To a kinder,
more grounded life.
Hi, I’m Zak.
I offer creative & somatic (body-based) approaches grounded in compassion and warmth.
I support clients to reduce suffering, build resilience, joy, and greater connection.
Focus Areas:
Somatic Awareness
The body processes information far quicker than the thinking mind. Yet, we override our body’s wisdom with analyzing, problem-solving, and trying to force a change.
I will help you:
Slowly build resilience to painful memories & sensations.
Learn tools to calm your nervous system.
Practice grounding and mindfulness.
Better recognize the shifting nature of your thoughts.
Relational Patterns
You might be exhausted with your current relational challenges. Past family patterns or traumas seem to infringe on your communication with current partners, friends, or colleagues.
We collaborate to:
Clarify your needs, desires, and boundaries.
Explore your attachment patterns.
Help you grow connection with others through increased self-compassion and empathy.
Build communication skills that work.
Shame, Anxiety, & Depression
Shame thrives on self-criticism and secrecy. Anxiety and depression can deepen spirals into shame and debilitate our capacity to function day to day. I take a holistic and systems-based view of all symptoms and diagnoses.
I provide:
A judgement-free zone to speak the shameful things.
A space to explore your pains and behaviors as parts of you: not the whole story.
Tools to create new mental pathways.
Ways to creatively externalize your problems through creative writing, art, songwriting, and music.
My Approach:
My style is warm, relational, and anchored in the practice of growing present-moment and somatic (body-based) awareness. Your story is important and needs to be tended with care. At the same time, I offer the space and gentle guidance to allow you to slow way down and build the capacity to feel what is happening in the here-and-now.
Also, by inviting lessons from the natural world, I encourage clients to build a broader, more holistic view of their own lives. I hold deep values of inclusion, social justice, and cultural humility. By cultivating mindful curiosity, compassion, and acceptance, together we can create the conditions for a more grounded and lasting change.
I draw from: Mindfulness, Ecotherapy (nature-based), Parts Work (Internal Family Systems), Somatic (body-centered), Music Therapy & Songwriting, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential-Humanistic, Gestalt, and Narrative Therapy.
“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” -Pema Chödrön
My Background:
I entered the counseling profession with 30 years of experience in music education and performance, teaching adults both individually and in groups. Over time, that work inspired a much deeper inquiry: how might we become more steady, flexible, engaged, loving, and creative human beings?
As a result, I embarked on years of study in Buddhist meditation, movement practices and solo trekking in the wilderness. Slowly, I grew to be more present with my own pain and patterns, which, in turn, invited deeper healing, community, self-compassion, and a desire to serve.
Today, I am an Oregon professional counselor associate (#R9856) and hold a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. I have an additional certification in solution-focused coaching from Erickson International. My work is supervised by Hakomi-certified therapist Jennifer Stratton, LPC (OR #C4265).
Who I Work With:
I mostly see adults over 35 of any gender—and especially men—who are seeking a more secure, stable, and kind, relationship with themselves and others.
You are ready to make a shift. Perhaps you are wanting to understand and unhook from unhealthy patterns, behaviors, and burdens. You might be feeling stuck, isolated, or anxious. Understandably, you may be overwhelmed, angry, grieving, or confused by this speedy, rapidly changing, and often unjust world.
My Rates:
Please Note: I currently do not accept insurance.
I am only seeing individuals at this time.
Paying out of pocket puts you in charge of your process. You won’t have to justify therapy to your insurance company in the form of a medical reason or mental health diagnosis. You choose who you see and the length of your care.
My out-of-pocket fee is $155 for individuals (55-minute sessions).
I offer a discount at $140 for weekly sessions.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Counseling may be an eligible expense for reimbursement through an HSA or FSA when it is used to treat a mental health condition. Check with your plan administrator for specific requirements.
I have a limited number of lower fee spaces available for clients experiencing greater financial need.
Let’s Connect:
Filling out this form is a low-pressure way to ask questions and book a complimentary 30-minute consultation. *Please do not include sensitive protected health information below.