Hi! My name is Ghesline (sounds like Jess-lean) (she/her/hers), and I am a Professional Counseling Associate registered in the state of Oregon.

My areas of interest include trauma (complex, PTSD, borderline personality, etc.), anxiety (social, compulsive behaviors/thoughts, intrusive thought, OCD, etc.), bipolar and psychosis. I am trained in Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR) and in motivational interviewing. Other evidence-based modalities I use include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing, and Solution Focused. I have a wide range of interventions that I work with starting with creating a safe space and developing a connection with the client. I often use psychoeducation and open ended questions to help client better understand their experiences and develop insight. Sometimes I teach specific tools to develop skills needed to better a client’s everyday life, such as mindful awareness and cognitive reframing.  Other times I create a relaxing atmosphere with guided breathing, body scans, etc. in therapy sessions to facilitate and model engaging the parasympathetic nervous system. 

I am originally from California, where I earned my M.A. in Counseling and graduated with honors (summa cum laude). I have participated as a research assistant at the Stanford Graduate School of Education on projects related to Carol Dweck’s Mindset theory. I was also a research assistant at Palo Alto University, where we researched sexual shame. I’ve worked with children on the autism spectrum using Applied Behavioral Analysis. I also have personal experience with mental health challenges and solutions.

I can help treat:

• Anxiety

• Trauma (PTSD, complex trauma, childhood trauma, inter generational, domestic violence, hypersensitivity, borderline personality disorder)

• Obsessional thoughts/behaviors

• Stress

• Depression

• Bipolar 

• People who have experienced psychotic events

• Relationship issues

• LGBTQIA+ issues

• Intimacy and/or sexuality issues (normative
  and non-normative)

• Suicidal ideation