Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. The following pages provide an overview of the therapeutic services that I offer and a glimpse of who I am as a therapist. I have provided a summary of my education and experience to help you learn about me as you chose a therapist to assist you. If, after reading through this website, you still have unanswered questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to email me or call.

First off, I realize that the decision to seek help is extremely difficult. Often times we put it off until the last minute.  Feelings of depression, stress, relationship conflicts, parenting issues, divorce, all weigh heavy on us. It becomes difficult to function and carry out daily tasks. Life does not have to continue to be uncomfortable and overwhelming. You can regain control, find fulfillment, and move forward in life. Counseling can assist you achieve your goals.

Professional counseling can provide you with an opportunity to talk to someone privately, confidentially, in an effort to gain new perspective on your life. Counseling can assist you discover what lies at the root of your struggles and relationship conflicts and help you in making long-lasting, sustainable life changes.

I am confident in my ability to assist you with your counseling needs. However, if for any reason I am unable to meet your counseling needs, I encourage you to consider reaching out to one of my colleagues at Wise Counsel & Comfort at: Portland-Therapist.com

Meet Joe

Education & Training
Joe earned his Masters Degree in Couples, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Portland State University, in 2011.
Joe earned his Bachelors Degree in Cross-cultural Ministries and Bible from Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS, in 2004.
Currently, Joe is a Registered Intern with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists. Joe is in the process of earning his License in Marriage & Family Therapy. Joe practices under the supervision of Vanieca Kraus PhD.
Experience
Joe has gained a lot of experience working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and walks of life. Joe began gathering experience in working with youth and families as a Youth Pastor in Keizer, OR. Joe shifted the focus of his training and life's work into the counseling arena as a result of noticing an increase in conflict in parent/child relationships. Joe took a position as a Residential Teacher Counselor where he worked with an adolescent population whom struggles with severe and persistent mental illness. Seeing youth make positive life change was rewarding, but Joe wrestled with the the idea that he could do more to assist people, not only the youth, but also the family. At this time, Joe shifted focus in his career a second time and took a position as a Family Skills Trainer. Joe also entered Graduate School at Portland State University. Joe has been working with Trillium Family Services, initially as a Family Skills Trainer, and now as a Child and Family Therapist in the Intensive Outpatient Program.

Professional Disclosure Statement

Types of Services

Making the choice to seek out counseling is scary. I respect that courage that it takes to say, "I can't figure this out on my own. Can you help?" I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to act as an agent of healing for you and your relationships.

Sustainability is a popular idea and theme running through our community. Sustainability is this concept that something is capable of enduring; the ability to last. Just as we strive to live in sustainable community, it is my belief that we can live a life that is characterized by sustainable emotional and mental health.

Self-help books are inspiring. They create this internal desire to change or to implement the new strategies for handling stress, depression, marital conflict, teenagers, grief, loss, trauma, etc. Herein lies the Problem the book ends ~ life continues ~ stress & depression return ~ conflicts in relationships resurface ~ teenagers are still teenagers. You feel overwhelmed. Life has become increasingly difficult to manage. You're stuck, and all you've got to really show for it is a used copy of Self-help = More Headaches on your bookcase.

Counseling differs from self help books. Counseling presents you with an opportunity to work through the struggles and difficulties that life throws at you with a trained professional. Counseling can help you rediscover the real you and your valued relationships. Counseling can help you make adjustment in life that can endure, changes that last, live life sustainably.

Individual Therapy

Depression, fear, anxiety, and pain can significantly affect how you live and function in life. The focus of Individual Counseling initially is to identify areas of life where pain or depression exist and work together to overcome. Identifying struggles and triggers in life can help you manage your response to future situations.

For some, learning coping skills to manage depression and anxiety is sufficient. For others, learning and implementing coping skills is a necessary step in the process of creating lasting change. I refer to this as the Sustainable Me. This change is the result of further exploration of self: examining core issues, diving into the origin of your emotions and life experiences, getting to know you in a whole new way.

Couples Therapy

There comes a time when two lives meet and intersect. The bond formed between two people is as unique as the two individuals. The bond is special and cherished. However, whenever two lives are joined together communication breakdowns, hurt feelings, and conflict are likely to follow. The relationship that is most important to you is threatened. The person whom you have laughed and grown with has changed in your eyes. You are confused; you want your relationship back; you want your partner back.

Couples Therapy focuses on reconnecting with your partner. Couples Therapy is an effective way of developing new ways of communicating with each other, new ways of relating, and new ways of being you. As you grow closer together through Couples Therapy, a whole new relationship begins to emerge; you rediscover each other in a new light.

Family

Family: a broad term that we use to refer to our immediate relatives or extremely close friends. Here are a few facts about families: 1) we all have them, 2) some are closer than others, and 3) they can be the source of a lot of conflict and pain. Whether you have a close family or not; young children, teenagers, or adult children; conflict in these relationships is amplified and experienced at a greater level.

Conflict amongst family members is common. These conflicts are frequently painful and result in emotional wounds that are difficult to heal. Family Therapy incorporates all members of the family and works toward achieving common goals. Similar to Couples Therapy, Families frequently have difficulties communicating, listening to one another, and understanding the concerns of others. Family Therapy is a tool that helps to promote positive and healthy interactions amongst family members.

Fees

My standard fee for a 50-minute session is $80. However, I feel it is important for counseling to be available to people in need regardless of their financial situation, so I also offer a sliding fee scale and a few reduced fee sessions based on individual circumstances. Payment is due in full at the time of service. Acceptable forms of payment include cash and check.

If you are aware that you will be unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please provide me with at least 24 hour notice. All cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment start time are subject to possible charge of the session fee.