Denisse

I identify as a cis-gendered, able-bodied, Chicana, lesbian woman. I understand and recognize that my movement in the world as a cis-gendered and able-bodied person grants me privileges that others may not have. My promise as I pursue my career in counseling is to continue to gain an awareness of and understand these privileges. I was born and raised in

Oregon. I am currently monogamous. I grew up in a rural town where traditional heteronormativity was seen as the “default”. Through my experiences, I feel motivated by and want to work with my LGBTQ+ community as well as further support individuals as they endeavor to become more aligned with their truth.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western Oregon University in 2017. Currently I’m in the internship phase of my graduate program in Clinical Mental Health from George Fox University. My current schooling at a private Christian college has offered me some insight into how spirituality and religion may be used to help and/or hurt. I myself am spiritually agnostic.

My work experience includes facilitating domestic violence intervention groups, crisis center work, and working at a county-run youth shelter for young adults previously detained. I find that I am unafraid to explore the “shadow side” of one’s experience with compassion and understanding. My work has allowed me to balance my empathetic range with accountability. I have seen the systemic oppression that occurs in criminal justice systems that make it difficult for one to navigate.

My hope is to use my experience to walk alongside others as they begin their journey to get closer to their authentic self. I encourage you to explore all sides of yourself with compassion. My counseling style is eclectic. Using a client centered approach, I tend to draw from various theoretical perspectives. I employ techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.