Hi, I'm Darcy

The below information can give you an idea of who I am, how I can help, and how I work. But, often therapy is a "feel thing." The best way to know if we might work well together is to schedule an initial consult.

My Approach

My colleagues describe me as "compassionate, deep-feeling, inquisitive and intuitive." My clients have described me as "warm, accepting and caring." I endeavor to bring warmth, awareness, and curiosity to my sessions. I have enough lived experience to be able to tap into a deep well of empathy, while never making assumptions about how you may feel. My intention is to co-create a unique healing experience with clients based in mindfulness, self-compassion and creativity. I believe firmly that healing is non-linear and absolutely that it is possible.

I pursue antiracism, feminism, Harm Reduction, Health at Every Size (HAES), LGBTQIA2+ allyship and disability justice. I encourage discussion of intersectional identity. I'm trauma-informed and work to bring collaboration, sensitivity and transparency to our sessions.

How I Work

Theories and practices that guide me.

Psychodynamic & Attachment

We'll explore how attachment and your past experiences, including impacts of culture and relationships, show up in the present. When we have more insight into what drives us, we have more choice in how we respond. I am a deeply relational therapist who prioritizes developing trust with clients over time.

Neuro-biological, Body-Based

Emotions and stress are neurological and physiological experiences that happen in your body. They are evolutionarily-developed tools that have aided in survival and carry important messages. I help clients get to know their nervous systems and practice tending the body to rather than dismissing it, which can lead to improved wellbeing.

Humanistic

I believe all human beings have the potential for growth. I'll help you find your unique positive traits and strengths, and we'll develop increased confidence in your own capacity for outside the therapy room. When my clients learn to trust to their internal wisdom, they live with more authenticity and ease.

Harm Reduction Therapy

My approach to substances and alcohol emphasizes curiosity rather than shame, offers useful information and normalizes ambivalence to change. We'll deepen understanding of behaviors and identify how to reduce harm. All goals, from abstinence, to moderation, to maintained use are welcome. Learn more about Harm Reduction Therapy Principles here.

Interventions and modalities I integrate as appropriate.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness Self-Compassion
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT)
Polyvagal Theory

About Me

I'm originally from a culturally and economically diverse suburb of NYC; a place that values directness, achievement, and a fast pace. I grew up in a blended, multi-cultural family and have had the privilege to form deep relationships with people of many different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds throughout my lifetime. I strongly value opportunities to broaden my perspective and challenge my own assumptions and views.

I've lived in the Midwest, in Washington, DC, Silicon Valley, and briefly in Rome, and chose to settle on the West Coast after discovering the deep benefits of living in close proximity to nature. I spent the majority of my adult life in San Francisco and Oakland, CA before moving to Portland, OR.

After graduating from the Honors College at Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication and a Specialization in Sales Communication, I applied my knowledge of communication and relationships to the business world. I worked for over a decade in a variety of business roles at giant Fortune 100 corporations and tech startups of nearly every stage (from Series A to IPO). I've experienced different styles of leadership, growth and culture and also burnout and discrimination. Over time, I realized that advising my colleagues (leaders, colleagues and mentees alike) was the most energizing and fulfilling part of my day. I reflected on my own transformation and healing in personal therapy and decided to change careers.

I graduated from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and completed my clinical internship at The Stonewall Project, part of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, focusing on Harm Reduction Therapy for members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. I've worked in community mental health and private practice settings with clients across the lifespan, and those who represent a multitude of identities and life experiences. I opened my own practice in January of 2024. I pursue my own personal therapy as well as ongoing training and consultation to ensure I am able to offer a high quality of care to my clients.

Outside of the counseling room, I enjoy practicing a number of creative pursuits in community with others (pottery, singing, cooking and dance to name a few). I try to find time to breathe deeply at the ocean and in the forest as much as possible.