Our Therapists

Wendy Bruton, MA, LPC

I am a Faith Based therapist, working with individuals, couples, and groups. I believe that people should be viewed holistically as creative, responsible, and “becoming” individuals. I specialize in Women’s issues, depression, anxiety, and relationship development. I also work with clients with bipolar disorder as well as borderline personality disorder (BPD).

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a Masters in Counseling from George Fox University, a Bachelors Degree in Human Service/Social Work from the University of Oregon, and I'm currently working towards a PhD degree. I have worked in the area of counseling and social work for over 10 years.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES AND TRAINING:

  • Certificate from The Gottman Institute on Marriage Therapy
  • Certified in Prepare-Enrich ~Pre-Marital/Marital Inventory
  • Certified Parenting with Love and Logic Trainer.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • American Association of Christian Counselors
  • Oregon Counseling Association
  • American Counseling Association
  • Association for Specialists in Group Work

As a client and I share time together, we are able to explore different aspects of life, moving the individual toward being empowered to make healthy choices that will lead to personal growth. My goal is to demonstrate faith, hope, and love for each individual in a secure environment so that they are free to explore their issues and make choices that will facilitate change. I use several different techniques to explore client concerns including; journaling, genograms, and homework assignments. I also encourage group therapy and believe it to be very effective

Karen VanDerWerff, MA

My approach to counseling comes from a Biblical worldview and considers the person in the context of the many different facets of their lives: relationships, occupation, and social connections. Sessions are uniquely tailored to the needs and personality of each client.
Education and Training

Karen received her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Elementary Education at Western Oregon University and her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling from George Fox University. Major areas of course work included: counseling theories and techniques, relationship assessment, and human development. Much of my continuing education has been in Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, Grief and Loss, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety and Depression. I have worked with couples in private counseling and in group sessions in a local church body, and have facilitated discussions pertaining to family, marriage, and spirituality at numerous women’s retreats.

I have successfully passed the National Board of Certified Counselors Examination and am completing the required number of clinical hours to obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I participate in on-going clinical supervision to ensure the highest standard of care for my clients and to comply with state licensure requirements.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • American Counseling Association
  • Association of Family and Conciliations Courts
  • American Association of Christian Counselors

It is my hope that as we explore your personal history and current circumstances I can assist you in making and achieving personal goals, developing problem-solving and relational skills, and facilitate insight into patterns of thinking or acting that might hinder your accomplishment of desired changes.