Couples therapists in Salem, OR

I received my M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2013, and was licensed in the state of Oregon in 2017.

I focus on Relationship issues including marital and premarital counseling; life transitions; and stress.

I offer clients a safe, accepting space to talk openly about relationships, and hopes & dreams for a brighter tomorrow. I am particularly passionate about supporting those who feel like they don't "fit in".

I believe therapy is most powerful when it feels safe, collaborative, and deeply human. My style is warm, compassionate, and direct, and I work to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported while also being gently challenged toward growth. I draw from an integrative, holistic framework that includes psychodynamic exploration, systems therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, EMDR, and humanistic-existential approaches. This allows me to tailor therapy to your unique needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, attachment wounds, emotional dysregulation, burnout, self-worth concerns, or major life transitions. I have worked extensively with individuals facing complex trauma, personality-related challenges, adoption, migration, and recovery from human and sexual trafficking. For organizations, I also provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support services.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work from Portland State University. I work with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use, and I bring experience from interdisciplinary behavioral health settings where care often intersects with complex life circumstances.

My approach is collaborative, direct, and rooted in the understanding that healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Mental health is deeply shaped by culture, community, history, and systems of power. Part of my work is intentionally engaging in a decolonizing approach to therapy—honoring lived experience, questioning one-size-fits-all models of care, and creating space for clients to define healing on their own terms.

I integrate frameworks such as American Society of Addiction Medicine and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as supportive tools—not rigid rules—while drawing from motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and relational work that centers respect, autonomy, and real connection.

I offer a focused practice in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), with careful attention to preparation, safety, and integration. This work is not just about the experience itself, but about making meaning of it in ways that align with your values, identity, and community.

I have been working as a therapist to help clients find healing and gain understanding in themselves since 2016.

I hold a Body Acceptance Group for Women where clients work towards overcoming body shame, learn to nourish and heal their relationship with their body, and start living an empowered life.

Other areas of focus in my work are on adult family relationships, trauma, healing from sexual assault or abuse, and anxiety.

My experience is centered on collaborating with youth, adults, and families. During these developing years and shifting dynamics, additional care for our health is needed. I work with emotional regulation, relational rifts, enhancing communication, and acceptance of self.

With attachment focused therapy as my base, I utilize mindfulness and experiential approaches in our work together. Our conversations and therapeutic activities are guided by your experience and goals.

I have worked several years in crisis in many roles. I have worked as a case manager, crisis screener, program therapist, and clinical supervisor.

I know that you expected your life to be fulfilling and enjoyable, but instead you just feel tired, discouraged, anxious, and stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. Maybe you avoid conflict in your marriage just to keep the peace, going through the motions in public while feeling disconnected in private. Or perhaps the weight of stress, a job you don’t enjoy, or a sense of being stuck has drained the energy and meaning from your life.

Deep down, you want to laugh again, feel close to your partner, and truly be teammates instead of adversaries. You don’t have to settle for this version of your life or your marriage—change is possible, and something better is within reach.

I have a world class education, but there is more to me than that: There have been many iterations of "Alan" over the long years of my life. There is the drug addict that has walked the clean and sober path for 33 years. There is the truck driver and the tattoo artist, the husband (married 31 years), the father, the grandfather, the great grandfather, the foster father, the step-father. There is the Buddhist and the philosopher. I am reaching out to you. There is nothing you can tell me that will offend me.

And I can write a darned good introduction too! LOL!

I hope to meet you soon!

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

It's not easy starting therapy and investing time in yourself, but you've already done the first step! My experience has primarily been focused in clients with eating disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. With that said, I also have extensive experience working with relationship challenges, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. I generally like to pull from my knowledge of various therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, FBT and EFFT. I also really enjoy self-compassion work. Your goals are always my top priority, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy live music, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Nala and Toni. These personal interests help me stay grounded and bring balance to my life, which I believe is crucial for overall well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards healing and growth. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

I am a warm, deeply compassionate therapist dedicated to helping adults break through the heavy patterns of trauma, anxiety, and depression so they can finally find lasting peace. As a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), I blend high-level academic training with a gentle, down-to-earth approach that meets you exactly where you are. My time at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Options Counseling gave me extensive, specialized experience guiding everyday adults, military veterans, and first responders through their toughest seasons. In my care, you won't just find a clinician with strong credentials; you will find a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental partner ready to help you reclaim your life.