sadie’s story

Hi there, I’m Sadie! I’m so glad you are here exploring possible next steps in caring for yourself.

In both my work as a therapist and in my own life, I am a strong believer and advocate for the benefits of therapy, the potential it has to help individuals create change in their lives, and for the depth of healing that can occur during the process itself. I believe on its most basic level therapy is a chance to explore, reflect, understand, and grow. 

I approach clients I work with from a trauma-informed perspective that aims to create a safe space free of judgment or discrimination, and that fundamentally honors not only each unique story, but each individual's set of morals and values. My intent is to always act in a manner that is cognizant of and does not abuse position, power, or privilege.  

I aim to utilize a person-centered, compassion focused approach with clients to highlight strengths and encourage self-compassion. I integrate evidence-based practices to encourage tangible, realistic changes that align with collaboratively + consensually determined goals.

To put it simply... At the end of the day my goal is to help you on your journey through individual exploration and healing, with the overall pursuit of determining what for you is a life worth living. I care about you caring about yourself, and will encourage you to do so habitually. Let’s figure things out together.

When I’m not working, I love cooking, making ceramics, moving my body, exploring Portland’s fantastic food offerings, spending time with loved ones, and hanging out with my cat (the light of my life, for sure). I place deep value in doing things that bring joy, so am always trying to do so for myself. I enjoy reading (I consistently maintain a hefty pile of to-be-read books) and going to the movies (yes, in the theater). I also truly love my alone time - and think we all need some built into our lives. I am from Las Vegas, Nevada but lived in Southern California for a number of years prior to moving to Portland. I have been settled here for a few years now, and love it.

Some professional stuff:

I have experience working with individuals that face the following struggles: anxiety, depression, chronic stress/stress management, life transitions, issues relating to self-esteem, mood disorders/bipolar disorder, grief and loss, spiritual abuse/religious trauma, navigating relationship difficulties/conflict, attachment, trauma and PTSD, hallucinations/delusions/other psychosis, severe and persistent mental illness, suicidal ideation and prevention, parenting, family conflict, codependency, intimate partner violence, chronic illness.

Technical theoretical influences on my approach include but are not limited to: person centered therapy, compassion focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and collaborative problem solving.

Previous experience comes from providing outpatient therapy to a variety of ages at Sprout Therapy PDX, outpatient therapy with adolescents within a high school setting, counseling and advocacy for adolescents with a dual-diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities + mental health disorders within a group home setting, and outpatient therapy and case management for adult individuals struggling with severe + persistent mental illness combined with highly restrictive barriers to fundamental resources. I have additional experience working with families and significant others within these settings, and experience navigating various community mental health and human services systems throughout Portland.

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. My education focused on developing a clinical perspective of mental health and wellness, with application of therapeutic modalities based around understanding and healing relationships with self + others. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis on counseling from Azusa Pacific University also. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon, and engage in consultation with supervisors and peers at Sprout Therapy PDX as well as continued education on a variety of topics.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Oregon.

See our fees and insurance page to determine if Sadie is in network with your insurance plan.