Ava is a: Certified Hakomi Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, & Mindful Compassionate Dialogue Trainer/Practitioner

It is my passion to create a safe environment where you are embraced as you are today while being supported in becoming the person you want to be.  

Each clients needs are different, I attune to your unique system and meet you where you are. I see the wholeness of every person and assume an interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.   I'm passionate about helping you connect clearly with yourself and others so you can live your most authentic, empowered, and fulfilling life. 

I am affirming of monogamy, ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory and open relationships. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, body positive, and sex positive.

Formal Education and Training:  

  • Certified Hakomi Therapist

  • Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health

  • PACT Level 1 Therapist (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy)

  • Graduate of the Mindful Experiential Therapy Approaches (M.E.T.A.’s) two year Comprehensive training.

    • This specialized training is based on The Hakomi Method and The Re-Creation of the Self Model for Human Systems

  • Trauma training with Manuaela Mischke-Reeds

  • Completed M.E.T.A.'s Attachment Module and Trauma Module

  • Completed M.E.T.A.'s Attachment in Couples Therapy Training

  • Extensive training in Non-Violent Communication (NVC). Co-facilitated NVC classes as a volunteer in the Oregon State Penitentiary, facilitated NVC reconciliation processes, and co-led an NVC process group

  • Deconstructing Mental Health Systems trainings

  • Mentor, Trainer, and Coach teaching therapists and couples the Mindful Compassionate Dialogue framework and practice

My Story

Born and raised on Mvskoke (Creek) Nation land in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, I was influenced primarily by my Western European/Mvskoke Southern Baptists Mother, Western European Unitarian Father, and all the Gen-X kids that skated the neighborhood with me!

At 16 when I told my grandmother I would be enrolling in an Aviation Science program for my Bachelors, knowing me so well, she suggested I become a family therapist instead. It would be 14 years before my grandmothers’ words would make any sense to me.  The wisdom of her years and ability to see and honor the truth beyond my story has now become a legacy I strive to embody.  She saw my tender heart that cared so much for others and always oriented towards growth, healing, and expansion.

In my mid 20’s I committed myself to the most challenging and rewarding of my great adventures; to start learning how to let down my guard and become vulnerable. To move towards living a life in full alignment with my authentic self, and in deep connection with others.  

In 2007 when asked by my career counselor on our first meeting what I would do for work if anything was possible, I shared that I would be a mindfulness and somatic counselor or maybe just open a shop in Jackson Hole where I could rent out gear for adventurers.

After nine months of soul searching, it was an expansive feeling in my chest that told me counseling was indeed my work in the world.  I can always still be an adventurer on the weekends!  In 2008, as a slightly wiser 31-year-old, I left my career in aviation and began my education in the healing arts. One of the best choices I've ever made! I continue to be a dedicated student of the healing arts and have enjoyed learning specialties that aid me in providing service that can support real and lasting change.   

These days I'm living a simple life with my wife and dog in SE Portland. I find great joy in connections with family, friends, and community.  I value social and environmental justice and continue to develop a life in deeper alignment with these values.  I enjoy enjoying learning about the deeper systems that impact us all and value balancing out all the “going deep” with having a joy filled relationship, dancing, skating, and playing in many forms!

Living is the healing.

Let’s not get caught in the trance that we always have to be doing work. Sometimes the healing comes from dancing with friends, following the small still voice in the heart, doing what feels right/aligned/true/embodied/in flow.

We aren’t meant to do this on our own.

I have great hope that we are all building and tending to community that unites in a spirit of generosity. That you can depend on others and they can depend on you. We can create this now, no need to wait for the perfect circumstances!

Your body is fly.

Want to get out of the trance of disconnection from this amazing body that carries you through this life. Maybe get into this mantra/song.

We need hope. We sometimes need support to Rise Up!

For when it’s all feeling like too much and we need a reminder to rise up again. Let Andra help remind/inspire you.

Nervous System Wind-Down.

Allow the vibration and words to anchor you into your present moment safety.

If not in a safe place, get to one first….