strengths-based approach while recognizing that you don’t live in a bubble — you live within a variety of systems including your family, your friends, relationships, career, past and everything else that makes you uniquely YOU. We know how important it is to understand YOU within YOUR context in order to customize your counseling experience through better understanding of your perspective.
Our training and careers have led us to believe in certain standards for therapy.
We are committed to delivering counseling that:
We know how hard it can be to find the right kind of help for your particular concern. We make every reasonable effort to screen properly to provide you quality care. If for any reason we don’t feel that our providers are the right fit for your needs, we will do our best to provide you with referrals to other therapists who may be better able to assist you.
Refresh Therapy strives to provide a judgment-free environment where you will experience possibilities, genuine interaction and comfort. We are committed to a standard of service that honors each person’s unique needs and perspective.